Lizard MTÜ is an international non-profit association with a federal structure, headquartered in Estonia, with the authority to establish permanent offices in various countries around the world. It was founded with the aim of promoting high-impact social initiatives and transformative pathways inspired by the principles of responsible autonomy, interdisciplinary cooperation, and ethical innovation.

The Association operates in the fields of cooperation, education, culture, and the protection of human rights, pursuing objectives of general interest and contributing to the removal of economic, social, cultural, and spiritual barriers that limit freedom, equality, and the full development of the human being. Among the fundamental rights it promotes are the rights to life, personal freedom, health, self-determination, justice, dignity, and happiness. The concept of self-determination is interpreted broadly: as the ability of every individual and community to access resources equitably, define their own life models, consciously direct their existential journey, and contribute to the common good.

Within this vision, the human being is regarded as an integrated unity of body, mind, and consciousness. Lizard MTÜ works to ensure that each person can develop their inner, relational, and social potential, fostering a culture of awareness, ecological justice, solidarity, and harmonious connection with the natural environment. Cooperation is seen as the foundation of a new model of social organization—one that overcomes competitive, hierarchical, and exploitative logics, and instead promotes collective intelligence, co-responsibility, and interdependence among individuals, territories, and peoples.

In this perspective, mobility—understood both as physical exchange between people and places, and as mental openness and growth of consciousness—is recognized as a tool to build cultural bridges, generate dialogue across differences, and foster a culture of peace, hospitality, and global cooperation.

The Association therefore positions itself as a dynamic platform linking local realities and international communities, encouraging active participation, inclusion, and the dissemination of knowledge through physical, digital, and relational environments that promote critical thinking, creativity, sustainability, and autonomy. Particular attention is given to the promotion of food and energy self-sufficiency practices, regarded as essential tools for freedom and resilience. These goals are realized through projects that enhance food sovereignty, equitable access to resources, and ethical technological innovation.

Each national branch operates in accordance with the laws of its respective country and in coherence with the founding values of the Association, autonomously managing local activities while maintaining ongoing dialogue with the central governance. Participation occurs at two levels: local — with voting rights and representation on National Executive Boards — and federal — through a delegate system forming the Federal Council, the central strategic decision-making body.

Voluntary Nature of Institutional Roles
All roles—political, executive, representative, or operational—are carried out on a voluntary basis, both at the federal and national level. No member of the Association, including the President, the Federal Council, National Presidents, or holders of any statutory or regulatory office, may receive remuneration, allowances, fees, or compensation. The only exceptions are documented reimbursements for expenses incurred exclusively in the interest of the Association, according to procedures established in the internal regulations. Any form of direct or indirect distribution of profits, resources, or economic benefits is prohibited, even in the event of dissolution.

Prevention of Conflicts of Interest in Funded Projects
The Association adopts strict measures to prevent and control potential conflicts of interest in the management of projects funded by public, European, or international bodies. No member of the governing bodies may receive compensation, hold operational roles, or participate in decisions on projects in which they also hold paid professional positions, unless expressly authorized and validated by the Supervisory Commission. All individuals involved must sign a declaration of absence of conflict and commit to maintaining a clear separation between political and technical roles, in accordance with current legislation on transparency and integrity.

TITLE III – ORGANIZATIONAL AND GOVERNING STRUCTURE OF THE ASSOCIATION

Article 14 – Governance System

14.1 – The Association adopts a federal structure articulated on two levels: a federal level, responsible for strategic direction, global vision, and coordination between national branches; a national level, responsible for operational implementation and adaptation of the Association’s programs to specific territorial contexts.

14.2 – The governance system ensures a balance between central leadership and the autonomy of local branches, in accordance with the principles of subsidiarity, institutional coherence, and value-based unity.

Article 15 – Federal Presidency

15.1 – The Federal Presidency represents the political and institutional unity of the Association at the international level.

15.2 – The Federal President: a) guarantees the identity, vision, and strategic coherence of the Association; b) chairs the Federal Council and participates in the appointment of executive leaders; c) promotes the unity of the federal network and supervises the implementation of strategic guidelines; d) may temporarily assume the role of Deputy Executive Director to strengthen the integration between vision and operations.

Article 16 – Federal Council

16.1 – The Federal Council is the collegial body for strategic guidance, institutional vision, and coordination of the Association’s international network.

16.2 – It is composed of individuals with high institutional, cultural, or technical standing, appointed according to merit, integrity, and representativeness, as defined in the Internal Regulations.

16.3 – The Federal Council: a) defines multi-year strategic plans; b) adopts federal regulations; c) decides on the admission of new national branches; d) approves the consolidated budget; e) participates in the appointment of the Central Executive Council and the President of the Association.

16.4 – The Federal Council provides strategic guidance and oversight but does not carry out operational management tasks, which are assigned to the Executive Directorate.

Article 17 – Executive Directorate

17.1 – The Executive Directorate is the central operational body responsible for implementing the strategies approved by the Federal Council.

17.2 – Under the leadership of the Executive Director, it: a) coordinates the activities of national branches; b) manages administrative, financial, logistical, and training operations; c) develops annual operational plans; d) signs contracts, agreements, and partnerships within the limits of the powers granted by the Federal Council; e) manages the Association’s common funds, authorizing expenditures in line with approved budgets and the strategic directions set by the Federal Council; f) ensures operational efficiency and compliance with legal and fiscal obligations.

17.3 – The Executive Director may also hold the position of Federal Vice President and temporarily replace the Federal President.

Article 18 – National Executive Councils

18.1 – The National Executive Councils are the executive bodies responsible for autonomously managing the Association’s activities in their respective countries.

18.2 – They are composed of a team proposed by the elected National President, who serves a three-year term and may be re-elected.

18.3 – The Councils: a) plan and implement local activities; b) manage local resources; c) promote member participation; d) maintain institutional relations with local authorities and entities; e) regularly submit required documentation to the central bodies.

18.4 – National Executive Councils operate in coordination with the Executive Directorate and in accordance with federal strategic guidelines, in a framework of subsidiarity and consistency.

Article 19 – Oversight Commission

19.1 – The Oversight Commission is the federal body responsible for safeguarding the founding principles, ethical consistency, and institutional identity of the Association.

19.2 – Its composition, term, eligibility criteria, and election procedures are defined in the Internal Regulations.

19.3 – The Commission: a) exercises oversight and guarantees the conduct of the Association’s governing bodies; b) has veto power over appointments and dismissals not compliant with the Statute; c) may suspend measures that contradict the Association’s mission; d) its decisions are binding unless otherwise specified in the Internal Regulations.

Article 20 – Committees and Support Groups

20.1 – The Federal Council, the Presidency, and the Executive Directorate may establish thematic Committees and Groups with consultative, operational, or liaison functions.

20.2 – These bodies operate under regulated mandates and in line with the strategic guidelines of the Association.

20.3 – Committees do not have financial autonomy or legal representation, unless expressly delegated by the Federal Council for specific projects or activities.

Article 21 – Federal Coordination Committee

21.1 – The Federal Coordination Committee is an advisory and mediation body between the federal level and national branches.

21.2 – It may be activated upon a reasoned request from: a) at least one National Executive Council; b) the Federal President; c) the Federal Council; d) the Executive Director.

21.3 – It is composed of an equal number of members designated by the involved parties and one independent member appointed by the Oversight Commission.

21.4 – It issues non-binding but reasoned opinions submitted to the involved bodies.

21.5 – It is a mandatory step in any internal mediation procedure. In case of a lack of agreement, the Federal Council makes the final decision after hearing all parties.

21.6 – In cases of serious violations, the Federal Council may provisionally suspend the contested acts pending the opinion of the Oversight Commission.

Article 22 – Federal Coordination

22.1 – The Federal Council promotes a structured coordination system among branches, through: a) periodic meetings among Presidents and local Councils; b) guiding documents and shared protocols; c) mandatory training for directors.

22.2 – Coordination is based on a principle of active and mutual subsidiarity, aiming to integrate vision, operations, and participation.

22.3 – Implementation procedures are defined in the Federal Regulations.

Lizard MTÜ fulfills its institutional mission through a broad spectrum of educational, cultural, project-based, and cooperative activities, consistent with its international, federal, and participatory vocation. The structure of the Association enables it to operate both at a central level and through local or national branches, following a logic of co-design and strategic coherence.

In the field of education and training, the Association promotes advanced learning paths for its members and candidates for leadership roles, structured according to criteria of accessibility, quality, and validation. Courses for members include both theoretical and practical modules and may be integrated with recognized European certifications, also issued in collaboration with accredited national and transnational institutions. These courses are included in the official Training Catalogue of the Association and are accessible through the digital platform ONet Workspace, which ensures traceability, transparency, and multi-level access.

In parallel, the Association develops and coordinates European projects in the fields of education, innovation, mobility, sustainable tourism, social cohesion, and active citizenship. Project design and technical management are entrusted to a specialized federal unit that supports all network nodes, facilitating participation in programs such as Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, Interreg, CERV, and other European and international instruments. Activities include proposal writing, partnership building, support in financial reporting, territorial promotion of projects, and dissemination of results.

In the cultural and communication field, Lizard MTÜ promotes initiatives of applied research, editorial production, multilingual storytelling, and scientific or social dissemination. These activities are coordinated through a federated Content Hub, which develops original multimedia content — including narrative videos, publications, documentaries, and informational materials — to be used in training programs, association campaigns, and international projects.

Each national or territorial branch, within the shared framework, may carry out educational, artistic, social, or environmental projects in collaboration with schools, public institutions, enterprises, universities, NGOs, and research centers. The Association recognizes an active role for volunteer members and local facilitators, valuing human capital through the signing of an Ethical Volunteer Agreement, introductory training paths, and competence assessment tools.

On the level of institutional communication, Lizard MTÜ has developed a central Brand Hub that ensures the unity of visual and narrative identity, supports partners in the creation of graphic materials, press releases, and digital tools, and guarantees coherence across all public expressions of the organization.

Internal consistency and ethical legitimacy of the Association’s activities are entrusted to the Oversight Commission, an independent body elected by the members, responsible for monitoring and guaranteeing the conduct of the leadership. The Commission ensures compliance with the Statute, assesses the eligibility of appointments, prevents conflicts of interest in funded projects, and safeguards the founding mission of the Association.

All activities are based on principles of accessibility, inclusion, responsibility, and transparency, with special attention to the active participation of young people, local communities, and individuals with fewer opportunities. The Association promotes cooperation with public and private entities, both locally and internationally, creating partnership networks, shared pathways, and projects that generate positive territorial impact, in full compliance with European regulations and democratic culture.

The Oversight Commission is the Association’s independent guarantor body. Its primary function is to safeguard the founding principles, institutional identity, and ethical consistency of the entire federal system. In a context where national autonomies coexist with central coordination, this body serves as a crucial safeguard for balance and transparency, protecting members, founders, and the legitimacy of the Association’s actions.

The Commission does not exercise managerial functions or decision-making powers over the operational activities of the Association but ensures that decisions made by the Association’s leadership — including appointments, dismissals, and statutory or strategic amendments — are fully consistent with the principles set forth in the Statute and the Internal Regulations. It operates independently from the Federal Council and the National Executive Boards and is not hierarchically subordinate to any other body of the Association. This independence is guaranteed both by its election process, entrusted to voting members, and by the rule that members of the Commission cannot simultaneously hold executive positions in other Association bodies.

The Oversight Commission has the authority to analyze, suspend, or block measures deemed harmful to the identity of the Association or in violation of internal regulations. Specifically, it may issue binding opinions on appointments to associative roles, reject candidates lacking the required ethical or statutory qualifications, and initiate reviews of decisions adopted by other bodies. Its decisions are binding, except in cases where a specific review or arbitration mechanism is provided, as defined in the Internal Regulations.

To assume this role, Commission members must meet high standards of authority, impartiality, competence, and integrity. They are also required to complete a mandatory training course, with periodic updates, to ensure their competence in assessing the ethical, statutory, and legal compliance of the Association’s decisions.

In summary, the Oversight Commission is an advanced self-regulatory tool that strengthens the Association’s credibility externally, provides an internal safeguard against arbitrary conduct, and ensures that all components of the organization — at every level — act in alignment with the collective mission and in respect of the foundational pact that binds all members.

Article 1 – General Principles

Introduction and Commitment
Lizard MTÜ is committed to promoting gender equality and inclusion across all its activities, from research to training, from project management to community engagement. Gender equality is recognized as a fundamental value and an essential condition for the full development of individuals and the community. This commitment is permanent and is based on the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and respect for human dignity.

Article 2 – Objectives

In line with its statutory principles and with the values of equality and inclusion, Lizard MTÜ adopts the following objectives in the field of gender equality:

• Ensure equal opportunities between women and men in all association activities, including selection, career development, and participation.
• Promote balanced gender representation within governing and decision-making bodies.
• Foster an inclusive, respectful, and prejudice-free working and collaborative environment.
• Support the balance between professional and private life for staff and collaborators.
• Prevent and counter all forms of discrimination, harassment, or gender-based violence.
• Collect, monitor, and analyze gender-disaggregated data, adopting corrective actions where necessary.

To ensure the implementation of these principles, the association appoints a Gender Equality Officer, responsible for coordinating actions, monitoring results, and reporting periodically to the Federal Council.

Article 3 – Areas of Intervention

To achieve its objectives, Lizard MTÜ implements concrete measures in the following areas:

Recruitment and Career Development

• Transparent and impartial selection procedures for members and collaborators, with gender-balanced evaluation committees.
• Equal access to association roles, training opportunities, mobility, and skills development.

Work–Life Balance and Personal Engagement

• Promotion of flexible participation arrangements, enabling volunteers and members to reconcile association activities with personal and family commitments.
• Support for reintegration into association activities after periods of prolonged absence.

Leadership and Representation

• Commitment to ensuring balanced representation of women and men within governing bodies, committees, and project leadership roles.
• Activation of mentoring programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing female talents and competencies.

Culture, Research, and Training

• Integration of a gender perspective into programs, training activities, and research projects, where relevant.
• Implementation of awareness-raising initiatives and training activities on gender equality, inclusion, and bias prevention.

Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment

• Adoption of a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of discrimination, harassment, or gender-based violence.
• Establishment of clear, safe, and confidential reporting procedures to protect all members and volunteers.

Article 4 – Monitoring and Evaluation

The association collects and analyzes annually gender-disaggregated data related to staff, leadership roles, and participation in activities and projects.

Data collection and monitoring are carried out through the ONet Workspace platform, which allows for centralized data management, transparent processing, and the generation of periodic reports.

On the basis of this information, an annual report is submitted to the Federal Council, including results achieved, areas for improvement, and recommendations for future actions.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) include gender distribution in recruitment, training, leadership, and mobility activities.

Article 5 – Governance and Responsibilities

Responsibility for the implementation of this Regulation is shared among the Federal Council, management, and project leaders.

Within Lizard MTÜ, a Gender Equality Officer is appointed, tasked with coordinating actions, monitoring their effectiveness, and serving as a contact point.

Regular consultations with staff, members, and partners are also foreseen in order to ensure inclusion and continuous improvement.

All members of the association are invited to actively contribute to the promotion of gender equality principles.

Article 6 – Publication and Revision

This Regulation is published on the official website of Lizard MTÜ and is freely accessible.

It is subject to periodic review to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.

The results, updates, and good practices deriving from its implementation are shared with members, staff, and partners, also at the European level.