Awareness raising
DGD raises Belgian public awareness of the importance of development cooperation and values like international solidarity. This is done by communicating directly with the public (own awareness raising activities) or via partner organisations.
Awareness raising by third parties
Support from civil society
Many individuals, organisations and authorities in society are involved in solidarity initiatives. Together, they strive to draw greater attention to global issues. As grassroots actors, these socio-cultural organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are the mainspring of such activities and are thus eligible to apply for financial aid from DGD.
In addition to approved NGOs, there are other organisations not necessarily specialised in development cooperation. These organisations have a dimension – either through their activities or a certain intrinsic potential – that can foster a better understanding of the challenges and assets of the South. DGD believes that many of the activities of these organisations (exhibitions, interactive workshops, discussion forums, film or music festivals, etc.) can make a contribution towards intercultural dialogue by fostering a better understanding of other cultures and winning greater support for development cooperation.
Major events, film festivals or other cultural or social events may be eligible for subsidies if they fulfil certain essential criteria, including the clear presence of informative and educational aspects covering North-South solidarity, development cooperation, multiculturalism and/or globalisation.
Media and audiovisual sector
DGD supports the production of films and documentaries about North-South relations or specific development-related problems. Support is available for documentaries broadcast on the radio or television as well as for films.
Measures for education and youth groups
DGD aims to promote and support Worldwide Training and Active Global Citizenship in the education sector and among youth groups. The starting point for Worldwide Training is globalisation: the understanding that we are becoming ‘world citizens’ and an awareness of the increasing interdependence between such world citizens.
Annoncer la Couleur/Kleur Bekennen (Speaking Out)is an educational programme designed to promote and support worldwide training and world citizenship for young people. Speaking Out helps teachers and youth trainers to gain a critical understanding (skills, values and attitudes) of globalisation processes and global development issues.
This programme is managed by Belgium Technical Cooperation (BTC)
and operational partners such as provinces, educational organisations and NGOs.
The Speaking Out website is www.kleurbekennen.be - www.annoncerlacouleur.be
The general information cycle: an overview of international cooperation
Anyone wishing to learn more about the problems associated with development cooperation or to work as a volunteer in the southern hemisphere can gain new knowledge and skills from the General Information Cycle. This training is primarily aimed at young adults who want to turn a personal commitment into practical efforts in the field. Cycles are organised 10 times a year by Belgian Technical Cooperation (BTC).
A series of lessons, workshops and debates explore various aspects of the priority issues and sectors involved in development cooperation. The programme provides a general overview of international cooperation. Participants passing the final exam receive a universally recognised certificate.
For all the information you need on these information cycles, see the BTC website.
Own activities
Exhibitions – information stands – events - campaigns
In addition to supporting the activities of our committed partners, DGD is also keen to raise public awareness.
In this connection, a more interactive approach is taken with the public by providing suitable information material, staging exhibitions and setting up information stands, as well as organising events and activities designed to boost public interest.
Overview of freely available exhibition material
Own editorial activities
To make information about North-South problems and the activities of Belgian Development Cooperation accessible to both the general public and specialists, DGD regularly issues publications on a wide range of topics.
Dimension 3 and DGD Info (the magazine and electronic newsletter of Belgian Development Cooperation - only available in French and Dutch) are two publications containing the latest information on Belgian and international development cooperation and related issues. DGD also produces posters, advertising banners, advertisements, publications, etc., which are used for a number of events, including conferences and symposiums, among others.
Development education
In 2005, the Council of the European Union, representatives of the governments of EU Member States, the European Commission and the European Parliament issued a joint declaration on development, called “The European Consensus on Development”.
The text of the European Consensus on Development: the contribution of Development Education & Awareness Raising can be consulted in all the official languages of the European Union. The document sets out the concrete action to be taken to implement the European Consensus on Development and is based on the following statement: "The EU will devote special attention to development education and raising the awareness of EU citizens". The European sets guidelines for the development of a strategy at local, regional, national and European level.
Development education. Notions and concepts (PDF, 926.71 Kb)
"The European Consensus on Development: the contribution of development education and awareness raising" (PDF, 720.52 Kb)