Republic of Cyprus Second Voluntary National Report - Sustainable development goals

13 5. STAKEHOLDERS’ ENGAGEMENT The achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires universal efforts not only by the Government, but also by the private sector and by all social actors whose contribution is imperative. These social actors include non-governmental organisations, local authorities, academic institutions, organised groups of citizens, and businesses. It is a diverse network united in promoting a multi-stakeholder approach for the implementation of the 2030 UN Agenda. The multi-stakeholder collaboration framework is further supported and enhanced by national, EU and international funding opportunities to promote and achieve the SDGs. Some of these stakeholders have also an active role in communicating and raising awareness about the SDGs among the general public. COMMISSIONER FOR VOLUNTEERISM IN CHARGE OF COORDINATING ALL NGOs IN ALL SECTORS It is important to note that the Office of the Commissioner for Volunteerism and NGOs coordinates all voluntary and non-governmental organisations, and encourages the cooperation with local authorities. Through policy recommendations, the Office of the Commissioner encourages active citizen participation with emphasis on the young generation and utilises European Programmes to fund NGOs and programmes that support active citizenship. Three relevant Policy Papers, the “Charter of Active Citizenship and Active Citizen”, “Organised Civil Society in Cyprus” and “Declaration of the Rights and Responsibilities of Volunteers” have been approved by the Council of Ministers in an effort to empower, increase and structure volunteerism activities. Additionally, the Office of the Commissioner is responsible for developing protocols for the safe mobilisation of volunteers, including insurance coverage, in times of crisis and emergencies; the protocol was successfully put in action as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Cyprus volunteer organisations in the social and philanthropic area are also coordinated under the Pan Cyprian Volunteerism Coordinative Council (PVCC), founded in 1973. PVCC, focusing on social activities, promotes the principles and values of volunteerism and seeks to deliver a strategic vision for the further development of the voluntary sector. Cyprus has a tradition of voluntary engagement with 12.4% of the population aged 16 and older engaged in voluntary activity. This has been strengthened with the set up of a web platform: www.prosfero.com.cy , which supports NGOs in their effort to find volunteers and gain supporters/sponsors. Active Citizen Awards Since 2018 the “Active Citizen Awards” have been launched in order to reward and encourage the initiatives and achievements of citizens who contributed by their actions to the common good, as well as employees who with their initiatives contributed significantly in the field of volunteering. At the same time, an online platform engaging Civil Society and NGOs in the 2030 Agenda is currently under development by the Office of the Commissioner of Volunteerism and NGOs and the DG EPCD: www.initiative2030.gov.cy that will allow the mapping of SDG- related actions and raise awareness of the Civil Society / NGOs, the schools / universities, the local authorities, the private sector and the wider public sector. Overall, the social actors’ network in Cyprus mainly tackles issues concerning human rights, women’s and children’s rights, youth, the environment, culture, the promotion of peace, and education. The most notable non-governmental initiatives are: