acevo

16.03.07 | 100 third sector leaders gather to launch European network

100 third sector leaders gather to launch European network

100 of the biggest names in the European third sector, representing 19 countries, will gather in Paris on 16 March to show their commitment to European integration by launching euclid – the European network of third sector leaders.

Stephen Bubb, CEO of acevo, said:

“This launch marks a historic moment for the third sector in Europe. For the first time, we have a dedicated network of third sector leaders, all of whom are committed to a common goal: greater effectiveness, innovation, and pan-European collaboration.”

“This unique body will help drive up civil renewal and engage citizens across the continent through a more professional third sector.”

Ed Miliband MP, UK Minister for the Third Sector, said:

"Congratulations to all those who have made euclid possible. You have created an important new forum to support third sector leaders. Every day, for different causes and in different countries, the third sector shows the power of working together. By connecting diverse groups across Europe, to share lessons and find common cause, euclid embodies this insight and I wish it every success."

David Nussbaum, Chief executive of the Transparency International, an international organisation based in Germany, said:

“The challenges facing Europe are multiple and complex. In meeting them, the third sector - as well as government and the private sector - must play its crucial role, and this calls for outstanding professional leadership. euclid is therefore a welcome initiative to stimulate and develop the kind of leadership that will be required in the 21st century.”

euclid is the result of discussions which began a year ago between leaders in the UK, France and Sweden. Euclid will have 120 founding members from 25 countries, including Dame Mary Marsh, Chief Executive of the NSPCC, Sir Nick Young, Chief executive of the British Red Cross, and Marco De Ponte, Chief Executive of ActionAid Italy. The core aims of euclid are to make the sector in Europe more professional and innovative. Euclid will connect, develop, and support the sector’s leaders through a range of peer learning events and leadership development courses.

The success of euclid in the build up to its launch shows that leaders across Europe need mutual support and a learning forum, unheard of in many domestic national third sectors.

The network is a means for encouraging third sector leaders to support European civil society and contributing to the European integration process, making European institutions work for their citizens, and giving Europe a role in global development. Euclid will initially be hosted by acevo, and aims to gain full independence by the end of 2007. During the initial period acevo Chief Executive Stephen Bubb will act as Secretary General of euclid.

Euclid will be able to improve information sharing across the continent: third sector leaders need to share their experiences to promote social cohesion. It also aims to improve cooperation between the public, corporate and third sectors.

Intesa Sanpaolo, among the leading banking groups in the euro zone, will be the main Partner of the initiative. Valter Serrentino, Head of CSR at Intesa Sanpaolo said: “We recognise that private provision of public goods and services represents a very important factor for social cohesion and promotion of the individual. Financial institutions can play a relevant role, not only ensuring access to capital but also to resources, knowledge, and capacity building to support growth of civil society.

This is the challenge for Europe that Intesa Sanpaolo has committed itself to: supporting sustainable growth to really make new member states a resource and not a constraint for Europe’s competitiveness as a whole”.

The launch will take place at the Maison de l’Europe de Paris (the House of Europe in Paris), and will feature politicians and journalists from media organisations across Europe. It is has been made possible thanks to the support of the main partner Intesa SanPaolo, and Moleskine, media partner.

Euclid is already attracting the attention of multilateral bodies: the OECD has asked a delegation to present euclid at the OECD world conference in Istanbul in June 2007.

Notes:

1. The 25 countries with confirmed founding members are: Austria, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, and the UK.
2. The launch will take place at the Maison de l’Europe de Paris (the House of Europe in Paris), 35-37, rue des Francs-Bourgeois 75004 Paris, from 12:30 - 18:00.
3. Intesa Sanpaolo is among the top banking groups in the euro zone and the undisputed leader in Italy with an average market share of approximately 20% in all business areas: retail, corporate and wealth management. In Italy the Group offers its services to approximately 12 million customers thanks to a network of about 5,500 branches well distributed throughout the country. Intesa Sanpaolo has a selected presence in Central-Eastern Europe and in the Mediterranean basin with a network of about 1,650 branches and approximately 7.7 million customers of subsidiaries operating in retail and commercial banking in 13 countries. Its international network specialises in supporting corporate customers is present in 35 countries. For more details, visit www.intesasanpaolo.com