The main purpose of the forum was to exchange information and knowledge about SSF in Europe, as well as to discuss the regional synthesis and the ‘SSF Governability Index’, a new assessment tool developed by TBTI to help countries gauge what needs to happen in order to improve governance and achieve SSF sustainability. About 35 participants, including TBTI members and the wider audience, attended the event.

 

The forum provided an opportunity for participants to share their experiences on issues affecting the sustainability and governance of SSF in Europe and discuss the opportunities that are being implemented in dealing with these challenges. Participants also discussed the implementation of the SSF Guidelines, and shed light on the way forward in terms of SSF research and capacity development programs in the European region. In the second part of the event, representatives of four European initiatives that work with SSF introduced their programs, providing examples of the types of approaches that can enhance SSF governability and sustainability in this region.