Humanity is currently facing major and radical changes at all levels, political, economic, environmental, social and cultural. All over the world, global issues are challenging the stability and peaceful development of societies.

For the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, it is essential and urgent to address these issues in the light of the need to combine efforts at international, regional, national and local levels, in a multilateral and inclusive perspective.

During this Forum, decision makers and civil society, in the framework of a constructive dialogue, will endeavour to demonstrate that, on the one hand, human rights, the rule of law and democracy can hardly be achieved without global development; on the other hand, human rights, the rule of law and democracy are themselves essential elements for a development able to ensure a sustainable future.

According to the Executive Director of the North-South Centre in Lisbon, José Velez Caroço, "We must do everything in our power to achieve the North-South Centre's motto -'One world, our world' - by building together a more just and sustainable future for all".

By reflecting on the relation between development and human rights, democracy and the rule of law, for the full achievement of the objectives of sustainable development, this 25th edition of the Lisbon Forum aims to reflect on how the Council of Europe can contribute to the achievement of the objectives of sustainable development, with a strong involvement of all, as well as to reflect on specific role that the Centre-North-South played and could play in the achievement of the 2030 agenda.

 

In the framework of the South Programme III " Ensuring sustainable democratic governance and human rights in the Southern Mediterranean” - a joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe.", this 25th edition of the Lisbon Forum will therefore be a privileged forum for reflection and dialogue between representatives of governments, parliaments, local and regional authorities and civil society.