Closing Conference of the European Year for Combating Poverty
The aim of the closing conference of the European Year for Combating Poverty is to present best practice together with ‘flagship’ events that have been taking place throughout 2010. The conference will end with a Council declaration expressing a concrete and feasible commitment by Member States in relation to the fight against poverty in Europe. A delegation of people living in poverty will deliver a message to Heads of State. On 17 December, a ceremony will also take place to present awards to journalists who have played a role in eliminating prejudices about those living in poverty.
Target public
Delegations of representatives from Member States and associated countries, national organisations working to combat poverty, European institutions, EAPN (European Anti Poverty Network) and those living in poverty.
Within the context of the Belgian presidency and in close collaboration with the European Commission, the Belgian Secretary of State for Social Integration and Combating Poverty, Philippe Courard, is organising a conference that will close the European Year For Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.
A delegation of those living in poverty together with associations representing them will deliver a message to the permanent European Council President, Herman Van Rompuy, calling for a fairer and more inclusive Europe.
On 17 December, all those invited will meet in the Charlemagne building to take part in the opening of the plenary session.
A ceremonial session will launch the debate and a wide range of varied projects will be presented.
The agenda will also include a presentation honouring the journalistic profession via the European Year Journalist Award 2010. This award was launched by the European Commission to support and reward journalists who have helped to raise awareness and promote a better understanding of poverty and social exclusion.
The event will conclude with the final Declaration of the European Year For Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion. This solemn moment will mark a crucial stage in the completion of the European Year 2010. The declaration will constitute a concrete, realistic and feasible expression of the commitment of the European Member States to make the fight against poverty a priority to be implemented with immediate effect.
