In a press release from our umbrella organisation AGGV, we joined forces with SOS Kinderdorf and World Vision to call on the next Austrian government to protect the climate worldwide and support civil society engagement. The background: national elections will be held in Austria at the end of September 2024.
Here is a rough translation into English, for the original press release in German please follow the link: https://www.ots.at/presseaussendung/OTS_20240920_OTS0002/ngos-an-naechste-regierung-internationales-engagement-ist-eine-zukunftsversicherung
‘Over the last few years, one worrying climate record has followed the next, making it clear that global crises such as the climate crisis do not stop at Austria's borders. Extreme weather events like last week's are becoming more frequent and more severe, increasing uncertainty worldwide. If Austria wants to benefit from a stable world order, it needs a next government that understands how the crises are connected globally and tackles their causes worldwide,’ appeals Lukas Wank, Managing Director of AG Globale Verantwortung, to the campaigning parties.
‘Everyone wants to live in safety, and the World Climate Strike - in which young people in particular are making their voices heard - and tomorrow's World Day of Peace are drawing attention to this. Despite increasing pressure, civil society is an important pillar that fights poverty worldwide, protects human rights, the climate and the environment and promotes peace and democracy. Seen in this light, international engagement is a real insurance policy for the future of human security,’ emphasises Wank.
Austrian NGOs, who are experts in crisis-proof and future-orientated international development and humanitarian aid measures, report on how the next government can tackle these issues in concrete terms.
Climate crisis: Supporting people who have suffered damage and losses
‘Persistent droughts, hurricanes and floods - people in the Global South are massively affected by the consequences of climate change. Austrian support is urgently needed so that these people can cope with the damage and losses they have suffered and protect themselves. World Vision's innovative Forest Maker Method shows how this can be done: ‘This cost-effective approach, which has been tried and tested for decades, reactivates existing roots in arid regions, reverses the spread of desertification, noticeably slows down climate change and makes a massive contribution to poverty reduction,’ says Sebastian Corti, Managing Director of World Vision Austria, citing a best practice example.
Peace and human rights essential for security
‘Current wars show how important global peace and the protection of human rights are for prosperity and security in Austria. horizont3000 employees are helping out in many countries, such as Michaela Söllinger as a peace expert in Colombia. We expect the next government to take stronger peace policy measures and to concretise the EU guideline on the protection of human rights defenders,’ adds Erwin Eder, Managing Director of horizont3000.
Involving young people in democratic processes
‘As a children's rights organisation, SOS Children's Villages is committed to strong, vibrant democracies worldwide that take the opinions and interests of children and young people seriously. This begins in kindergarten, at school and in training centres. To ensure that democratic societies can withstand the current upheavals and uncertainties, Austrian development cooperation is also called upon to promote the participation and voice of young civil society worldwide,’ Christian Moser, Managing Director of SOS Children's Villages, tells the next government.
In conclusion, Lukas Wank addresses the Austrian electorate: ‘We are all fed up with the global crises. We want to live in a safe world. On 29 September, we can cast our vote for an Austria that will continue to tackle global crises in the future.’
