The Klimaschutz- und Energie-Beratungsagentur Heidelberg-Nachbargemeinden gGmbH (Climate Protection and Energy Advice Agency Heidelberg and neighboring municipalities), also called KliBA, is an independent non-profit organization founded on March 17, 1997, under the objective of assisting citizens, companies and municipalities in the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region with the implementation of environmentally sound measures. It is financed by membership fees of share holders and cooperation partners.
History
Decisive for the establishment of an independent consultancy for Heidelberg and its municipalities was a gathering of the chamber of commerce, craftspeople, architects, homeowners' and tenants' associations as well as environmental organizations and public utilities named “Heidelberg Energy Round Table” (German: Heidelberger Energie-Tisch) during which it became obvious that climate protection measures had frequently failed because of short-term planning, funding shortfalls or a lack of available information. Heidelberg Energy Round Table developed the concept of a neutral and independent energy consultancy for the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region which would remove those obstacles. The creation of KliBA was supported by the SAVE-II-Program initiated by the European Commission.
Organization
The municipalities Dossenheim, Edingen-Neckarhausen, Heidelberg, Neckargemünd and Sandhausen as well as the savings bank Heidelberg (German: Sparkasse Heidelberg) constituted the KliBA founding members.
In the following rounds of enlargement, the cities Hemsbach, Ladenburg, Schriesheim, Sinsheim, Walldorf, Weinheim, Heddesheim, Hirschberg, Ilvesheim, Plankstadt, Rauenberg, Malsch and Mühlhausen joined the organization.
The cooperation partner Altlußheim, Bammental, Eppelheim, Gaiberg, Laudenbach, Leimen, St. Leon-Rot, Neulußheim, Nußloch, Schwetzingen, Wiesenbach and Wilhelmsfeld are currently in the process of becoming share holders. Altogether, the KliBA services are available to approximately 513.000 citizens in the Rhine-Neckar region.
Membership
KliBA is part of a network of 200 European energy agencies funded within the framework of the SAVE-II-Program ("SAVE-agencies"). On a national level, it is a member of the Federal association of energy and climate protection agencies (German: Bundesverband der Energie- und Klimaschutzagenturen Deutschlands (eaD)).
Services
The counseling interviews citizens receive on topics like insulation, renovation of old buildings, renewable energy and promotional programs are free of charge. Moreover, small and medium-sized companies are advised on reducing their energy costs and municipalities are assisted in the area of communal energy management.
Criticism
Independent energy consultants have feared that their chances of being awarded future contracts will be reduced due by the work of the KliBA.
History
Decisive for the establishment of an independent consultancy for Heidelberg and its municipalities was a gathering of the chamber of commerce, craftspeople, architects, homeowners' and tenants' associations as well as environmental organizations and public utilities named “Heidelberg Energy Round Table” (German: Heidelberger Energie-Tisch) during which it became obvious that climate protection measures had frequently failed because of short-term planning, funding shortfalls or a lack of available information. Heidelberg Energy Round Table developed the concept of a neutral and independent energy consultancy for the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region which would remove those obstacles. The creation of KliBA was supported by the SAVE-II-Program initiated by the European Commission.
Organization
The municipalities Dossenheim, Edingen-Neckarhausen, Heidelberg, Neckargemünd and Sandhausen as well as the savings bank Heidelberg (German: Sparkasse Heidelberg) constituted the KliBA founding members.
In the following rounds of enlargement, the cities Hemsbach, Ladenburg, Schriesheim, Sinsheim, Walldorf, Weinheim, Heddesheim, Hirschberg, Ilvesheim, Plankstadt, Rauenberg, Malsch and Mühlhausen joined the organization.
The cooperation partner Altlußheim, Bammental, Eppelheim, Gaiberg, Laudenbach, Leimen, St. Leon-Rot, Neulußheim, Nußloch, Schwetzingen, Wiesenbach and Wilhelmsfeld are currently in the process of becoming share holders. Altogether, the KliBA services are available to approximately 513.000 citizens in the Rhine-Neckar region.
Membership
KliBA is part of a network of 200 European energy agencies funded within the framework of the SAVE-II-Program ("SAVE-agencies"). On a national level, it is a member of the Federal association of energy and climate protection agencies (German: Bundesverband der Energie- und Klimaschutzagenturen Deutschlands (eaD)).
Services
The counseling interviews citizens receive on topics like insulation, renovation of old buildings, renewable energy and promotional programs are free of charge. Moreover, small and medium-sized companies are advised on reducing their energy costs and municipalities are assisted in the area of communal energy management.
Criticism
Independent energy consultants have feared that their chances of being awarded future contracts will be reduced due by the work of the KliBA.
Panduka Mahendra Jayasekera (born on 16 October 1966), is a Sri Lankan business professional. At present, he is the Managing Director of Lanka Walltiles PLC, Lanka Tiles PLC, Swisstek (Ceylon) PLC, Swisstek Aluminium Ltd., and Lanka Ceramic PLC.
Early life
Mahendra Jayasekera was born in Narangodapaluwa, in the district of Gampaha, Sri Lanka. He grew up in a family with two siblings.
Education
Mahendra Jayasekera received his early education at Carey College, Colombo 08. He later pursued his primary education at the same school before moving to De Mazenod College, Kandana to pursue higher studies. He was actively engaged in cricket, soccer and volleyball, during his school times. He enrolled at the University of Sri Jayawardenepura and completed an Honours Degree in Business Administration. In addition, he also holds a Diploma in Buddhist Studies and a master's degree in Buddhist Studies, both from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Career
After completing his education, Mahendra started a job into the field of accountancy, and later corporate leadership. He is also a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka. Later on, he started his career as an article clerk at KPMG. In August 1993, after receiving audit and management consultancy training at KPMG Fakhro, Bahrain, he transitioned to C.T. Smith Stockbrokers Pvt. Ltd. as the head of research. In this role, he played a role in establishing the company's research department and also served as the compliance officer, responsible for drafting a comprehensive compliance program to meet the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and Merrill Lynch International Ltd. In 1997, he joined Lanka Tiles PLC as Director/Chief Executive Officer, subsequently rising to the position of Managing Director of Lanka Walltiles PLC, Lanka Tiles PLC, Swisstek (Ceylon) PLC, Swisstek Aluminium Ltd. and Lanka Ceramic PLC.
Apart from being the leader of business in the Lanka Walltiles Group, he holds many important positions in foreign and local settings: Director of HNB Assurance PLC, Uni Dil Packaging Limited and Uni Dil Packaging Solutions Limited, President at The Sri Lanka Ceramics & Glass Council in 2015, Chairman of CMA Sri Lanka Cost and Management Accounting Standards Board, former committee member - Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, former committee member - Committee of the Sri Lanka-Italy Business Council.
Other activities
Mahendra has been actively involved in social initiatives, particularly through his engagement with the Colombo YMBA. He served as the secretary and currently as the President of the Colombo YMBA. He is an active participant and spokesperson for One Sri Lanka Dialogue by Colombo YMBA. He is also a member of the Economic Council of the De La Salle Brothers - Sri Lanka Chapter, where he works closely with Catholic communities through many projects that the chapter organizes.
In addition, he initiated CSR developments in Lanka Walltiles Group, like the Smart Classroom Project, where LANKATILES has built a smart classroom for the students of the Matara Dodampahala Maha Vidyalaya.
Politics
Mahendra has been involved in political advocacy efforts, advocating for good governance, rule of law, and ethical leadership.
Early life
Mahendra Jayasekera was born in Narangodapaluwa, in the district of Gampaha, Sri Lanka. He grew up in a family with two siblings.
Education
Mahendra Jayasekera received his early education at Carey College, Colombo 08. He later pursued his primary education at the same school before moving to De Mazenod College, Kandana to pursue higher studies. He was actively engaged in cricket, soccer and volleyball, during his school times. He enrolled at the University of Sri Jayawardenepura and completed an Honours Degree in Business Administration. In addition, he also holds a Diploma in Buddhist Studies and a master's degree in Buddhist Studies, both from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Career
After completing his education, Mahendra started a job into the field of accountancy, and later corporate leadership. He is also a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka. Later on, he started his career as an article clerk at KPMG. In August 1993, after receiving audit and management consultancy training at KPMG Fakhro, Bahrain, he transitioned to C.T. Smith Stockbrokers Pvt. Ltd. as the head of research. In this role, he played a role in establishing the company's research department and also served as the compliance officer, responsible for drafting a comprehensive compliance program to meet the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and Merrill Lynch International Ltd. In 1997, he joined Lanka Tiles PLC as Director/Chief Executive Officer, subsequently rising to the position of Managing Director of Lanka Walltiles PLC, Lanka Tiles PLC, Swisstek (Ceylon) PLC, Swisstek Aluminium Ltd. and Lanka Ceramic PLC.
Apart from being the leader of business in the Lanka Walltiles Group, he holds many important positions in foreign and local settings: Director of HNB Assurance PLC, Uni Dil Packaging Limited and Uni Dil Packaging Solutions Limited, President at The Sri Lanka Ceramics & Glass Council in 2015, Chairman of CMA Sri Lanka Cost and Management Accounting Standards Board, former committee member - Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, former committee member - Committee of the Sri Lanka-Italy Business Council.
Other activities
Mahendra has been actively involved in social initiatives, particularly through his engagement with the Colombo YMBA. He served as the secretary and currently as the President of the Colombo YMBA. He is an active participant and spokesperson for One Sri Lanka Dialogue by Colombo YMBA. He is also a member of the Economic Council of the De La Salle Brothers - Sri Lanka Chapter, where he works closely with Catholic communities through many projects that the chapter organizes.
In addition, he initiated CSR developments in Lanka Walltiles Group, like the Smart Classroom Project, where LANKATILES has built a smart classroom for the students of the Matara Dodampahala Maha Vidyalaya.
Politics
Mahendra has been involved in political advocacy efforts, advocating for good governance, rule of law, and ethical leadership.
Nico Pampier (born 3 September 1999) is a South African advocate and young leader for the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. They serve as the Global Youth Caucus Representative for the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth on SDG 16.
Nico was born and raised in Velddrif, South Africa. They pursued higher education at West Coast TVET College in the Western Cape and later completed further studies in Adult Education and Training at the University of Cape Town.
Advocacy and initiatives
Pampier has been engaged in youth empowerment and governance initiatives for over four years. She has led multiple projects aimed at strengthening youth participation in policy and decision-making processes. His key initiatives include:
1. Siyakwazi Youth Network - A platform dedicated to mobilizing young leaders for social change and community development.
2. #BecauseWeCan Campaign - A youth-led movement advocating for justice, human rights, and sexual reproductive health and rights
Through advocacy, Pampier has contributed to discussions on youth engagement in governance, conflict resolution, and institutional reform, aligning their work with the principles of SDG 16.
Career
Pampier currently serves as the 2024-2025 term President of the United Nations Association of South Africa (UNASA), within the University of Cape Town's UNASA UCT Chapter.
Pampier’s activism began at the age of 12, when they volunteered at a local soup kitchen in Velddrif, South Africa. This early experience played a pivotal role in shaping their commitment to social justice and global advocacy.
In 2023, Pampier was invited as a guest speaker at the Global Peace Human Rights Summit. In 2024, they were recognized as a "Young Champion for Refugees" by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for their advocacy on behalf of displaced communities.
Pampier continues to work on strengthening youth participation in decision-making processes and mobilizing young people to contribute to the realization of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Youth diplomacy and fellowship
Pampier has been engaged in youth diplomacy, advocating for the inclusion of young voices in global governance and decision-making. As a representative within the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth, Pampier has contributed to policy discussions on SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, emphasizing youth-led solutions to governance, human rights, and institutional reform.
Pampier has participated in international forums, fellowships, and diplomatic engagements, working alongside policymakers, civil society leaders, and international organizations to strengthen youth participation in multilateral processes. Their advocacy focuses on inclusive governance, refugee rights, and equitable access to education.
In recognition of their contributions, Pampier has been selected for various youth leadership fellowships and advisory roles, collaborating with the United Nations, UNESCO, African Union, and other global organizations on policy development, capacity-building, and grassroots mobilization.
Key Roles and Engagements:
# Lead Consultant, Pact for the Future - Chapter 2: International Peace and Security (MGCY)
# Global Youth Caucus Representative on SDG 16, United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY)
# Youth Advisor, Department of Social Affairs, Division of Inclusive Social Development
# Lead Consultant, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - Youth Voices at the Summit of the Future (Chapter 5: Transforming Global Governance)
# Youth Representative from South Africa, High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF)
# SDG Education Director, United Nations Association of South Africa (UNASA)
# Youth Observer & Speaker, Summit of the Future Action Days -
# Guest Lecturer, Stellenbosch University - “Youth Leadership for Sustainable Development”
# Young Champion for Refugees, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
# Representative, African Union-UNESCO “” - University of Cape Town
# Member, LGBTQ+ Stakeholder Group to the United Nations
# Moderator, UN Women Virtual Summit of the Future - “Young Feminist Debrief”
Through these roles, Pampier continues to advocate for the empowerment of youth in global decision-making, contributing to international policy frameworks and discussions on sustainable development, human rights, and governance reform.
Nico was born and raised in Velddrif, South Africa. They pursued higher education at West Coast TVET College in the Western Cape and later completed further studies in Adult Education and Training at the University of Cape Town.
Advocacy and initiatives
Pampier has been engaged in youth empowerment and governance initiatives for over four years. She has led multiple projects aimed at strengthening youth participation in policy and decision-making processes. His key initiatives include:
1. Siyakwazi Youth Network - A platform dedicated to mobilizing young leaders for social change and community development.
2. #BecauseWeCan Campaign - A youth-led movement advocating for justice, human rights, and sexual reproductive health and rights
Through advocacy, Pampier has contributed to discussions on youth engagement in governance, conflict resolution, and institutional reform, aligning their work with the principles of SDG 16.
Career
Pampier currently serves as the 2024-2025 term President of the United Nations Association of South Africa (UNASA), within the University of Cape Town's UNASA UCT Chapter.
Pampier’s activism began at the age of 12, when they volunteered at a local soup kitchen in Velddrif, South Africa. This early experience played a pivotal role in shaping their commitment to social justice and global advocacy.
In 2023, Pampier was invited as a guest speaker at the Global Peace Human Rights Summit. In 2024, they were recognized as a "Young Champion for Refugees" by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for their advocacy on behalf of displaced communities.
Pampier continues to work on strengthening youth participation in decision-making processes and mobilizing young people to contribute to the realization of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Youth diplomacy and fellowship
Pampier has been engaged in youth diplomacy, advocating for the inclusion of young voices in global governance and decision-making. As a representative within the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth, Pampier has contributed to policy discussions on SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, emphasizing youth-led solutions to governance, human rights, and institutional reform.
Pampier has participated in international forums, fellowships, and diplomatic engagements, working alongside policymakers, civil society leaders, and international organizations to strengthen youth participation in multilateral processes. Their advocacy focuses on inclusive governance, refugee rights, and equitable access to education.
In recognition of their contributions, Pampier has been selected for various youth leadership fellowships and advisory roles, collaborating with the United Nations, UNESCO, African Union, and other global organizations on policy development, capacity-building, and grassroots mobilization.
Key Roles and Engagements:
# Lead Consultant, Pact for the Future - Chapter 2: International Peace and Security (MGCY)
# Global Youth Caucus Representative on SDG 16, United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY)
# Youth Advisor, Department of Social Affairs, Division of Inclusive Social Development
# Lead Consultant, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - Youth Voices at the Summit of the Future (Chapter 5: Transforming Global Governance)
# Youth Representative from South Africa, High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF)
# SDG Education Director, United Nations Association of South Africa (UNASA)
# Youth Observer & Speaker, Summit of the Future Action Days -
# Guest Lecturer, Stellenbosch University - “Youth Leadership for Sustainable Development”
# Young Champion for Refugees, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
# Representative, African Union-UNESCO “” - University of Cape Town
# Member, LGBTQ+ Stakeholder Group to the United Nations
# Moderator, UN Women Virtual Summit of the Future - “Young Feminist Debrief”
Through these roles, Pampier continues to advocate for the empowerment of youth in global decision-making, contributing to international policy frameworks and discussions on sustainable development, human rights, and governance reform.
Right-wing extremist attacks in Berlin-Neukölln have been occurring since May 2016. The threats and attacks target left-wing citizens and institutions. The incidents were dismissed as inconsequential, but it seems like they were systematically committed. From 2016 to 2018, 51 attacks were perpetrated.
Background
Neukölln, a district of Berlin is considered multicultural. According to the Berlin constitution protection, right-wing groups in Neukölln are "relatively well-structured." A National Democratic Party of Germany (NPD) district association is active in the district as well as members of the Network of Free Nationalistic Forces. The network was deliberately not a well-organized group, so the investigation and a possible ban would be difficult.
The attacks affected district politicians of the left and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), trade unionists, a bookseller, artists and people helping refugees. The aim of this "anti-antifa work" is to scare people, to intimidate them and to dissuade them from their political work.
Right-wing extremists had carried out a series of attacks in 2011, 2012 and 2013. They were also directed against people who engaged against the right in Neukölln.
Attacks
*On 15 May 2016, there is an attempted arson on the linksqueeren Wagenplatz "channel".
*On 8 July 2016, an arson attack on a car in the northern part of neukölln is committed, which was covered with left and anti-l stickers.
*On 27 December 2016, the name of a person was sprayed on a house facade in Neukölln and behind it "= Red bastard!"
*On 3 May 2017, there had been an arson attack on the car of a Neukölln refugee worker.
*On 30 January 2018, an arson attack on the car of the leftist politician Ferat Koçak was committed.
*That same night, the car of the bookseller Heinz Ostermann was lit. It was the third stop directed against Ostermann.
*On the weekend of 20.-21. In March, several death threats were sprayed in residential buildings in Neukölln. "9 mm for ..." was written in red on two walls, followed by the names of the threatened. In two other cases, people with common names were offended this way. The victims were committed citizens, including an employee of the Mobile Consultation Against Right-Wing Extremism Berlin (MBR).
Response to attacks
Roughly 800 people marched in Neukölln on 21 December 2019 to protest against neo-Nazis and highlight the rising number of hate crimes and lack of prevention. The march included several leftist and anti-fascist groups with the motto "No place for Nazis from Hermannplatz to Neukölln Town Hall."
Background
Neukölln, a district of Berlin is considered multicultural. According to the Berlin constitution protection, right-wing groups in Neukölln are "relatively well-structured." A National Democratic Party of Germany (NPD) district association is active in the district as well as members of the Network of Free Nationalistic Forces. The network was deliberately not a well-organized group, so the investigation and a possible ban would be difficult.
The attacks affected district politicians of the left and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), trade unionists, a bookseller, artists and people helping refugees. The aim of this "anti-antifa work" is to scare people, to intimidate them and to dissuade them from their political work.
Right-wing extremists had carried out a series of attacks in 2011, 2012 and 2013. They were also directed against people who engaged against the right in Neukölln.
Attacks
*On 15 May 2016, there is an attempted arson on the linksqueeren Wagenplatz "channel".
*On 8 July 2016, an arson attack on a car in the northern part of neukölln is committed, which was covered with left and anti-l stickers.
*On 27 December 2016, the name of a person was sprayed on a house facade in Neukölln and behind it "= Red bastard!"
*On 3 May 2017, there had been an arson attack on the car of a Neukölln refugee worker.
*On 30 January 2018, an arson attack on the car of the leftist politician Ferat Koçak was committed.
*That same night, the car of the bookseller Heinz Ostermann was lit. It was the third stop directed against Ostermann.
*On the weekend of 20.-21. In March, several death threats were sprayed in residential buildings in Neukölln. "9 mm for ..." was written in red on two walls, followed by the names of the threatened. In two other cases, people with common names were offended this way. The victims were committed citizens, including an employee of the Mobile Consultation Against Right-Wing Extremism Berlin (MBR).
Response to attacks
Roughly 800 people marched in Neukölln on 21 December 2019 to protest against neo-Nazis and highlight the rising number of hate crimes and lack of prevention. The march included several leftist and anti-fascist groups with the motto "No place for Nazis from Hermannplatz to Neukölln Town Hall."