The South Caucasus Regional Office of the Heinrich Boell Foundation and the Heinrich Boell Foundation Turkey in co-operation with the Caucasus Institute in Armenia have initiated the ANI DIALOGUE process in October 2010, a dialogue beetween civil society organisations from Turkey and Armenia. With this dialogue process the organizers aim at strengthening mutual understanding, reducing prejudices and continueing their efforts towards opening of the border as well as the normalization of the bilateral relations.
The organizers are convinced by the idea that both societies have not only a common interest to engage in a dialogue with the aim to cope with this historical past but also a common interest in strengthening the sustainbable democratic development of both countries and a common interest in mutual support of civil initiatives which contribute to this aim.
The Ani Dialogue 2011 to be held in Heybeliada, Istanbul will discuss the topic
“Society and State in Armenia and Turkey”
The Ani Dialogue consists of plenary sessions and of five parallel working groups.
The thematic working groups will discuss the following topics:
- Local government: its mandate, role and development
- Elections and representation
- Freedom of expression and media development
- Civic engagement
- Environment and natural resources: the role of civil society.
The aim of the Working Groups is to enable the networking and mutual exchange among its participants, to define areas/topics of common concern, interest and activities and finally, to think about possible future cooperation.
During the plenary sessions of the Ani Dialogue Armenian, Turkish and English simultaneous translation will be provided; consecutive translation will be provided provided during the working group sessions.
The program of the Ani Dialogue will be accompanied with various social and cultural activities as common dinners, field trips and cultural events in order to support further networking of participants.
Who can apply?
Application is open to civil society activists interested in a dialogue between Armenia and Turkey and wishing to establish active links with NGOs in the other country. Priority will be given to young applicants (age 18-35). To ensure continuance, about 1/3 of the participants of the second ANI DIALOGUE will be chosen from among the participants of the first ANI DIALOGUE.
How to apply?
Applicants should
- Fill out the application form;
- Express their motivation and interest in the general topic;
- Indicate and justify their choice of working group (two options maximum), and describe their possible contribution to the working group;
- State their expectations from the plenary sessions and working groups;
- Name two references (institutions or persons, with contact details); letters of reference are not required;
- Give detailed information about their background (their field and interest of studies, their role in NGOs, current projects etc.)
Applications must be submitted in Armenian, English or Turkish to: application@ani-dialogue.eu
Deadline for application is May, 2011
For more information please visit our website www.ani-dialogue.eu.