On October 21, the European Business Organisation Worldwide Network (EBOWN) successfully hosted a Capacity Building Webinar titled Mastering Advocacy: Crafting Effective Position Papers and Leveraging Impact. The event was led and moderated by Cathy Murphy, EBOWN Head of Development and Vice-President of EBO Canada, and featured insightful presentations by Nino Ushikishvili, Deputy Managing Director of EBO Georgia, and John Braeckeveldt, President of EBO Georgia and EBOWN Board Member.
The objective of the session was to equip EBO representatives with practical skills for developing persuasive, research-driven position papers that could effectively shape public policy. These documents serve as essential advocacy tools, not only in articulating business interests but also in fostering dialogue with policymakers and key stakeholders. The session highlighted the importance of building capacity within EBOs to engage in sustained advocacy efforts on critical economic issues.
Nino Ushikishvili’s presentation provided a comprehensive framework for understanding the advocacy process, emphasizing the central role of position papers in influencing policy outcomes. She outlined key steps for effective advocacy, beginning with the formation of an advocacy team and the selection of relevant issues. Nino emphasised the importance of thorough research, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration with sectoral associations. Position papers, she argued, should present well-researched challenges, viable alternatives, and actionable recommendations, ensuring clarity and impact. Furthermore, Nino underscored the need to adapt advocacy strategies to evolving political environments and highlighted principles for successful advocacy, which included understanding decision-making processes, forming alliances, and promoting evidence-based communication.
John Braeckeveldt built on Nino’s foundation by focusing on the strategic dissemination of position papers for maximum impact. He stressed that position papers must be grounded in evidence-based research and should foster ongoing public-private dialogue. Consistent engagement with stakeholders is key, as is the need to share position papers across multiple platforms, including government bodies, EU embassies, and financial institutions. John further emphasised the importance of organising forums and securing external funding to amplify the reach and influence of these documents. He concluded with a call for continuous follow-up on legislative progress, highlighting the importance of maintaining credibility by handling sensitive data with care.
In concluding the session, EBOWN reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the advocacy capabilities of EBOs through continued capacity-building initiatives. These webinars serve as a vital platform for sharing best practices and strengthening collaboration across the EBOWN network. EBOWN stressed the importance of consistent, well-coordinated advocacy efforts to promote business interests at both national and international levels. Looking ahead, the network pledged to continue supporting EBOs in their advocacy journeys, ensuring that they are equipped to play a proactive role in shaping the future of the global business environment.
