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On July 31st, “Gruppo Scintilla – Vivere meglio adesso” family and kids from Vicenza gathered at “Pampas – Il giardino inclusivo” for an afternoon dedicated to sharing and playing.

Following the successful event, entitled “Pigafetta’s Mandala”, which took place earlier in July, children were involved in several games, and activities. The aim: stimulating inclusiveness through interactions and reciprocity.

By building a network of local citizens, Gruppo Scintilla is intended to re-generate the urban spaces

From “Pampas – Il giardino inclusivo” terrace, kids’ giggles and laughs flooded the streets of Vicenza, nearby Viale Milano (Milano Street), urban heart of the project itself. ALDA Project Manager, Nadia di Iulio, together with Francesca Manfron – school teacher, lead the event. Children were divided into teams, each of which had a specific symbol, identifying the group. Games and activities were meant to stimulate young participants to know each other better to communicate, and to share. Thus, social inclusiveness is among the aims of projects.

At the same time, this event was the perfect opportunity to encourage dialogue among kids’ parents. By building a network of local citizens, Gruppo Scintilla is intended to re-generate the urban spaces around the railway station and Viale Milano. Having that in mind, it comes with itself that exactly these types of events are essential to encourage citizens’ participation within the life of the city and its neighbourhood. 

As many parents said, afternoons like the one organised within the project  are very much needed. ALDA is glad to be actively part of this group, and invites you to join the upcoming events!

***
To know more about the “Gruppo Scintilla” project, please visit the website
Follow “Gruppo Scintilla – vivere meglio adesso”
Take a look at “Pampas – Il giardino inclusivo”

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2021 marked the conclusion of EGAL II (Egalité de Genre dans l’Action Locale /Gender Equality in Local Action), a successful project that targeted participatory gender inclusive activities in Morocco.

 Benefitting from several activities, the Local Democracy Agency Norther Morocco (LDA Norther Morocco) leader of the project, was able to promote and support the capacity of actors to launch pro-gender initiatives in their communities while conveying strong messages on the importance of including rural women in public affairs. More in depth, activities targeted the activation of the role of equity, equal opportunities and gender bodies.

EGAL II: a new journey towards inclusive and sustainable municipalities in Morocco! (LDA Norther Morocco team)

Furthermore, the learning cycle focused on the mechanisms of citizen participation, public policy instruments, leadership, providing actors with mechanisms to enrich local public life. From a general perspective, EGAL actors – be they elected officials, municipal managers, associations –  all expressed their wish to boost their synergies, so that to enhance their inter-municipal dynamics. Among their strong recommendations, one can recall the creation of a collective project with ecological, sustainable tourism.

Finally, actors involved within the project expressed their willingness to deepen their knowledge on the subjects tackled by EGAL II. As mentioned by the ADL NM team: “Today we are proud to have contributed to build a positive dynamic for social change, which has given rise to new collective and inter-communal project ideas. The latter aim to improve the socio-economic and environmental rights of the local population. This is only the beginning of a new journey towards inclusive and sustainable municipalities! » (ADL Northern Morocco team)

ALDA is very much glad to have collaborated once again with local realties in Morocco, by promoting citizens’ participation, engaging with administrative bodies, while stimulating positive and democratic change.

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« EU Regions Week »: join the debate and save the date for the online workshop “Boosting territorial recovery through innovative citizens’ participation” taking place on the 12th of October from 14:30 to 16:00. 

Registrations open on the 30th of August 2021!

The 19th edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities (#EURegionsWeek) – the biggest annual Brussels-based event dedicated to cohesion policy – will take place from the 11th to the 14th of October under the slogan « Together for recovery ». The event, organized by the European Commission’s  Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) and the European Committee of the  Regions (CoR), will bring together politicians, decision-makers, experts and practitioners of cohesion policy,  as well as stakeholders from business, banking, civil society organisations, academia, the EU institutions and the media to discuss common challenges for Europe’s regions and cities and examine possible solutions. 

As same as last year, we are thrilled to announce that the ALDA will have an active role in this unique communication and networking platform, joining as an official partner together with the European Partnership for Democracy with the workshop “Boosting territorial recovery through innovative citizens’ participation” which will take place on the 12th of October 2021 from 14:30 to 16:00.

Building on virtuous good practices the workshop will provide concrete examples of participatory processes

Citizens’ engagement in local governance has been proved to be crucial to pursue multidimensional goals, thus achieving sustainable and long-term results within a recovery process. The workshop will be a space of dialogue about the key role played by participatory processes in addressing people’s needs, boosting sustainable development processes at the territorial level. 

Involving citizens, local and regional authorities, civil society organizations and international networks, the session will address the most urgent challenges related to:

  • Environment;
  • Digitalisation;
  • Social inclusion and economy;

reflecting on how participatory approaches can boost the post pandemic relaunch of EU cities. 

Building on the rich experience of ALDA and European Partnership for Democracy, the workshop will stimulate an inspiring multi-stakeholder debate to commonly identify the societal needs that represent the main starting point to boost an effective and sustainable recovery-plan. Building on virtuous good practices in the fields of environment, digitalisation, social inclusion and economy, the workshop will provide concrete examples of participatory processes that – through the active involvement of local communities – have contributed to improve local governance.

In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and taking into account the restrictions related to health and security (social social security) the #EURegionsWeek 2021 will take place in a digital format. 

We invite you to give a look to the EU Regions Week Programme and to register to this and many other events!! The registration process will open on August 30th, 2021 and is completely free of charge, available exclusively through the event website!

***
To know more about DG REGIO please visit the website

Read more about  European Committee of the  Regions here 

More information on EPD at this link

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On August 3rd, the President of ALDA Oriano Otočan and Vice President Alessandro Perelli visited the Municipality of Brtonigla-Verteneglio, in Croatia.

There, they met with the delegate of the Local Democracy Agency based in the city, Umberto Ademollo and had a reception with the Mayor of Brtonigla-Verteneglio, Neš Sinožić.

Established in 1996, the LDA Brtonigla-Verteneglio is one among the very first LDA, which has always distinguished itself for being very active in the field of youth volunteering, among others.

Moreover, this visit also represented the occasion to further consolidate the already strong and long-lasting cooperation with the Municipality of Brtonigla-Verteneglio, whose Mayor expressed the wish to get more and more involved in ALDA projects that promote local development. Indeed, specifies Sinožić, the administration is deeply committed to strengthen the quality of services linked to local tourism and thus participating in projects and actions favouring the internationalisation and the promotion of the Municipality and stimulating the creation of partnerships and the exchange of best practices with municipalities having similar characteristics and goals.

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On July 27 2021, the final conference of the AGREED project – Activating Governance Reform for Enhancing Development, was organised.

The event was attended by Tsvetomir SVILENOV, Project Manager from the European Union Delegation, Larisa VOLOH Deputy, Mayor of Palanca village, Alexandru COICA, Coordinator of Eastern Partnership and Central Asia Countries (ALDA), Victor COTRUȚĂ, Coordinator of Eastern Partnership Countries (ALDA), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) representatives beneficiaries of grant projects, mayors, district councillors, secretaries.

The conference agenda focused not only on the results achieved by the AGREED project, but also on addressing the issues of improving local governance, sustainable development of localities, involvement of citizens at local level. Besides, during the three discussion panel, speakers focused on:

  • Issues of territorial administrative reform and decentralisation;
  • Models of training of natives in local development;
  • Current challenges of sustainable development at the local level and
  • Cooperation between civil society and Local Public Administration (LPA).

  This initiative succeeded in increasing the capacity of local LPAs and CSOs to consistently participate in the processes of ensuring good local governance and local development through joint actions

Mayors, local councillors but also by a deputy elected to the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, experts in the field and representatives of CSOs joined the event as well.

More into depth, participants mentioned that the project has achieved its planned results and most of its objectives with a few slight exceptions. Hence, this initiative succeeded in increasing the capacity of local LPAs and CSOs to consistently participate in the processes of ensuring good local governance and local development through joint actions, while involving citizens in local decision-making process, and mobilising communities and to implement projects.

The main activities and results of the project included:

  • Capacity building workshops for public authorities and representatives of the local associative sector. As a result, 1091 trained people, of which 742 participated in physical format and 349 online;
  • Supporting local development initiatives through the implementation of the LPA-CSO-citizens-business environment partnership. As a result, 19 local projects were supported, with a total budget of over 150 thousand Euros, which ensured the implementation of 26 community initiatives, including Transnistrian region and ATU Gagauzia;
  • Elaboration of the voluntary amalgamation methodology;
  • Development, publication and distribution of the brochures “Participatory Democracy” and “Community Development: Cooperation between Local Authorities and Civil Society”;
  • Creation of a training platform for capacity building of public authorities with interactive modules (E-Learning platform) and
  • Elaboration and dissemination of a video / audio spot, audio version – over 3000 broadcasts, video version – over 300 broadcasts.

Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the event was organised in hybrid format, about 75 participants attended the event. Yet, the event was a great succeeded, enjoying both the online and presence of the participants. As also said by participants: « We thank all those involved in this event and hope that the governance reform will come as soon as possible to improve the local development and strengthen the potential of LPA in the Republic of Moldova ».

ALDA is very much glad to the great achievements of this project, and the positive outcomes it has reached.

***
The project is implemented by the European Association for Local Democracy – ALDA, LDA Moldova, the University Legal Clinic and funded by the European Union

For more information, please visit www.agreed.md

The event registration can be found on the project’s Facebook page

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From 21 to 23 July the 1st « STAR Project » international meeting took place – in an hybrid form – in Arcugnano, having the onsite participation of 8 European delegations partner of the project coming from Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Italy, Latvia, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, The Netherlands. The remaining 6 European delegations from Albania, Germany, Serbia, Czech Republic, Kosovo and Poland attended the international event online.

On the first day, project’s parties and local authorities met to present both STAR initiative, and the consortium to Arcugnano citizens. The latter, which joined the presentation in a great number, were interested about the work carried out by the Municipality and welcomed the European delegations with enthusiasm.

More into details, the event took place in the main council hall, where the city Mayor Paolo Pellizzari welcomed the participants with an opening speech. Afterwards, Nadia Di Iulio, Project Manager of ALDA, presented the project to the public. Then, each STAR partner briefly presented its association as well as street art initiatives implemented at local level, aimed at the regeneration of a territory; while stimulating civic engagement. In addition, partners took this chance as a fruitful moment of sharing experiences, and getting to know each other better.

 Partners took this chance as a fruitful moment of sharing experiences, and getting to know each other better

During the second day, a technical meeting was held, where the parties discussed the participatory process carried out at the local level within the STAR project, the objectives achieved and the next future steps. 

After the meeting, a public press conference took place in the Council hall of the Municipality, on the importance and impact of street art in regenerating depressed areas and promoting social inclusion and targeted artistic and cultural associations. Based on the day 1 format, Mr Paolo Pellizzari opened the meeting; followed by Project Manager Nadia Di Iulio.

Among keynote speakers, who joined this second day of events:

  • Mr Antonio Ceccagno from Jeos Association talked about how street art contributes to urban regeneration of a territory, while involving different stakeholders;
  • Luis Gomez de Teran – artist – discussed the challenges of street art as an instrument of social cohesion. 

Finally, guided by the Mayor, together with Antonio Ceccagno and Nadia Di Iulio participants joined a guided tour of the murals. The tour of the artworks and the explanation was useful to understand the concrete importance of the project for the Municipality and its engagement.  Then, the STARproject partners moved to Città di Vicenza, where they were warmly welcomed by Caterina Soprana, Vicenza Municipality Councillor of civil and human rights and peace culture. Mrs Soprana congratulated the STAR partnership on this initiative and wished for future collaborations with the city of Vicenza.

On the third and last day of the meeting the associations and parties involved met to discuss the administrative aspects and last greetings. 

Despite the difficulties and although some partners had to participate online, due to covid-19 safety measures, the meeting was a positive experience for all parties involved and they worked together discussing various important for good practices and active citizenship  to build more inclusive and creative European communities

***
Useful information on: Municipality of Arcugnano

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To inaugurate this new series of in-presence events, we are glad to announce that this year ALDA is taking part into the General Assembly of the « International Association of French-speaking Mayors – AIMF ».

The Assembly takes place in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 18th to 22nd and follows an intense and stimulating agenda, animated by special guests and experts from all over the World.
While the Assembly itself is foreseen on Wednesday, the first day of conference is dedicated to the issue of gender equality in relation to family management: a sensitive topic, also related to health care management for young people in the Country and in general to the services offered by the Municipalities.

On Tuesday July 20th, the focus is more linked to ALDA’s core action, with a series of panel discussions on the relation between mayors and citizens and how this dynamic reflects on the urban management of French-speaking cities. In this vein, ALDA Secretary General, Ms Antonella Valmorbida, is taking the floor during the first panel, titled “Local government policies in phase with civil society: models of partnership between the municipality and civil society« .

A fruitful occasion of learning and sharing, for the advancement of good local governance all around the World

After listening to the Rwandans experience through the voices of local experts, Ms Valmorbida is giving an overview of participatory democracy and the dynamics of citizens participation in Europe and its Neighborhood, drawing from the experience and the best practices of the myriad of projects ALDA has been leading on these topics for the past 20 years.

In light of the recent, yet extremely promising, collaboration with AIMF, it is important for ALDA and its network to be involved in such an event, and getting to know better the mechanisms that regulate the functioning of communities in different places
This is crucial for the advancement of the work of ALDA and the elaboration of even more complete models for the support of local democracy all around the World, according to changing contexts and needs.

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Starting in 2008, and based on a bottom-up approach, the idea behind the Covenant of Majors is to gather together thousands of local realities committed to turn European legislation on climate and energy into concrete actions, such as EU 40% greenhouse gas-reduction target by 2030

With more than 10.000 signatories, and spread among 53 countries, the “Covenant of Mayors” is the world’s largest initiatives focusing on climate and energy actions.

The call ‘City in the Spotlight Awards’ is a great opportunity to showcase the progress made and become a reference example for the whole Covenant Community and beyond!

More in depth, the call is open until August 16th 2021, allowing cities and majors to share their experiences, progress and strategies as far as climate and energy legislation concerns.

Apply and let your city be a reference example for the whole Covenant Community

Specifically, requirements – such as only signatories that have committed to the 2030 mitigation and adaptation targets are eligible – applied. Nonetheless, this is a great occasion to participate, or to join the initiative and get ready for the next call. Concerning the winners, here is the ratio behind:

  • 1 small-sized signatory (<10,000 inhabitants)
  • 1 medium-sized signatory (10,000- 250,000 inhabitants)
  • 1 large-sized signatory (>250,000 inhabitants)

If you are interested in applying, please visit the website

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Since November 2019, in collaboration with ALDA, the Municipality of Arcugnano is leading the European project “STreet ARt project”, co-funded by Europe for Citizen Programme of the European Union. Aimed at building a network of European cities to promote street art as a tool for increasing citizens’ participation, the project is intended to – among others – to connect people of different cultures; regenerate depressed and abandoned areas, while reducing marginalisation.

From a general perspective, it involves participants from 14 European countries, such as: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Germany, The Netherlands. More specifically, from 21st to 23rd July the Municipality of Arcugnano is pleased to announce and host the first international event organized within the project: two days of exchanging experiences and thoughts regarding the role of street art in building more inclusive and creative European communities.

 Two days of exchanging experiences and thoughts regarding the role of street art in building more inclusive and creative European communities

The event takes an hybrid form, which see the onsite participation of nine European delegations partner of the project coming from Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and The Netherlands. The remaining five European delegations from Albania, Germany, Serbia, Czech Republic and Poland, will attend the international event online due to national covid related restrictions, preventing them from travelling abroad. 

Concerning the event, on the first day on 21st July, the Municipality of Arcugnano and its community will welcome the European “STreet ARt project” partners and the project will be officially presented to the community. During the second day, at 11.30, a public conference will be held in the Council hall of the Municipality. The conference will investigate the importance and impact of street art for regenerating depressed areas and promoting social inclusion. 

Relevant speakers will take part into the discussion:

  • Antonio Ceccagno – Italian street art expert and 
  • Luis Gomez – international street artists

Finally,it will be organized to exchange ideas and reflect on how street art can contribute to the regeneration of a territory and stimulate civic engagement. The conference is targeted to artistic and cultural civil society organizations, students and young generations. Participants will join a tour of city murales, after the conference. Along the 2 days event, the Municipality will additionally host an artistic residency in which the international street artist Luis Gomez will create a mural on the local school walls.

The participation to the conference is free (subject to availability)

Please register by filling the following form:  https://forms.gle/Jofgyet76y6VdGNj8

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For more information, please contact Nadia Di Iulio, Project Manager of the project STAR: nadia@alda-europe.eu

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When it comes to support and assistance, ALDA+ is among the well-experienced and skilled partner, with which carry out relevant projects. Thus, a great example is the collaboration with an outstanding international stakeholder. In fact, ALDA+ is currently supporting UNDP Turkey in developing a comparative assessment within the framework of the project LAR III, Local Administration Reform Project (Phase III).

The overall objective of the latter is to ensure effective, inclusive, accountable, and participatory local governance in Turkey, through support to further implementation of the local administration reform process undertaken between 2003-2013, in line with international standards

Strengthen the administrative capacity ensuring the effective implementation of the new local administration model

More in details, going deeper into the specific aims, the ad-hoc objective is to strengthen the administrative capacity ensuring the effective implementation of the new local administration model according to principles of democratic governance.

Concretely on the role of ALDA+, the latter is overseeing the organisation of online interviews on different services provided by some relevant European Municipalities, cities and towns in an exchange of best practices aiming at producing a comparative assessment for each service. On the agenda, the following topics will be at the core of this comparative exercise:

  • Water & Sewerage
  • Municipality Led – Enterprises

European towns and cities, Local Authorities interested in this great initiative are invited to contact us!

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ALDA + has always been able to provide valuable and professional courses on several topics, and this time is glad to present a new course!

Developed in collaboration with Progetto Sud – Trade Union Institute for International Cooperation promoted by UIL – the labour trade union –   this training will have a strong focus on “Development cooperation: design and management techniques and methodologies”, and it is planned to star in October 2021.

New course starting in October!

Experts and professional will be at your disposal during the course, which will last 80-hour and it will be divided into 5 modules:

  • module 1 – International development cooperation: actors, actions, themes
  • module 2 – Techniques, methodologies and tools for drafting development cooperation projects: a path to generate change
  • module 3 – EU Project management techniques: the management of a development cooperation project for lasting, sustainable and measurable change
  • module 4 – Financial reporting of projects: aspects, criteria and tools
  • module 5 – Working on a project proposal: reflection, analysis, processing and evaluation of the project idea

Do not miss this great occasion, and stay tuned: more information on the way!

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Migration and integration of non-European Union citizens (third country nationals) is a crucial issue of the European Union, but it is also a great resource, especially for the labour market. However, in 2019, the employment rate of Third Country Nationals (TCN) declined to 60%, some 13,8 points below the average for national citizens, with women and refuges struggling more. And even when they have a job, TCNs often work below their qualification and skills. Yet, the labour market integration of TCNs is a key element for their effective integration in European societies.

This idea is the spirit of the LIME project – a project ran by ALDA and several partners from France, Italy and Spain, which aims to promote and foster the swift integration of third country nationals into the labour market.

In order to do so, the project designed and developed a new approach: the Migrants Economic Integration Cluster (MEIC) approach. It aims to strengthen the cooperation and mobilisation of employers and social and economic partners through the activation of “cluster networks” at the local level, meaning a local multi-stakeholders network enabling to manage the multidimensional process of migrants’ integration.

Promote and foster the swift integration of third country nationals into the labour market

Recently, the project has released two useful papers to make this approach and the project’s results accessible and replicable in other local contexts:

– “A toolkit for designing cluster interventions”. This instructive document, and more especially the section 3 “How to activate and consolidate the MEIC Approach: some operational suggestions”, will give you the basics of this new methodology: how to engage institutional and private stakeholders, how to manage the cluster to respond to specific needs, how to ensure the long term sustainability in the context, and much more!

– An advocacy paper: “Implement in cluster: a new form of governance to empower social capital of local networks for Third Country Nationals’ labour inclusion.” This second document addresses several recommendations from the LIME project in order to foster the migrants’ labour inclusion, such as promoting the involvement of beneficiaries in the co-design of labour inclusion programs at the local level, recognizing the qualification recognition procedures for third country nationals, etc. You can read it in English, Italian and Spanish

Would you like to know more about the LIME project? Check the website

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On Tuesday 6th of July 2021, within the “Gruppo Scintilla” projects, locals had the occasion to jump into history and meet Antonio Pigafetta, a geographer and writer, who walked down the streets of Vicenza, back in the XV° century.  The association Pigafetta 500, together with ALDA, organised an event dedicated precisely to him. Being an “active citizen”,  more than 500 years ago, his actions positively affected the Italian history. Let’s find out why.

As recalled by Stefano Soprana – President of the association, this historic figure is still quite mysterious. Thanks to research and analysis, today we know that he took part in the first tour around the world, together with Magellano, with whom he had a strong and trustful relationship. More in detail, his  fame is related to the  journal he wrote during his adventure around the Earth, which still represents a milestone not only in history, but also in cuisine.

People from different generations gathered together in “Firenze street”, and let themselves be involved in this event

Hence, bringing back herbs and spices from his travel, Pigafetta brought innovation also in the daily routine of people. Inspired by this, the event was based on interaction with participants, who had to fill a world-picture, with different elements: from herbs to bark; from spices to sand. Kids, parents and grandparents, all together to play and get engaged in finding out more about this great traveller and writer.

People from different generations gathered together in “Firenze street”, and let themselves be involved in this event. Max, a guy living in this street, played music from his balcony; Igi, musician and storyteller, read some extracts from Pigafetta’s book. Storekeepers opened their shops, shared electricity and products with participants: everyone was there to join!

 The occasion also served as a moment of fundraising for the Scintilla Group, with which this event was related to.  After such a great day, ALDA looks forward to the next meetings which will take place on July 31st at 6 PM CET  at “Pampas – Il Giardino Inclusivo”. More information soon!

***
To know more about “Pigafetta 500” visit the website

Take a look at the picture, and follow Gruppo Scintilla

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The Rude Awakening project brings you back into history!

Within the “Rude Awakening” project, a videogame has been developed so that to both bring the younger generation back to the museum; and to learn about history.

After more than a year, ALDA together with all the partner of the project is glad to announce that the main output of this project is now ready to use.

The game retraces the life of soldiers during the First World War. Check it!

Realised by the Rome-based creative hub Centounopercento – 101% studios on the initiative of the Foundation Belvedere-Gschwent (Lavarone, Italy), the video game offers the possibility to undertake a multimedia journey to discover life « on the front line », to find out more about how historic events have influenced everyday life. Besides, it allows us to also reflect on the present in which we are living in. More in details, the game retraces the life of soldiers during the First World War, and it will be soon available at Forte Belvedere in Lavarone (Italy) from 19 August and from September in all the museum sites of the European project partners in Austria, Slovenia, and North Macedonia.

Last but not least, the video presentation of the game « The Rude Awakening », with Renzo Carbonera and Daniele Azara, respectively art and creative director of the project, is now available online.

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Take a look the video trailer in English

Read the press release (ENG)
Read the press release (IT)
Read the press release (MK)
Read the press release (FR)

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The AVATAR project (Alto Vicentino, Alleanza per Azioni in Rete) strongly believes in the importance of sharing and exchanging practices, activities and experiences with other organisations and networks whose projects are coherent with AVATAR objectives. To this end, we have launched a “Call for Best Practices on e-government and Open government” addressed to local authorities in the European Union and in the neighbouring countries.

Fill in the form to join the call

This initiative allows us to establish close relationships and contacts with new partners and projects, with the aim to promote collaboration among various local realities. From this it follows that, the overall goal is to foster greater coordination and harmonisation of activities and practices, benefitting both project, and the involvement of citizens of small realities in Italy and abroad.

Thanks also to the contribution and commitment of public administrators who strongly believe in digitalisation as a means to strengthen citizens’ participation in local self-government, by sharing and exchange of best practices we intend to increase the value of the AVATAR project itself.

Last but not least, digitalisation is an essential aspect when promoting a transparent and efficient relationship between citizens and public administrations.

The AVATAR project (Alto Vicentino, Alleanza per Azioni in Rete) strongly believes in the importance of sharing and exchanging practices, activities and experiences with other organisations and networks whose projects are coherent with AVATAR objectives. To this end, we have launched a “Call for Best Practices on e-government and Open government” addressed to local authorities in the European Union and in the neighbouring countries.

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We are pleased to inform you that ALDA has recently entered the network of Paesi dell’Acqua (PDA) (Lands of Water) Cultural Association. In line with its commitment in support of sustainable and green policies at local level, joining the PDA network represents for ALDA a chance to engage on a debate with other CSOs and LAs focusing on creating awareness towards the sustainable management of such an important resource as water. 

PDA – was established in 2015 as a natural consequence of a process developed in collaboration with the Municipality of Sassinoro (BN), in conjunction with the World Water Day created by the United Nations.

Development and protection of water resources by developing a national and international network

It aims to address the issue of development and protection of water resources by developing a national and international network of professionals able to collect good practices, to respond effectively to environmental criticality, to promote studies and research in order to develop a lively debate that would also involve the communities, a debate that effectively boosts participation and implementation of best practices characterised by innovation and development.

The Association is looking for developing effective collaborations with Municipalities, Associations, and other Organisations to create an intangible network committed to the protection of environment and sustainable management of water resources. This network – RETE DEI PAESI DELL’ACQUA (PDA Network) – will aim to effectively respond to territorial challenges, to promote initiatives, studies and research and to encourage a constant debate through the exchange of good practices and trigger innovative processes. 

The network is growing faster and has been joined by several international organisations brought together by the common purpose of taking care of water resources. Last but not least, every year PDA organises the public event ‘Sassinoro Paese dell’Acqua’, a forum on best practices about water management and environmental sustainability, which celebrates its  13th edition! The latter will take place from August 19th to 24th, 2021 in Sassinoro – BN (Italy). 

ALDA is very much glad to be part of this network, and it looks forward to share its knowledge when it comes to water management and green. Together for the planet!

***
To get more information about Paesi dell’Acqua, click HERE.

https://youtu.be/iLcx7VON1j8

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For the first time in recent history, something uncontrollable made us stop and think about the World in which we were living. During the long isolation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we all posed questions to ourselves on the reality in which we have been living, our lifestyle, and on the one we would like to live in, and build for our future. 

ALDA, as well, has been carrying on a deep and elaborated reflection aimed at ensuring the continuity of its activities and providing support to all its members and partners, even from a distance.

Thus, after a long break, on the 4th of July, ALDA Secretary General Antonella Valmorbida flew to Ukraine to deliver a series of trainings  within the programme “Platform for Good Governance and Environmental Protection”, financed by UNDP in Ukraine. 

ALDA: working for the people and with the people

More in details, Ms. Valmorbida is leading seven interactive and participative trainings, from July 5th until July 14th, on the following topics:

  • Raising awareness of professional competencies of representatives of local authorities and public leaders of target communities;
  • Creativity and innovation in local governance;
  • Responsible local governance: publicity, transparency, innovation and partnership

These activities, carried out in presence, are essential aspects of the overall mission of ALDA: working for the people and with the people. If on the one hand the above-mentioned trainings mark a small, yet important step; on the other, this achievement would have not been possible without a constant commitment of ALDA throughout 2020. Thus, the association and its staff managed to re-designing its projects, not by changing its objectives; on the contrary by re-scheduling its activities, events and methods.

ALDA, guided by its experiences and vision, has been able to successfully overcome this intense year, turning challenges into opportunities, and opportunities in reality… and now is finally ready to meet again its partners and friends!

Stay tuned for further updates!

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We are delighted to announce that on June 30th – at the General Assembly of the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) – Antonella Valmorbida has been reappointed as Chair of the organisation, for the upcoming 2 years. Together with Ms. Valmorbida, Anthony Smith, executive director Westminster Foundation of Democracy, has been appointed as treasurer; and Thijs Berman, Executive director of Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), as Vice- President.

Antonella Valmorbida has been reappointed as Chair of the organisation, for the upcoming 2 years

Besides elections, in lights of its role as a key player on EU democracy support, both vis-à-vis the EU Institutions and the member states, as well as the wider democracy support community, this year’s meeting had several key topics on the agenda, reflecting on the role of EPD in the near future.

With its seventeen civil and political society organisations as members from many states around the world, it comes with itself that the role of EPD is essential when stimulating citizens’ participation; social engagements and dialogue among different stakeholders.

ALDA staff is very much glad to hear this great news, and wish to all the Board of Directors, and colleagues at EPD the very best for its future.

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To know more: EPD website