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Strategic leadership in turbulent times
A seminar of the Euclid Leadership Network
Barcelona 12-13 May 2015
Europe is traversing a period of economic, social and political turbulence in the wake of the
financial and economic crisis. Its grand challenges of inequality, unemployment,
demographic ageing and climate change combine with medium-term economic pressures on
governments, citizens and civil society.
Political protest movements are fracturing the traditional left-right politics. Civic
demonstrations are taking place to protest about austerity economics, powerful financial
institutions and an erosion of civil rights.
These are turbulent times for Europe.
The need for strategic leadership is stronger than ever to empower civil society to drive
positive change.
This seminar explores four key issues that are challenging the way civil society
organisations (CSOs) work, grow and create impact in the 21st century: multi-level
governance, civic engagement, strategic funding mix and demographic diversity.
Tuesday 12th May 2015
Welcome and Networking Lunch (12.30-14.00)
Session I (14.00-15.15) Opening plenary: Civil society in turbulent times
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Stefan Bergh, President of Euclid Network
Ángels Guiteras Mestre, President of the Platform of the Third Sector of Catalonia
Prof. Michael Meyer, Head of the Institute for Non-Profit Management, Vienna University of
Economics and Business
Sir Stephen Bubb, CEO of ACEVO and Secretary General of Euclid Network
Session II (15.45-17.15) Two parallel workshops
Leadership challenge 1: Leading in a multi-level
environment
TBC
Leadership challenge 2: Enabling civic
engagement
Workshop led by Euclid Member: IDEELL ARENA
New territorial dynamics have drawn multiple
layers of public action and governance, creating a
complex ecosystem for CSOs, including those
which themselves are federated at different
territorial levels.
Citizens seem to be disillusioned by austerity
economics, powerful institutions and political
elites. People are seeking alternative means of
civic action alongside association membership
and volunteering
Workshop 1 will ask how to make strategic Workshop 2 will ask how leaders should shape
leadership fit for the multi-level environment.
CSOs to bring citizens together and encourage
civic engagement.
Euclid Network is supported by the European Commission
through the Europe for Citizens programme 2014-20
Wednesday 13th May 2015
Session III (09.00-10.45) Two parallel workshops
Leadership challenge 3: Achieving a strategic
Leadership challenge 4: Embracing diversity in
funding mix
civil society
Workshop led by Euclid Member: Vienna Workshop led by Euclid Member: ACOSVO
University of Economics & Business
CSOs are working with society so they need to be
In these turbulent times more than ever, CSOs sensitive to gender equality and the inclusion of
need to achieve the right strategic funding mix in minorities and people with disabilities in their
order to have sustainable impact. This will mean work, including their presence in senior
moving towards new funding sources and management and on boards.
engaging with new funders and customers.
Workshop 4 will explore how to make leaders
Workshop 3 will focus on how to lead CSOs should embrace diversity to benefit their
towards a new and more sustainable funding organisation and its mission.
mix.
Session IV (11.15-12.45): Four key issues for strategic leadership
(with participation of 10-15 local delegates)
Introduction: five-minute statements from four leadership challenges presenters
Reflections and insights on the four leadership challenges:
 Cécile Leclercq, Head of Sector Europe for Citizens, European Commission
 Heather Roy, Director of Eurodiaconia, Brussels
 Obra Social La Caixa, Spain (invited)
 Civil society leader (TBC)
 Corporate representative (TBC)
Networking Lunch (12.45-14.00)
Euclid Network is supported by the European Commission
through the Europe for Citizens programme 2014-20