DOCSLIB.ORG

The International Cultural Relations at the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs (Bmeia)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The International Cultural Relations at the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs (Bmeia) THE INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL RELATIONS AT THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (BMEIA) Basic Principles, Key Areas and Programmes 1 2 THE INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL RELATIONS AT THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EUROPEAN AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (BMEIA) Basic Principles, Key Areas and Programmes 4 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS AUSLANDSKULTURKONZEPT On the basis of its experiences with the key areas and programmes to date, and with a view to the future, the Directorate-General for International Cultural Affairs at the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs has further developed the basic principles, key areas and programmes for Austrian international cultural policy. These principles align with the joint efforts of our partners at federal, provincial, and mu- nicipality level, as well as many other individuals and institutions working in the fields of art, culture, the sciences and dialogue and their valuable and constructive contributions to our country and its international relations. The initial outline of this document was completed before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, and its focus is on the future. Some new insights and experiences from the pandemic period are however reflected in this document, which summarises the efforts of Austrian International Cultural Relations in its areas of activity and thematic fields to date. Two new areas are defined which must play a role in future international cultural policy: ecology and new forms of sustainable economy, as well as the issue of the impact of digi- talisation on life and work in the future. The document was developed by staff at the Directorate-General for International Cul- tural Affairs, under the supervision of Teresa Indjein, Peter Mikl and Christian Autengru- ber with contributions by Ulla Krauss-Nussbaumer, Marcus Bergmann, Stephan Vavrik, Waltraud Dennhardt-Herzog, Ingrid Köhn-Dursy, Sonja Reiser-Weinzettl, Karin Cervenka, Valerie Hagg, Martin Pammer, Denise Quistorp-Rejc and Martin Rauchbauer. Vienna, September 2020 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 7 The Key Areas of Austrian International 13 Cultural Relations 1. Culture, Innovation, and Ecology 13 2. Digitalisation 14 3. Science Cooperation and Science Diplomacy 16 4. Intercultural Dialogue 18 5. Culture and Human Rights 19 6. The EU and EUNIC 21 7. Women in Art, Culture and the Sciences 22 The Programmes of Austrian International Cultural Relations 1. Music 25 The NewAustrian Sound of Music 2. Literature 26 schreibART AUSTRIA 3. Film 27 Austrian Short Film Series Tricky Women/Tricky Realities Avantgarde and experimental film 4. Dance 28 DANCE ON TOUR Austria 5. Theatre 28 ACT OUT 6. Visual Arts 29 Curate & ART AUSTRIA Digital and modular travelling exhibitions 7. Women 30 “CALLIOPE AUSTRIA – Women in Society, Culture and the Sciences” 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS 8. Ecology, Innovation and Digitalisation 31 “Creative Austrians – Innovators for the Society of the Future” 9. Dialogue 32 “The Art of Encounter” “Dialogue Vademecum” 10. Science 33 Science cooperation and science diplomacy in Austrian international cultural relations The Network of Austrian International Cultural Relations The Directorate-General for International Cultural Affairs 35 at the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs Cultural Forum 36 Embassy 37 Consulate-General 37 Cooperation Office for Science, Education and Research 38 Office of Science and Technology Austria 38 Open Austria 39 Austria Library Abroad 39 Austria Institute 40 Honorary Consulate 40 Austrian Historical Institute Rome 41 The European Network 43 Organigram of the Directorate-General V: 44 International Cultural Affairs 7 INTRODUCTION An essential aspect of cultural diplomacy is cultivating a relationship with another Art and culture are inherent to country. For this reason, establishing sub- Austrian identity. They form the stantive, mutually meaningful relations is a creative core of our country in its core goal of our activities. examination of the global percep- tion of Austria as well as interna- tional issues within Austria. In addition to its rich artistic and scientific legacy, Austria also has a vibrant and innovative contemporary cultural scene. The aim of our interna- tional cultural activities is to establish and connect these creative professionals in the global arena. The main goal of Austrian foreign policy is to cultivate Austria‘s relationships with the world and to represent the interests, concerns and viewpoints of Austria in the interna- tional and regional organisations of which Austria is a member. In turn, the aim of Austrian international cultural policy is to realise this goal in the field of the arts, culture and the sciences. To this purpose, Austrian international cultural activities reflect the key areas of interest of Austrian foreign policy. Geographically, this primarily means focusing on Austria‘s extended neighbourhood in Eu- rope and on the countries of South-East Europe. Additional focus regions or countries re- sult from Austrian foreign policy as well as general strategies and diplomatic anniversaries. Such prioritisation mostly becomes manifest in intensified cultural activities both in the host country and in Austria, in specific “theme years”, or in the context of events to mark anniversary years. The key foreign policy areas supported by Austria’s international cultural activities are above all the importance of effective multilateralism, including an active participation as an EU member state, and a commitment to promoting human rights – a core concern of Austrian foreign policy. Other relevant issues reflected in our international cultural activities are the promotion of the rights of women and children and the protection of minorities. 9 The primary goals of Austrian international cultural activities are networking and support for young upcoming artists and researchers from Austria on the one hand, and on the other hand framing diplomatic relations with the resources of art, culture and science. Art, culture and science need exchange. Good international relations in art, Direct contacts and personal encounters culture and science, as well as dialogue provide fertile ground for creative ideas and provide added value to Austrian society. inspiration. It is precisely this that Austri- an international cultural activities aim to achieve: to create new opportunities to connect with the world and foster sustainable cooperation. The global network of Austrian International Cultural Relations paves the way for international encounters, provides the foundations for collaborative projects, and initiates partnerships. Knowing their history and its significance today is crucial to a better understanding of the relationships between and among states. This is why critical remembrance and reflection of past eras and events are also among the tasks of culture and research – and the reason why they form an integral part of Austrian international cultural policy. This updated document by the Directorate-General for International Cultural Affairs at the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs builds on previous concepts for international cultural policy, revising them and adding new topics and focal areas, and giving International Cultural Relations an up-to-date outline. It goes without saying that these efforts continue in the Austrian tradition of cultural diplomacy, which remains a core concept we embrace. The environment and context of ideas have changed, and the intellectual spaces and networks in which we move have been transformed by the arrival of the Internet and computers. Mechanisms and creative opportunities have be- come immensely complex, and we are confronted with the problem of how we can re- discover ourselves in them, develop, protect ourselves and continue to shape the future. In the years ahead, we are going to focus on seven key areas. They are a part of Austrian identity and provide suitable themes and subject matter for international exchange. 1. In the future, international cultural activities aim to place a stronger emphasis on the urgent future challenges to our planet, in particular the global issue of ecology and new forms of sustainable management, which already were addressed in the priority programme „Creative Austrians“. We all need to become more aware of the consequences of our economic system and consumer behaviour. And we all need to rethink the way in which we treat the planet, our natural environment, animals and our fellow human beings. International cultural activities aim to contribute to this 10 process and encourage people with program- International cultural activities mes and projects to think about what needs are also focused on ecology and to be done to improve the situation. In additi- environmental protection. on to Austrian scientists, artists and entrepre- neurs with a particular focus on a culture of awareness and sustainability will move centre-stage. Austrian art often addresses ecological issues and other important issues of the future. With this in mind, our international cultural activities aim to promote the creation of spaces for people to meet, where the ideas and concepts of Austrian pio- neers in art, culture, the sciences and business on environmental and sustainability issues can be shared with an international network. 2. Among our priorities are social innovation and the huge question of what digital- isation means for the future of humanity, for tomorrow’s world of work, and for our lives in general. The digital transformation of
Load more

Recommended publications
  • MAY the Bridges I BURN Light the WAY EXILE X Summer Camp
    M ay the brid G es I burn L I G ht the way EXILE X summer camp June 13 - 17, 2018 Curated by María Inés Plaza Lazo In collaboration with Alina Kolar, Dalia Maini & Christian Siekmeier PARTICI PANTS in 2008. Within the last 10 years EXILE Del Vecchio is an artist and co-curator of Narine Arakelyan is a performance artist concluded an MA at Goldsmiths, University has operated out of five distinctly different flip project space, a collaborative project for that works in conjunction with a Moscow of London. Graduated in Psychology, her Albrecht Pischel is interested in the definition spaces in Berlin. In 2011 EXILE became critical experimentation. He attended the based group of producers known as laboratory ongoing research unveils post-historical identity, of a new internationality and its ghosts. Most a professionally operating gallery. Until Städelschule in Frankfurt am Main and a abc. Together they aim to unite progressive hospitality and intergenerational transmission as of his works behave as representing signifiers today, EXILE has hosted over 80 solo and Masters in Fine Art at The Glasgow School artists, musicians and curators. The group a means to inhabit but also perform/transform of the medium of the art exhibition itself, group exhibitions which have been reviewed of Art. He recently took part of CuratorLab is committed to promote new ideas and to history. In her work she reflects on human oscillating between the disarming of symbols extensively in relevant publications around at Konstfack Stockholm, a curatorial course develop the values of the cultural heritage. relationships and how to create and re-create of colonialism and alienation.
    [Show full text]
  • PDF Hosted at the Radboud Repository of the Radboud University Nijmegen
    PDF hosted at the Radboud Repository of the Radboud University Nijmegen The following full text is a publisher's version. For additional information about this publication click this link. http://hdl.handle.net/2066/181228 Please be advised that this information was generated on 2021-10-02 and may be subject to change. Preface This volume is the result of a European network of excellence called CINEFOGO (Civil society and New Forms of Governance). The network was subsidized by the European Union from 2004 to 2009 and brought together over 200 researchers from 45 institutes across Europe to work in 50 ‘work packages’ and ensure a greatly increased output in the shape of planning sessions, workshops, conferences, policy briefings, publications and so forth (see www.cinefogo.org for a comprehensive list). We, the authors of this book, started our discussions as organizers of a work package entitled ‘Between State and Citizens – The role of Third Sector Organisations in the Governance and Production of Social Services’ in the Deutsche Bahn lounge of Cologne Central railway station in the Spring of 2006. During the months that followed, we produced an initial note about civility and civicness and invited a small group of researchers to a small conference in Berlin in March 2007, which was facilitated by the Heinrich Böll Stiftung. The papers presented at this conference were revisited and fresh papers were discussed in a follow-up conference in Ljubljana in March 2008, hosted by the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Ljubljana. A selection of papers was presented at the Conference of the International Society of Third Sector Research in Barcelona in July 2008 and we subsequently began work on this book at another meeting in the Deutsche Bahn lounge in Cologne and through many e-mails.
    [Show full text]
  • 25Th Commemorations of the Genocide Against the Tutsis: "Mr
    25th Commemorations of the Genocide against the Tutsis: "Mr. President, it is time to make a statement of truth! " Mr. President, It has been 25 years since the genocide against the Tutsis has been perpetrated in Rwanda. Over the course of three months, more than one million people were exterminated by extremists coming together as the Hutu Power movement, with a massive participation of the population. The consequences of this genocide are still felt today. This past, particularly for France, does not pass. Since your election, you have sent signals of hope that the time has come to put an end to the French position characterized by silence and denial since the genocide took place. After 25 years, it is finally time to take the necessary steps in order to shed light on the truth and pursue justice. Mr. President, next April 7th your place is in Kigali, amongst the highest representatives of the international community. By the side of the survivors. France has cancelled its participation at the 20th commemoration of the genocide; your presence this year would repair this disgrace. What survivors, youth, French civil society, Rwanda, and Europe are expecting from you first and foremost is that truth be told. Even though genocide denial persists in its attempt to manipulate History, you must state the obvious : in 1994, in Rwanda, a genocide has been perpetrated against the Tutsi people. You must further explain the words spoken in Kigali in 2010 from your predecessor, former President of the French Republic Nicolas Sarkozy, who recognized that “errors of judgement and political errors have been made here and have produced absolutely dramatic consequences”.
    [Show full text]
  • Ed 315 952 Author Title Institution Spons Agency
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 315 952 EC 222 703 AUTHOR Dybwad, Rosemary F., Ed. TITLE International Directory of Mental Retardation Resources. Third Edition, 1986-89. INSTITUTION International League of Societies for Persons with Mental Handicaps, BrusselF (Belgium).; President's Committee on Mental Retardation, Washington, D.C. SPONS AGENCY National Inst. on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (ED/OSERS), Washington, DC. REPORT NO DHHS-(OHDS)-88-21019; ISBN-1-55672-051-3 PUB DATE 89 NOTE 329p.; For the Revised Edition (1977-78), see ED 185 727. AVAILABLE FROMSuperintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. PUB TYPE Reference Materials - Directories/Catalogs (132) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC14 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Adults; Agency Cooperation; Elementary Secondary Education; *Foreign Countries; Government Role; *International Cooperaticn; International Educational Exchange; *International Organizations; *Mental Retardation; Professional Associations; Vo,.untary Agencies IDENTIFIERS United Nations ABSTRACT Intended to aid networking efforts among mental retardation professionals, parents, and persons with retardation, the directory lists international organizations and provides individual country reports on mental retardation efforts and organizations. Part I, international organizations, lists the United Nations and 5 of its specialized agencies, 3 inter-governmental (regional) organizations, 2 international coordinating agencies, and 25 international non-governmental organizations. Address, founding date, and a
    [Show full text]
  • Directorio ¿Quién Es Quién? 200 Organizaciones Más De 30 Países
    Directorio ¿Quién es quién? 200 Organizaciones Más de 30 países Inspirar, conectar y avanzar Referentes de transformación y futuro Organiza Apoya “(…) la historia del pueblo negro es hacer posible lo que parece imposible”. Richard Wright Afroinnova es una iniciativa de Manos Visibles que, con el apoyo de (iv) Cultura Afro. Organizaciones que de nen la cultura como activo la Agencia de Cooperación Española, promueve conexiones y principal medio de visibilización y conexión. estratégicas entre organizaciones y líderes innovadores de la (v) Comunicaciones. Organizaciones enfocadas en generar y diáspora africana. Buscamos compartir experiencias, construir cambiar las narrativas, construyendo audiencias globales y referentes comunes y compartir modelos de desarrollo a nes para diversas. evidenciar el avance de la población afrodescendiente en el mundo, (vi) Turismo Afro. Organizaciones enfocadas en promover el turismo como un ejercicio de un poder creciente. afro y la movilidad espacial con propósito. (vii) Activismo y movilización. Organizaciones dedicadas a Afroinnova visibiliza iniciativas innovadoras de organizaciones, proteger los derechos y avances de la comunidad afrodescendiente líderes de África y su diáspora a nivel mundial. Nuestro objetivo es en el mundo. romper los estereotipos e imaginarios colectivos que se tienen (viii) Desarrollo. Organizaciones que se encargan de promover el acerca de los afrodescendientes, evidenciando así los procesos bienestar económico y cultural de sus comunidades. creativos, la reivindicación de las
    [Show full text]
  • Folder RINK-SCHLEGEL Print Rz-2
    cçäÇÉ ê ofkhJp`eibdbiPWi~óçìí=N==ORKMTKOMNO==QWNN=rÜê==pÉáíÉ=O ALMUT RINK born 1971 in Erfurt, Germany Almut Rink’s practice is dealing with the artificiality of nature. Her work presents how the notion oflandscape reflects our national, social and political identities. Projects/Exhibitions (Selection) 2012 TOPOPHOBIA ‒ Danielle Arnaud Gallery, London; Bluecoat, Liverpool; Spacex, Exeter 2011 gugler forum melk, Melk (solo); ZONEN_PREKÄR ‒ Kunstsaele Berlin 2010 FOAMYWATER‒das weisse haus, Wien (solo); DA BAO ‒ Anni Art Space, 798, Beijing 2008 FOAMYWATER‒Austrian Cultural Forum, London (solo); CONTACT ZONE ‒ Foamywater, 2008, Austrian Cultural Forum SOLID GROWTH Galeria Miroslav Kralevic, Zagreb (solo); REVERSE ENGINEERING‒Galerie Eboran, Salzburg London, Almut Rink (solo); URBAN GALLERIES ‒ Kunsthalle Wien Project Space, Wien; IST DIESE STADT EIN FERNER PLANET? ‒ Knoll Galerie, Budapest 2006 UNDO, NEW PATH ‒ mit /with Barbara Eichhorn, Galerie Christine König, Wien RAIFFEISEN-KALEIDOSKOP, Kunst am Bau, Raiffeisen Wien-Niederösterreich, with Christof Schlegel und Christine Gloggengiesser Almut Rink 2005 NO ORDINARY ‒ Skulpturens Huis, Stockholm 2004 HÖHENLUFT ‒ mit/with Barbara Eichhorn, Galerie Christine König, Wien; ES IST SCHWER, Christof Schlegel DAS REALE ZU BERÜHREN‒Kunstverein München 2003 MISSING ELSEWHERE‒mit /with Christof Schlegel, experimental intermedia, Gent HAPPY VALLEY ‒ ACC-Galerie, Weimar (solo) 2002 SECTOR NO LIMITS ‒ Galerie 5020, Salzburg (solo) 2001 RAIN OR SHINE‒offspace, Wien (solo); REBOUND, Yokohama Museum of Art,
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report 2009
    CROSSLINK_CONNECT_COMPREHEND Annual Report 2009 EURASIA-PACIFIC UNINET is a network which aims at estab lishing contacts and scientific partnerships between Austrian universities, universities of applied sciences, other research in- stitutions and member institutions in East Asia, South Asia, Central Asia and the Pacific region. With its member institutions, the network promotes multilateral scientific cooperation, joint research projects, conferences, faculty and student exchange. Eurasia-Pacific Uninet supports the concept of Austrian higher education policy with its focus on excellence. Preface The Eurasia-Pacific Uninet has been growing fast since its beginning in the year 2000 and has become an im- portant factor in establishing contacts with universi- ties and higher education and research institutions in East, Central and South Asia as well as in the Pacific © Christian Jungwirth Region. This network is by far the largest university network in Europe and a platform of international ex- change in the fields of science and research success- fully linking Austria with this economically important Asian region. Moreover, cooperation related to educa- tion, culture and economics is fostered as well. Scholarships, summer schools and projects are the three main fields of activities of the network. For stu- dents and researchers the Eurasia-Pacific Uninet offers the opportunity to enhance their knowledge not only in their scientific fields of interest but also in terms of intercultural experience. Working and studying abroad is an important contribution to mutual understand- ing and promotes individual personal development. By now, more than 1,500 participants have attended these annual summer schools and have profited from such an academic and intercultural experience.
    [Show full text]
  • Karl-Heinz Klopf
    1/5 KARL-HEINZ KLOPF Born in Linz (1956), studied there at the University for Artistic and Industrial Design. Lives in Vienna, Austria. Artist in residence, CCA/Centro Cultural Andratx, Mallorca (2019) Stipend, artist in residence in Yogyakarta (2014) Stipend, artist in residence in Beijing (2010) Artist in residence in Liverpool, Urban Interventions , Liverpool Biennial (2009/10) State studio Davidgasse, Vienna (2000/06) Stipend, artist in residence in Tokyo (1995/96) State scholarship for fine art (1987) Talent development grant of the Province of Upper Austria (1986) Art development stipend of the City of Linz (1985) Honorable mentions for Tower House and A Tropical House , Society of Architectural Historians (SAH) Award for Film and Video (2017) Special mention for Honorable mention for T ower House , 38th Duisburg Film Week (2014) Award for They, best short documentary at Diagonale 11, Graz (2011) Cultural award for Interdisciplinary Art Forms of the Province of Upper Austria (2011) Award for By Way of Display in the category Urban Research, 6th Media and Architecture Biennial Graz (2003) First price, European competition for a roundabout in Vilvoorde, Senneberg Foundation, Belgium (1998) First Römerquelle price for drawings, Vienna (1987) Second price of the International Triennial of Drawings, Nürnberg (1985) 2/5 Solo exhibitions and film presentations (selection) Screening, Belvedere 21/Blickle Kino, Vienna (2019) Property Liberty , Kunsthandel Gril & Neffe, Vienna (2018) Karl-Heinz Klopf Foco , BAFICI, Buenos Aires Festival International
    [Show full text]
  • Unai Members List August 2021
    UNAI MEMBER LIST Updated 27 August 2021 COUNTRY NAME OF SCHOOL REGION Afghanistan Kateb University Asia and the Pacific Afghanistan Spinghar University Asia and the Pacific Albania Academy of Arts Europe and CIS Albania Epoka University Europe and CIS Albania Polytechnic University of Tirana Europe and CIS Algeria Centre Universitaire d'El Tarf Arab States Algeria Université 8 Mai 1945 Guelma Arab States Algeria Université Ferhat Abbas Arab States Algeria University of Mohamed Boudiaf M’Sila Arab States Antigua and Barbuda American University of Antigua College of Medicine Americas Argentina Facultad de Ciencias Económicas de la Universidad de Buenos Aires Americas Argentina Facultad Regional Buenos Aires Americas Argentina Universidad Abierta Interamericana Americas Argentina Universidad Argentina de la Empresa Americas Argentina Universidad Católica de Salta Americas Argentina Universidad de Congreso Americas Argentina Universidad de La Punta Americas Argentina Universidad del CEMA Americas Argentina Universidad del Salvador Americas Argentina Universidad Nacional de Avellaneda Americas Argentina Universidad Nacional de Cordoba Americas Argentina Universidad Nacional de Cuyo Americas Argentina Universidad Nacional de Jujuy Americas Argentina Universidad Nacional de la Pampa Americas Argentina Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata Americas Argentina Universidad Nacional de Quilmes Americas Argentina Universidad Nacional de Rosario Americas Argentina Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero Americas Argentina Universidad Nacional de
    [Show full text]
  • Curriculum Vitae Dr. Gerhard Apfelthaler
    Curriculum Vitae Dr. Gerhard Apfelthaler 3695 Corte Cancion Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 USA Office: +1-805-493.3352 Home: +1-805-222-5352 Mobile: +1-805-338-5879 Email: [email protected] Table of Contents: 1. WORK EXPERIENCE 2 2. EDUCATION 8 3. TEACHING, TRAININGS & PRESENTATIONS 9 4. SCHOLARSHIP 15 Curriculum Vitae – Dr. Gerhard Apfelthaler 1. WORK EXPERIENCE Work Experience – Academic 2013-current CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY – SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT Dean and Professor California Lutheran University is a selective comprehensive institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the liberal arts and sciences and in professional fields. The mission of the University is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. The School of Management at CLU has been an instrumental contributor to the university’s mission through its undergraduate and graduate business programs. Through its institutes such as the Center for Economic Research and Forecasting, the California Institute of Finance or the Center for Leadership and Values, the School of Management provides cutting edge programs and research. Main responsibilities and achievements include: • Improvements of internal and external communication o Rebuilding data management o Internal weekly email news blast o Email blasts to major stakeholders outside of the School o Social media initiatives on various platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, GooglePlus) o Event
    [Show full text]
  • Download PDF A3
    AUSTRIAN SERVICE ABROAD Fields of Activity of the Volunteers Austrian Holocaust Memorial Service volunteers work with Holocaust INFORMATION LEAFLET ÖSTERREICHISCHER AUSLANDSDIENST− survivors, memorial sites, museums and research facilities such as the Teaching about the Holocaust The Austrian Service Abroad (in German “Verein Österreichischer Simon Wiesenthal Centre in Los Angeles, the Jewish Museum Berlin, Auslandsdienst)” is a non-profit organisation founded in 1998 the European Roma Rights Centre in Budapest or Yad Vashem in by Andreas Maislinger and Andreas Hörtnagl. The organisation Jerusalem. sends volunteers (aged 18-28) to around 60 partner institutions in At these institutions AHMS volunteers study and preserve the history 32 countries all over the world to work in one of three fields: the of the Holocaust, organise seminars and record testimonies of Austrian Holocaust Memorial Service, the Austrian Social Service or survivors to ensure that the Holocaust is not forgotten and that future the Austrian Peace Service. There, volunteers complete a 12-month generations can learn from the past and develop greater tolerance. In internship that counts as an alternative to the Austrian Military total, since 1992, about 500 young Austrians have memorialised the Service and the Civilian Service. history of the Holocaust in 22 countries worldwide and have made an The aim of the Austrian Service Abroad is to establish cross- important contribution to Austria’s accounting for the past. cultural communication between the Austrian volunteers and Austrian Social Service & Austrian Peace Service the population of their assigned countries focusing on victims of The Austrian Social Service within the Austrian Service Abroad works Teaching about the Holocaust persecution and minority issues.
    [Show full text]
  • 5Th CIRIEC International Research Conference on Social Economy Lisbon, Portugal | 15 – 18 July 2015
    5th CIRIEC International Research Conference on Social Economy Lisbon, Portugal | 15 – 18 July 2015 0004 FINANCING AND FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF MICROFINANCE: Review of Literature Innocent Bayai, Sylvanos Ikhide USB, Cape Town, South Africa Financial sustainability has remained critical for the survival of MFIs which is a condition necessary for the continued fight against poverty. However, MFIs are on record of folding up with the recent shocking curatorship of the African Bank (Largest microfinance bank in Southern Africa) being an experience least expected. Indications are that, failing MFIs either lack adequate funding or further funding has to be injected to proffer sustainability of MFIs. Exploring the ideal funding structure and defining the relationship between funding and sustainability, by reviewing literature on the subject is the reason for this paper. The study acknowledges the limited literature and evidence in this field of microfinance. The study notes a surge in MFIs seeking commercial funding and pursuing financial sustainability. However, there is no distinct financing structure that can proffer financial sustainability. Studies investigating the reverse causality between funding and financial sustainability have not been popular and there is a literature and evidence void in that regard. 1 5th CIRIEC International Research Conference on Social Economy Lisbon, Portugal | 15 – 18 July 2015 0005 SOCIAL AND COMPLEMENTARY CURRENCIES (SCCs) AS A TOOL TO STRENGTHEN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Yasuyuki Hirota Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain This paper’s main goals is to show the SCCs’ potential as an instrument to stimulate the sustainable development which is quite often hampered by the very design of our official currencies. Thousands of SCCs, such as LETS, Timebanks, Chiemgauer and commercial barters, are used in different parts of the world as a parallel means of exchange to be used among a limited number of individuals, local businesses and SMEs.
    [Show full text]