Solidaires du monde (Global Solidarity)

Solidaires du monde (Global Solidarity)


 

Press release
Paris, 18 November 2008
 
Agence Française de Développement opens
the Solidaires du monde blog platform,
a new forum for debate on international solidarity
 



Agence Française de développement (AFD) is launching the “Solidaires du monde” (Global Solidarity) blog platform to mark Solidarity Week (15 to 23 November 2008). The platform will allow citizens worldwide to voice their opinions, debate and inform or be informed about development issues. With Solidaires du monde AFD has created a new interactive site dedicated to North-South solidarity for all citizens whether or not they are bloggers. The site will be open to committed bloggers on 18 November. 

Solidaires du monde is a completely new initiative on Internet and in the development aid sphere. For the first time citizens will have access to a blog platform where they can debate and be informed about solidarity issues. 

“It all started with the observation that there were no websites for bloggers interested in solidarity actions. We wanted to create a platform independently of AFD where Internet users could openly debate development aid issues.” explains Guillaume de Saint Phalle, head of communication at AFD..
 

http://www.solidairesdumonde.org



 

Solidaires du monde will be taking a new look at development issues through the eyes of development actors and citizens from all over the world who want to provide input and support for development projects.

“Internet is the ideal medium to promote development: it is reactive, participative and is a place where everyone with projects can discuss them with all those who are interested in joining the debate.” continues Guillaume de Saint Phalle.

By creating a blog, expressing their points of view, putting forward ideas, informing or being informed, Internet users will have many different ways of debating issues relating to solidarity, development and aid to vulnerable populations both in France and worldwide. Access to water, forest protection, combating malnutrition, support for education in developing countries: all development issues can be addressed.

Debates on Solidaires du monde will be made as interactive as possible thanks to the various functionalities which include Blognotes. This is an innovative tool that allows content to be posted without opening the blog. Blognotes are more reactive than commentaries and are a perfect solution for people who do not have time to update their blog but want to get the best possible visibility for their opinions!

Solidaires du monde also offers:

  • global navigation: you can find information, images or videos in any geographical area in just a click,
  • a directory of solidarity blogs – whether or not they are on the platform – classified by theme or geographical area,
  • an agenda of events including the major solidarity and development events submitted by the public.

One year after the launch of Ideas for Development, the international blog to stimulate debate on development with contributions from ten leaders from international organizations, Solidaires du monde opens the debate up to all citizens.
 

Visit the websites:
Solidaires du Monde : www.solidairesdumonde.org
Ideas For Development : www.ideas4development.org 

 

Agence Française de Développement (AFD) is a specialized financial institution at the center of France’s official development assistance to poor countries and support to French Overseas local authorities. In this capacity, AFD contributes to poverty reduction, supports economic growth and environmental preservation. AFD finances projects led by local public authorities, public enterprises, the private sector and associations. www.afd.fr
 

Press contacts:
Laure Weisgerber, weisgerberl@afd.fr - Tel: +33 1 53 44 30 57
Anne-Sophie Morizot (Hopscotch) - asmorizot@hopscotch.fr - Tel: +33 1 58 65 00 88