Created on 16 November 1989, the European Centre for Global Interdependence and Solidarity of the Council of Europe - more commonly known as the "North-South Centre"  -  was set up in Lisbon with the purpose to spread the universal values upheld by the Council of Europe  – human rights democracy and the rule of law – beyond the European Continent.

To strengthen the promotion of dialogue between North and South, foster solidarity and raise awareness of global interdependence, the North-South Centre was established as an ‘Enlarged Partial Agreement’ allowing non-Council of Europe member states to join.

The mission of the North-South Centre is to empower civil society, in particular youth and women, through intercultural dialogue and global citizenship education, to play an active role in Council of Europe member states and neighbouring regions.

To this aim, and in particular through its multilateral activities, the North-South Centre responds mainly to three priority areas:

A Global Agenda

All North-South Centre programmes are in line with the Council of Europe values, standards and priorities and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Global Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular with regards to the following goals:

 

 

Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long learning opportunities for all.

Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.