ALDA reaffirmed its dedication to decentralised cooperation and territorial approaches for local development during its participation in the second global meeting of the ‘Partnerships for Sustainable Cities’ programme held from March 12-14, 2024, in Barcelona (Spain). Building on the success of the 2023 meeting in Brussels (Belgium), this year’s event was an unique opportunity for cities to take stock and showcase the results of the partnerships, and come up with recommendations on how to foster the sustainability of decentralised cooperation processes through the efforts of the cities themselves and support from the EU. All this, within the framework of the contribution for the SDGs localisation and taking into account important news in the EU development policy such as the “geographisation” of EU aid and the launch of the Global Gateway Strategy.
The event, organised by the European Union’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), provided a platform for municipalities from across Europe and partner countries to share insights, successes, and challenges in fostering sustainable urban development. Mrs. Rita Biconne, Head of ALDA’s Project Management Department, and expert on territorial development, represented the organisation alongside Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA’s Secretary General. Their presence underscored ALDA’s ongoing commitment to leveraging its experience and expertise to advance decentralised cooperation initiatives aimed at fostering democratic and sustainable territories.
The ‘Partnerships for Sustainable Cities’ programme, contributes to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11, cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable as well as SDG 17, revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development
It seeks to promote collaboration and innovative solutions in areas such as urban planning, good governance, social inclusion and environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on resilience and fragility. Through this initiative, cities can address shared challenges and capitalise on valuable experiences through peer-to-peer activities, exchange of good practices and favouring a cross-fertilisation as a key opportunity of decentralised cooperation. By working together, local authorities from Europe and partner countries can contribute to achieving this goal and creating more liveable, sustainable, and resilient cities.
ALDA’s participation in the Barcelona meeting underscores its ongoing commitment to promoting TALD approach and a stronger collaboration between local authorities and civil society organisations for a coherent and integrated territorial development and democratic governance
For more information about the event and the ‘Partnerships for Sustainable Cities’ programme, please visit the website.
Please have a look at our website section of the thematic hub on territorial and local development.