Brussels 2010
Brussels 2010
Entitled “Foundations in Europe: A Conversation with the Institutions”, the EFC 2010 conference brought together over 500 participants in Brussels to discuss the role of foundations in the European project, their relations with the institutions, and how to facilitate the further development of the sector for the benefit of Europe and its citizens.
The emphasis of this year’s event was to engage in a conversation with the EU on issues of mutual concern. The conference offered an exclusive space for foundation representatives, EU policy and decision makers to network and to discuss issues that are of immediate and common interest. The program included a total of 20 sessions dealing with some key operational and programmatic topics. The conference also featured a special plenary debate on governance, as well as the EFC Annual Photo Competition and Raymond Georis Prize which was awarded to Dr. Mo Ibrahim, Founder of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
Sabanci Foundation attended various panels during the conference. Sabanci Foundation Director of Programs and International Relations, Ms. Filiz Bikmen, spoke at the ‘Funding Women and Girls’ panel held by Mama Cash and shared Sabanci Foundation’s experience in women and girls programs referring to the United Nations Joint Program.Ms. Bikmen also spoke at the “Social Media” session organized by the Charities Aid Foundation from England to discuss Sabanci Foundation’s Turkey’s Changemakers project,as well as the “EU Advocacy and Foundations” panel led by John Healy, President of the Ireland Civil Society Development Centre (former president of Atlantic Philanthropy), to share experiences about the Foundation’s involvement with the EFC Disability Consortium.