TWINNING CAMPAIGN BETWEEN FRENCH AND NES CITIES

The NES / Rojava region is inventing a systemic and democratic alternative which outlines a path for coexistence, peace and ecology in the heart of the Middle East. This social project attracts a lot of sympathy in many countries. But this moral support is struggling to translate into concrete cooperation on the ground; even though the needs are immense, in particular of municipalities and local authorities which provide basic public services.

The CDC-NES joins the initiative launched by the Danielle Mitterrand Foundation in a twinning campaign between French cities and those in the North and East of Syria in order to promote bridges between municipalities. The Danielle Mitterand Foundation is recognized as being of public utility and “aims to defend human rights and the common goods of life. It contributes to the construction of a more united world. ”

To carry out this project, Un Ponte Per, Italian NGO of international solidarity, will bring its long experience on the ground and its expertise acquired over years of activity in Kurdistan, in particular around conflict prevention and justice missions, social and environmental protection.

Corinne Morel Darleux, regional councilor in the Rhône-Alpes region and a committed writer, is also taking part in this project. Having already visited Rojava on several occasions, she is convinced of the need to increase the links of solidarity between NES/Rojava and France.

For now the following cities have been targeted: Lyon, Grenoble, Bordeaux, Montreuil and Poitiers and probably Rennes and Strasbourg in a second step.

The approach is above all pragmatic and technical, geared towards the exchange of experiences and concrete projects carried out by the municipalities. A few sectors in particular which concern the fields of competence of municipalities, are prioritized:

• support for the many initiatives carried out by women’s organizations;
• waste management and recycling;
• sustainable management of water and natural resources;
• project management training (possibility of carrying out these training courses remotely, in particular with the support of Un Ponte Per);
• the ability to develop ecological projects:
• reforestation, less dependence on fossil fuels, sustainable agriculture, etc. ;
• material support for educational and university institutions.

You want to engage in concrete solidarity with the NES / Rojava and initiate a twinning partnership with your municipality?

Please do not hesitate to contact us: [email protected]