The second of the 2009 European Development Days places the European citizen’s role at the heart of much of the debate over development.

To what extent is the public concerned about the effects of climate change? Has it been mobilized enough to avoid environmental disaster in the decades to come?

 
The morning began with a plenary session on Democracy and Development with the participation of, among others, Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President of Liberia and Karel de Gucht, European Commissioner in charge of Development and Humanitarian Aid.

There were several round tables devoted to this topic on the day’s program:  in the morning, Democracy and Development, European citizens as catalysts for change; in the afternoon, Elections:  Observing the Observers, citizens in the US-EU partnership, followed finally by Participation and Empowerment.

For many, mobilizing the public lies at the heart of the potential for change to improve the environmental situation and help the development of those most in need.

In an interview at the AFD stand, Eva Joly, Member of the European Parliament, explained why, in her opinion, the public’s participation is essential, indeed is a duty for all of us.

At the end of the interview, she also responded to a question from one of the readers of the blog, Mr. Iouri Sorokine, who works in the distribution arm of the Paris Eurosport office. He asked whether European citizens should expect an ecological incentive, harmonized at the European level, a carbon tax, for example, just as in French policy. Unfortunately, Mrs. Joly’s response was cut short because of her very busy agenda and she had to leave us for an appointment with a Minister. In any case, a hearty thank you to Iouri for his participation.

 
Flash is required!

Our team at the Ideas for Development blog went to stand outside the Participation and Empowerment round table at the end of the day to film the participants’ initial reactions. See impressions and conclusions of the debate.

Flash is required!

Flash is required!

Flash is required!

Flash is required!

Flash is required!