Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy

ELE aims to intensify cooperation between Latin America and Europe and increase the involvement of Dutch citizens, businesses and policy makers in Europe and Latin America. The conference is a meeting of policy and opinion makers from politics and government, business, trade unions, academia, NGOs and the media.

The theme for ELE 2010 is Latin America and Europe - Partners and Allies. Conference sessions will focus on democratic renewal and the economy and globalisation.

What lessons can be learned from democratic renewal in Latin America? Are representative and participatory democracy conflicting or complementary? Is an active state essential for successful international business? How do Latinos and Europeans go about creating shared values and mutual trust?

Guest speakers this year include Marco Enríquez-Ominami, a surprise success in the last presidential election in Chile, Virgilio Hernández, a promising politician from Ecuador, Kathleen Ferrier, a member of the Dutch parliament (pictured), and Wim Grootscholten, commercial manager of Rijk Zwaan SA. The program also offers an opportunity to meet and network.

ELE 2010 has been organised by Socires in collaboration with Cordaid, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, Radio Netherlands Worldwide and others.

Participation is free, but you should register in advance.

Send an email before May 10 to ele@socires.nl, with the subject "Notification ELE2010". Please also include your address, and indicate which session (morning, afternoon or all day) you would like to attend.

Further information about speakers and the program can be found at http://ele-platform.org.