Goran Miletic - Motivation Letter

 I am well accustomed to the inner-workings, objectives and challenges facing the Conference of INGOs in the forthcoming period. Over the past year, our collective efforts have been further hampered due to the pandemic, which has made our membership less connected and our approach more reactive. Coupled with the growing challenges to the rule of law, a shrinking civil space and increased inequality and discrimination across Member States, it is crucial we strengthen civil society’s pillar in the Council of Europe Quadrilogue.  

Across all levels, we must foster an environment that encourages proactive participation of INGOs, where activists can express themselves freely, without fears or exclusion. Institutionally, this must be accompanied by seamless communication between the Conference’s leadership, Committees and Expert Councils and the role of the Standing Committee is pivotal in coordinating between these bodies. We must ensure that Committees work in compliance with major policy lines, consulting and suggesting proposals via the Bureau, yet at the same time, encouraging INGOs to proactively contribute to these processes. As such, I believe I can be a valuable Member of the Standing Committee, for the following reasons:

1      Through my experience in leading programmes, building capacity and providing advocacy to NGOs before international institutions, but also advising on legislation through my participation on the Expert Council for NGO Law, I fundamentally understand the landscape, the practical needs of INGOs and can contribute to their better working environment, regardless of focus area (human rights, youth empowerment, professional association etc.)

 2      My lifelong commitment to improving the respect for human rights across Member States, and my specific contributions to the adoption of legislation, shifting of public opinions and empowerment of civil society in the Western Balkans, would allow me to work on mainstreaming human rights and improving equality within the Council of Europe.

 3      Campaigning for human rights over the past two decades, I have built an invaluable international network of policymakers and civil society activists. Building on these connections, and my own personal experiences, I believe I can provide much-needed visibility to the work and achievements of the Conference of INGOs, thereby better proactively engaging current members and encouraging partner NGOs to acquire participatory status.

As a Member of the Standing Committee, I am convinced my skills, experience and proactive approach will contribute to the growing stature of the Conference of INGO’s and the voice of civil society within the Council of Europe.

Goran Miletic

Stockholm, 24/02/2021