Karl DONERT, President of EUROGEO, is strongly committed to the principles of democracy, social cohesion and global challenges. He believes in sustainable actions and investments that unlock new growth potential, such as the shift towards a low-carbon economy. He wishes to encourage innovation and research, as  a significant opportunity to change the future of our world.

"Our environment is changing in many ways and at unprecedented rates: climate change, biodiversity loss and loss of ecosystems, increase in the frequency and severity of extreme events, desertification and soil degradation, overfishing and deforestation are just some of the many environmental challenges we are faced with". He believes the role of INGOs is critical in helping develop relevant policies to help tackle these areas.

"Europe is today in a process of adapting its structures and models in order to find and to give answers to the paradigm shift in all societal domains (multiple crises, ageing society, migration flows, globalisation, knowledge-based society and economy, digital agenda etc.). We must be concerned with developing an accountable, dynamic society that recognises its place in the world and focuses on the active responsibility we must all take in living together peacefully, in harmony and respect for one another and the environment".

Thierry MATHIEU, Secretary General of the International Association for Research in Hospital Hygiene (IARHH)  is a Public health doctor and has been involved for many years in a wide range of humanitarian, medical, sporting and other associations.

He considers, the range of global challenges will continue to expand in the coming years with new climate, health, social and other issues. He believes NGOs will have to be vigilant and responsive in order to deal with them. The contribution of each INGO in its area of expertise is a necessity.

In his view, in the current difficult social and economic environment, the values of democracy have been undermined. Social cohesion is under threat. Civil society must be a key driving force to promote a hope that must be constantly renewed: for a fairer and more human society that is open to other people.  This will always be his goal and road map.

This is the direction  given  by Israel Mensah, Vice-Chairman of the Committee, and Emanuela CAVALERI who drive the working group on Social cohesion and intercultural dialogue
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Emanuela CAVALERI recalled the evidence of pluralism in a world that has more than 600 different languages​​, over 500 cultural groups and countless religions practiced in almost 200 sovereign states. By definition, therefore, diversity is an essential characteristic of human societies.

Europe continues elsewhere in the fabric by the sediments of intra-continental migrations, the redrawing of borders, colonialism and multinational empires. In recent decades, cultural diversification has accelerated:

On the one hand Europe has attracted migrants and asylum seekers from all over the world in search of a better life on the other hand, globalization has compressed space and time on an unprecedented scale. The revolutions in the telecom and media, particularly following the emergence of new services such as the Internet, have made national cultural systems increasingly permeable.

If we want our efforts fit productively in this context so special, our  NGOs most involved in the promotion of intercultural dialogue should reflect more deeply on certain elements of it and take them into consideration.

Jean-Pierre ESTIVAL,  Head of the working group on political and social developments in the countries of the Middle East and Southern Mediterranean presented an analysis based on historical, geopolitical and religious conflicts springs in the Middle East.

Anje WIERSINGA raised once again the need to support women in those countries and push for them to be involved in the peace process. She echoed the side event she organized in collaboration with the Committee on Human Rights on the use of gender as a weapon in conflicts..

Helen PICHON (CEPS), Head of the ad hoc working group, addressed the question of the meaning of the European complex identity in the space of the Council of Europe, where it is supported by the promotion of human rights, including the right to culture, interculturalism and multiculturalism. The working group proposes the creation of European Alliances, European cultural centers where the cultures and languages ​​of the countries of Europe would be taught and shared.

Relations with the EU: Claude Laurent GENTY (CITI), Honorary President of the Conference of INGOs and Head of the ad hoc working wished comparable exchanges to those established by other pillars of the Council of Europe with their counterparts in the European Union. The working group is considering partnership with the European Economic and Social Committee and NGO platforms to the European Commission.