9.7 Current debates and reforms
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Forthcoming policy developments
Two new funding-schemes for young people will be launched by the Youth Board within 2024 based on its Strategic Plan for 2024-2026.
The first Programme, entitled “Youth and the World”, provides incentives to young people for mobility and participation in the European and International events and fora. It aims at the networking of young people, the development of partnerships, the acquisition of skills and experiences, as well as the exchange of knowledge and expertise with young people from abroad.
The second funding scheme is named “Green Volunteering”. It aims at raising awareness on forest fires and other environmental disaster effects as well as the promotion of good practices for the protection of nature, of forests and their ecosystems and the restoration of affected lands.
Moreover, the Unit of Education of the Environment and Sustainable Development (Μονάδα Εκπαίδευσης για το Περιβάλλον και την Αειφόρο Ανάπτυξη) announced a new environmental educational program "Greening the School-Greening my Neighborhood" (Πρασινίζω το σχολείο- Πρασινίζω τη γειτονιά μου).
Ongoing debates
Towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, Cyprus is implementing a project in cooperation with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) aiming towards a whole-of-government approach in implementing a sustainable Development Agenda and at a stronger partnership with all stakeholders. Next steps include among others:
- A broader awareness around the SDGs within the Cypriot society, involvement and commitment of all stakeholders. The An online platform has been launched for this purpose – www.initiative2030.gov.cy (available only in Greek).
- The training of government employees to contribute to the implementation of the national SDG strategy.
- A pioneering educational program for children with activities for each of the 17 SDGs.
In an attempt to engage various stakeholders in Cyprus towards the achievement of the SDGs, the Directorate General Growth of the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Commissioner for the Citizen in collaboration with the Unit of Education of the Environment and Sustainable Development (Μονάδα Εκπαίδευσης για τοΠεριβάλλον και τηνΑειφόρο Ανάπτυξη) of the Cyprus Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth, organised also the conference “Citizens, Politicians, Policies: The power of cooperation to achieve the 2030 Agenda” (Στόχοι Βιώσιμης Ανάπτυξης: Πολίτες-Πολιτικοί-Πολιτικές. Η Δύναμη της Συνεργασίας για Επίτευξη της Ατζέντας 2030) ) at the end of 2021.