As part of strengthening cooperation between civil society organizations and governmental institutions, a joint forum was held bringing together Human Restart Organization and Journalists Without Borders with the Mayor of the City of Essen. The meeting was attended by a number of heads of governmental departments in the city, alongside a distinguished group of journalists, media professionals, and intellectuals, several German and international satellite television channels also attended the event.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Mayor was welcomed by the President of both organizations, D. farhad Ali.
The forum witnessed in-depth discussions on the most prominent activities and programs implemented by the two organizations during the past period, particularly those focused on supporting free media, empowering journalists, promoting democratic values, and building bridges of communication between communities and official institutions in the city of Essen.
The meeting also discussed mechanisms for building academic partnerships and links between German universities and universities in the Middle East, with a special focus on universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Discussions addressed ways to benefit from the academic and scientific expertise of German universities and to develop joint cooperation in the fields of higher education, scientific research, student exchange, and the implementation of joint academic programs and projects that serve both sides.
In addition, the participants discussed how to open vocational schools and institutes to prepare mid-level professional staff.
Participants also addressed prospects for joint cooperation with the City of Essen government and ways to develop partnerships in the fields of media, culture, and social work, contributing to the promotion of social cohesion and the consolidation of positive civic participation.
During the meeting, the Mayor of Essen emphasized the importance of the role played by civil society organizations, praising the efforts of Human Restart Organization and Journalists Without Borders and their active role in supporting dialogue, press freedom, and social integration.
This forum comes as part of a series of meetings aimed at strengthening sustainable cooperation between non-governmental organizations and local authorities, in a manner that serves society and contributes to consolidating the values of transparency, pluralism, and mutual respect.
