Topics

Climate & Energy

Ecological integrity, clean energy solutions, and (gender-)equitable sustainable development approaches are central for securing the future of humanity and the planet. As societies embark worldwide upon the green transformation of business-as-usual economic and development agendas, greater emphasis must be given to social and gender justice, participatory democracy, and citizen involvement. We support sustainable economic development fueled by clean energies, greener infrastructure, and inclusive governance.

Full Publication

This booklet proposes six specific recommendations to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Board, Secretariat and other relevant policy-makers to increase access of local actors to climate funds, and ensure accessible, gender-responsive climate finance decision-making processes. These proposals range from setting up small grants facilities to a complete revision of the operations and results framework of climate funds. The booklet is meant to stimulate more and deeper debate on the crucial role local actors play in the transformative change needed to deal with global climate change.

Foreign & Security Policy

Though the U.S. and Europe cooperate closely in the realm of foreign and security policy, their relationship is not without friction. Our Foreign and Security Program aims at deepening the transatlantic dialogue on common threats and security challenges, while exposing where we concur and where we differ. The program fosters innovative policies and collaborative approaches to conflict prevention, crisis management and peace building with a particular focus on the Middle East and Afghanistan.

2018 Cohort of Transatlantic Media Fellows

Announcement

After another round of strong applications, we are excited to announce our selection for the 2018 cohort of Transatlantic Media Fellows.

Democracy & Society

Democracy does not function on autopilot. We believe that political parties and a critical media are essential elements in a constant effort to defend and sustain our civil liberties and democratic rights. Fostering political participation and empowering civil society engagement are central tenets of green politics at home and abroad. Our Democracy Program supports progressive and democratic voices worldwide in their aspiration for more democratic participation.

Local Voices 2018: Interview with Mena Ayazi

Capstone

Drawing on shared experiences, Alexander Nasserjah and Mena Ayazi discuss growing up in the US as the children of Afghan refugees.

By Alexander Nasserjah

Economic Governance & G20

The Economic Governance Program focuses on democratizing governance structures to ensure that the international financial institutions and bodies, such as the G20 and BRICS, are representative and accountable. It also works on democratizing policy-making in thematic areas (e.g., finance, economics and trade) and sectoral areas (e.g., infrastructure) to strengthen “real economies” in ways that respect the rights of the earth, vulnerable groups, and women. We support the engagement of citizen’s groups in developing countries in both areas, including through public education and capacity-building.

The Hijacking of Global Financial Governance?

Analysis

Meetings of G20 officials during the April 2018 Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank set in motion revolutionary and lasting changes in the mission and organization of global financial governance.

By Nancy Alexander

Gender

Gender democracy is an overarching goal of our work and a cross-cutting theme for all activities of the Heinrich Böll Foundation. This concept addresses the deep-rooted structural (including economic, political and legal) as well as societal and cultural causes of the persisting inequality of men and women. We integrate considerations of gender equality into all of our programs, building gender awareness in international political processes, institutions and networks and offering perspectives for gender-responsive policy and financing approaches.

What it Will Take to Strengthen Gender-mainstreaming in the UNFCCC

As the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change contemplates enhancing its ongoing work program on gender at the next climate summit in Marrakesh in November (COP 22), a submission by hbs North America recommends key goals and principles to really advance gender mainstreaming in the climate process and in implementing climate actions.

By Liane Schalatek