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Description
The aim of the project is to increase the advocacy capacity of the AKÜ network in horizontal issues of sustainable development. The development plan for sustainable development developed by the United Nations and integrated into Estonia''s domestic and foreign policy includes three horizontal priority themes, the development of which must be represented in all output policies. Given the role of the AKÜ as an umbrella and advocacy organization in the landscape of development cooperation and sustainable development, it is important to modernize the network''s capacity in accordance with the development of the field. The current project focuses on raising the capacity on horizontal issues of gender equality and environmental protection.
Summary of project results
The aim of the project is to enhance the advocacy capacity of the Estonian Development Cooperation Roundtable (AKÜ) network in relation to horizontal topics of sustainable development. The focus was on three horizontal priority topics. Given AKÜ’s role as an umbrella and advocacy organization in the fields of development cooperation and sustainable development, it was essential to modernize the network’s capacity in line with the sector’s developments. Since AKÜ and its networks are most closely engaged with the horizontal themes of gender equality and environmental protection, the project aimed to strengthen the capacity of both AKÜ and its member organizations specifically in these priority areas.
During the project, advocacy meetings and actions were carried out, media work was conducted, input was gathered from members, and participation in policy-making took place. Based on the input received, AKÜ members were trained, with approximately 60 members attending three training sessions. Two studies were conducted to assess Estonians'' attitudes toward development cooperation, and a report was compiled on the implementation of horizontal priorities. This report serves as an important content document for both AKÜ and its partners, ESTDEV and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Through media coverage—including radio broadcasts, podcasts, and newspaper readership—the project reached between 50,000 and 150,000 people.
The project provided an opportunity to engage deeply with horizontal topics and gather feedback from AKÜ’s members regarding their needs. It significantly enhanced the substance and focus of AKÜ’s advocacy efforts on horizontal priorities.
The study "Implementation of Horizontal Priorities in Estonian Development Cooperation Activities and Their Impact in Target Countries" provided essential cross-sectoral input, benefiting AKÜ, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ESTDEV, and AKÜ’s membership.
Through the training sessions, AKÜ members gained valuable skills and knowledge, while advocacy efforts became more active. Several working groups were initiated as a direct result of the project and have since progressed to highly engaged and meaningful phases—for example, the Global Education Working Group and the newly established Climate Justice Working Group.
AKÜ considers it crucial that actions are preceded by thorough analysis, and this project helped strengthen that approach. Analyzing the needs of members and partners enabled AKÜ to improve domestic advocacy efforts and become a more effective advocacy organization. The exchange of best practices from Central and Eastern Europe has also enhanced AKÜ’s capacity to engage in advocacy at the European level. When influencing local policy, it is essential to stay informed about European trends and developments in neighboring countries. This project has provided valuable outputs to advance work in this field.
Overall, the project was essential in enhancing AKÜ’s advocacy capacity and empowering its members, successfully achieving its objectives.