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The First Round of the Food Wave Call for Proposals directed to youth-led and small civil society organisations closed successfully! 21 proposals have been selected, involving 13 different countries and 25 territories.

The Food Wave Project, led by the Municipality of Milan together with 29 project partners (cities, municipal agencies and civil society organisations)  in 17 countries, aims at creating awareness on sustainable ways to consume and produce food for climate change mitigation and activate young people in their cities, in order to enable them to influence institutional decisions, so they can lead us to a sustainable global food system by 2030, with the involvement of global networks such as C40.

Within this framework, the Project, under the coordination of ALDA, with the collaboration of the project partners and in synergy with the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP), established a sub-granting scheme that will contribute to the Food Wave Project overall objective, supporting grass-root initiatives in the field of climate-friendly food consumption behaviours.

The selected proposals will directly involve about 6000 young people in 13 European countries implementing a wide variety of communication, promotion, dissemination and awareness raising initiatives but also training and learning by doing activities such as intercultural cooking workshops, gardening and planting workshops and creative activities like food museums, bike-parades, photo documentaries among many others!

The main themes that will be addressed are: Sustainable diets to reduce the impact on the planet and protect human rights, fight against food waste, sustainable food education and knowledge sharing/dissemination, local alternative food systems, local producer and territorial market, fight against climate change and equal access to healthy, sustainable and fairy food.

Through the territorial actions promoted by the selected applicants, the project is contributing to the SDGs localisation and to the implementation of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, with a specific focus on fighting hunger (SDG 2), contributing to economic growth and decent work opportunities (SDG 8), promoting responsible consumption and production patterns (SDG 12), building sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) and contributing to the climate action starting from the territorial level (SDG 13).

Here is a complete list of the selected organisations and their projects:

CountryTerritory of the project implementationName of the organizationTitle of the project
BelgiumMolenbeekBx -Jeunes  1080Fertile City
BelgiumBrugesJCI Brugge vzwRoad show for JCI EC Bruges 2022  
BulgariaSofiaReflektor FoundationSofia Neighbourhood
FranceStrasbourgStamtishWorld Food for Thoughts
HungaryBudabestFelelős Gasztrohős Alapítvány – Heroes of Responsible Dining FoundationGas Trial – interactive gastronomy related trial program for young adults
ItalyMilanRecup – Associazione di Promozione SocialeRecipes from the neighbourhood
ItalyTurinYOUth ConnectFrom Waster to Master
ItalyMilan, Zona 6, Quartiere Giambellino-LorenteggioAssociazione di Promozione Sociale Laboratorio di Quartiere Giambellino LorenteggioGiambellGarden
ItalyAosta (Aosta); Assisi (Perugia); Orvieto (Terni); Riva del Garda (Trento); Larino (Campobasso); Termoli.Associazione Italiana Giovani per l’UNESCOEDU project – Agenda 2030
ItalyMilan and FlorenceCHANGE FOR PLANET – YOUTH IN ACTION – APSEat Climate For breakfast
NetherlandsAlmereStichting ‘n Wilde Keuze (Translation: Foundation A Wild Choice)A Wild Choice: The Food Museum of today and tomorrow
NetherlandsAlmere, Turin, Milan, RomeStichting Slow Food Youth NetworkOn the wave: European youth changing the food system
PolandWarsawPolski Klub Ekologiczny Okręg Pomorski„Climate Eatucation”  
PortugalCascaisAssociação Juvenil Rota JovemEco youth citizens
PortugalEsposendeRio Neiva – Associação de Defesa do Ambiente / Rio Neiva – Environmental NGOThe museum of Food waste
RomaniaLasiERASMUS STUDENT NETWORK IAȘI – REȚEAUA STUDENȚILOR ERASMUS IAȘI (ESN Iași)The rise of the Food Hero
SloveniaMariborEntrepreneurial educational youth cooperative society EPEKA, ULTD, social enterpriseHealthy food for a healthy planet
SloveniaLjubljanaKomunikum, Inštitut za podatkovno povezovanje v medmrežjuCommunity garden Ljubljana
SpainMadridMar de TierrasFOOD JUSTICE ON ZERO WASTE BIKE CHALLENGE
SwedenÖrkelljungaHello YouthLet’s fight food waste

Don’t miss the next news, catch the wave!

Visit the official page of the Food Wave Project: https://www.foodwave.eu/join-the-wave/

Follow the project on Instagram and Facebook and to sign up to our newsletter to receive updated information about the project and the opportunities offered to be part of our international community of young people working to fight climate change shifting towards fair and sustainable food systems.

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On June 15th at the General Assembly of the French Network of the Anna Lindh Foundation in Marseille, ALDA and Les Têtes de l’Art were confirmed as co-heads of the network, following the election that took place in the previous days.

For the next two years, our two organisations will animate a network of more than 150 French member associations working on intercultural dialogue and related topics. Bringing together our expertise, we will support the development of the members by organising training sessions and activities ranging from exchanges, workshops and advocacy campaigns. ALDA, based in Strasbourg, will contribute with its experience in EU project development and management, as well as coordinating activities aimed to enhance citizens participation, good governance and local democracy. Les Têtes de l’Art, based in Marseille, has developed a strong knowledge of participatory arts practices, informal education, social and solidarity-based economy as well as youth participation and the use of media. ALDA and Les Têtes de l’Art have been collaborating in the last 2 years in various activities promoted by the French Network, previously led by Forum Femmes Méditerranée.

ALDA and Les Têtes de l’Art were confirmed as co-heads of the network

With this mandate, ALDA and Les Têtes de l’Art will join the other 41 Heads of National Networks of the Anna Lindh foundation (list available here), favouring international exchange and reinforcing the dialogue both with Anna Lindh Foundation and the European Union as the main donor of the Foundation.

Reflecting fully the Euro-Mediterranean dimension and the great potential of the French Network, we are both extremely motivated to accept this mandate and the stimulating challenge of reinforcing intercultural dialogue at the local, national and international level.

ALDA looks for this great collaboration, and it is motivated to work closely together for the best of this initiatives.

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Our office in Brussels is happy to announce that our co-working space is now open, and ready to be booked. Find yourself a spot at the core of the European quarter, and be surrounded by the European spirit. ALDA is more than glad to share its space with everyone, who is looking for a place to work, study and carry out activities.

Increasing citizen participation and the democratic level in different Western Balkans realities is the key point at the basis of the partnership between ALDA and CEI

How do you book your place? You can choose among 3 different options:

The plan foresees a key event in Skopje (North Macedonia) together with ALDA Skopje in 2023 and the presentation of the flagship initiative in Ukraine: the aim is to continue to expand LDAs range of action and strengthen their work. ALDA represents CEI’s key partner for its work in the Western Balkans: CEI Moldova representatives will also take part in ALDA Festival and General Assembly 2023 as an opportunity to further enhance this collaboration. 

hese events will be marked by a festive atmosphere as 2023 is the 30th Anniversary of the establishment of the first Local Democracy Agency Subotica in the Balkans: we look forward to celebrating the everyday activity of the LDAs and their delegates, the achievements of ALDA and the LDAs through the years, with the collaboration of our closest partners.

The choice of Trieste, regional capital of the “Friuli Venezia Giulia” Autonomous Region (🇮🇹) as the host of the meeting is symbolic as it remarks the formalisation of this long-lasting collaboration between the Region, ALDA and CEI. 

4 desks (whole room) →
600,00€ per month including:

  • the use of the whole room with 4 desks/workstations
  • internet without limits
  • use of the office phone
  • access to the printer
  • weekly cleaning service
  • access to the office kitchenette

2 desks →
350,00€ per month including:

  • the use of 2 desks/workstations in a 4-desks room
  • internet without limits
  • use of the office phone
  • access to the printer
  • weekly cleaning service
  • access to the office kitchenette

1 desk →
180,00€ per month or 
50,00€ per week including:

  • the use of  1 desks/workstations in a 4-desks room
  • internet without limits
  • use of the office phone
  • access to the printer
  • weekly cleaning service
  • access to the office kitchenette

The working space is located in Rue Belliard 20, 1040 – Brussels.

Please email us: aldabrussels@alda-europe.eu

ALDA staff in Brussels is looking forward to meet you!

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VALID project is taking us to Larissa – Greece! Among the 11 participants that virtually gathered together on June 9, 2021, there were members of the Municipality of Larissa; various other cultural entities such as NGOs, museums and associations. As many already knows, the VALID project – Enacting Common Values of Solidarity and Intercultural Dialogue – is designed to reinforce the integration of intercultural and social perspectives into a wide range of public policies. Hence, within this context the above-mentioned meeting has to be understood

This meeting served as a good cultural exchange experience for those involved, while paving the way for future meetings and moments of share

This meeting was hosted in order for participants to present their organisations and activities, while showing them the  details and specifics of “VALID” project. More into depth, several presentations, various activities, and ideas-sharing were among the different tolls used in order to present the project. After that, attendees discussed the “Mill of Pappas” Culture Hub; and, at the same time, they also explored possible mutual collaborative activities and partnerships after September of 2021.

Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 restrictions, according to which no more than 7 people were allowed in the municipal hall, the meeting was held online in order to allow anyone to join the event. Despite that, this meeting served as a good cultural exchange experience for those involved, while paving the way for future meetings and moments of share.

***
The event was co-funded by the Europe for Citizens Programme of the European Union

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The 15 members of ALDA Governing Board, including our President, Mr Oriano Otočan, gathered for their annual meeting on the eve of the ALDA General Assembly, in the afternoon of Thursday June 24th.

As often, this period of the year is the occasion to make the point on ALDA’s activities and to disclose and discuss key documents for the democratic life of the Association, passing towards the review and approval of the Governing Board.

The members of the Governing Board had then the opportunity and duty to discuss about core documents such as ALDA and ALDA+ accounts for 2020 and budget and program for 2021, which have been approved unanimously by all participants. Indeed, despite the challenging year that we leave behind us, the Association’s balance sheet showed an overall positive and promising situation.

Following all the Governing Board members started planning the preparation of the ALDA General Assembly

Following all the Governing Board members started planning the preparation of the ALDA General Assembly with a series of crucial decisions for the smooth progress of the Assembly, being the core event of the whole week.

All of them, along with the ALDA secretariat went through the documents and decisions to be discussed with our members on the following day, assuring a clear and detailed presentation of ALDA’s activities, going also through the internal reports drafted by the President, the Treasurer, and the Auditor of ALDA. Thereafter, the Governing Board members had the chance to enjoy the preview of both ALDA’s and the LDA’s Activity Reports.

The third and last part of the meeting was more centred on strategical and political issues, with the approval of the revised strategies for ALDA Going Global, general updates on the Local Democracy Agencies, on the members and on the upcoming events involving the Association.

Key decisions and discussion which paved the way to the awaited ALDA Ordinary General Assembly!

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ALDA is extremely proud to make part in the Anna Lindh Virtual Marathon for Dialogue with the project “Cross Border cooperation to strengthen the decentralisation process in response to the Covid-19 Crisis”.

Indeed, the whole month of June ALDA and its trainers have been engaged in the delivery of trainings and capacity buildings on advocacy techniques and communication tools to French and Tunisian civil society organisations.

The trainings were held respectively by Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General, and Elisabetta Uroni, Head of the Communication Department of ALDA.

Support Tunisia in addressing the problems encountered during its decentralisation process.

While the overall objective of the project was to shed light on the different roles of stakeholders in decentralisation, paying a particular attention to the part played by the State in these kinds of processes, the trainings aimed at providing local organisations with tools and knowledge to promote decentralisation and democratic principles in their local context.

As a result, the associations involved will have to launch an advocacy campaign through short video pills promoting democracy, rule of law, conflict resolution and culture of peace.

As mentioned, the reason of this action was to support Tunisia in addressing the problems encountered during its decentralisation process. One of the priorities, indeed, is to clarify the role of the State in the whole process of decentralisation, since many municipalities gave up the process because of political conflicts and lack of interest and involvement.

***
To know more about Anna Lindh Foundation, check the website

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With the occasion of 700th anniversary of the death of the epic poet Dante, within VALID project a meeting has been organised, in this Italian city of Ravenna, on June the 14th of 2021, were the poet is now resting in peace. During the event, the deputy councilor for Culture and representatives of Teatro delle Albe were invited. They were also joined by the citizens who attended the “CHIAMATA PUBBLICA” (Public call) initiatives of 2017 and 2019, to turn the words of the poet into arts, specifically as far as the “Hell” and “Purgatory “respectively concerns.

15 participants took part in various activities involving brainstorming and ideas-sharing. Specifically, two questions were given be they: “based on your personal experience which were the strengths for inclusion and dialogue?” and “please give some ideas and suggestions for the up-coming future”. Participants were also engaged with the creation of word clouds on different topics such as: connection between theatre and inclusion.

Artists and citizens involved with the project partners to further promote culture

People of various ages participating at the meeting, had the opportunity to both learn about the cultural contributions of the municipality; and to increase the feeling of belonging to a community, no matter the background. Dante’s work as a tool to stimulate dialogue and sharing among citizens and participants.

A third international meeting is scheduled for next September, also in Ravenna, and it will bring in artists and citizens involved with the project partners, all in order to further promote the culture of the municipality and the community.

ALDA is very much glad to travel around the cities of VALID, in fostering dialogue and social inclusion.

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On June 9th, ALDA held its 4th and International Capacity Building Workshop within LIME project. The aim of this online event was to discuss the following topic “Migrants’ Labour inclusion: Networks, Cluster Activation and Consolidation” at the European level. In order to do so, various speakers from Italy, Spain, France and Belgium took the floor to discuss two main topics:

  • The self-entrepreneurship and how to set-up a business;
  • The vocation training for migrants’ labour inclusion into the labour market.

Dolinda Cavallo, Project Manager of the LIME project at ALDA, moderated the event, making it participatory and alive through interactions; exchange of ideas;  and sharing of experiences from the participants especially as far as migrants’ labour inclusion concerns.

Besides, the workshop was also the opportunity to discover the LIME project in detail. Loredana Gionne, Head of Cooperation and Co-development Department from CIES Onlus, presented the project, the partners and the two pilot actions in Spain and Italy. The latter two countries highlighted the following good results:

  • In Madrid: 49 participants were trained in the catering sector, 10 were involved in the training on the job, 7 had a job contract after the training. In the end, 14 beneficiaries have found a job without the training on the job!
  • In Rome: 28 participants were trained in the soft skills, 5 trained in technical skills, 12 involved in the training on the job; 14 were involved in the enterprise path, 1 got involved in the national civilian service and last but not least, 1 start-up was established!

The event was the occasion to present the “MEIC – Migrants Economic Integration Cluster methodology”

Afterwards, the event was also the occasion to present the “MEIC – Migrants Economic Integration Cluster methodology” implemented in these two pilot projects and set up within the scope of the LIME project. Considering that half of the participants were not familiar with the concept of cluster and more particularly the “cluster network”, Folco Cimagalli, Full Professor of Sociology of Migrations at LUMSA University presented this paramount notion to promote the swift integration of migrants into the labour market. The presentation focused especially on how the pilot actions in Rome and Madrid implemented this concept and established sustainable clusters of private and public stakeholders.

Moreover, Rossana Cerbone from Confcooperative Roma tackled the issue of “Self-entrepreneurship and social enterprise”, by explaining the methodology and the training path developed by her association. During the pilot action in Rome, Confcooperative Roma identified two main start-ups that could turn into reality: a pastry shop and a cooperative. Specifically, Confcooperative Roma helped them to draft a business plan and to implement their projects. Besides, based on these two examples, the Cooperative illustrated the reasons why migrants should start their own businesses, and more particularly cooperative.

More into depth, access to funding represents a effective tools to allow migrants to create their own start-ups. This specific topic was discussed by David Taquin, from MicroStart. Thus, he introduced the work and missions of MicroStart in helping migrants to create their business while having access to funding. MicroStart works to overcome these obstacles through the implementation of supporting tools, individual coaching sessions, interest-free microcredits, and much more. In order to do so, Microstart has developed partnerships with several public and private stakeholders; which again highlights the importance of networks.

As above-mentioned, the second part of the event focused on “Vocational Training & Migrants labour inclusion into the labour market”. Ivan Toscano, from Cnos Fap, addressed the need to endorse a comprehensive multi-sectoral approach, while emphasising the potential of VET to foster third country nationals integration. Similarly, Margherita Valori from CIES Onlus illustrated the “good labour insertion methodologies”, insisting  on the use of a narrative and biographical approach when it comes to migrants’ labour inclusion. Furthermore, in order to guarantee the effectiveness of interventions, the following aspects are needed: monitoring actions, direct assistance actions, preventive actions, tutoring, and individual coaching.

The discussion then tackled the second country earlier-mentioned: Spain. Berta Ruisanchez from the Spanish association Pinardi, addressed the role of enterprises in improving the migrants’ labour inclusion, and how companies and NGOs should work hand in hand. She presented the toolkit developed by the association in order to raise awareness among enterprises about migrant workers, and to fight stereotypes that often appear as major obstacles to their good integration.

From Spain to France, we met Chloé Schmitt from Kodiko and discovered their “refugee-employee” co-training programme in companies. While presenting their approach, she also emphasised the importance of raising awareness among enterprises and providing them training about stereotypes, cultural differences, etc, and to link their actions with the concept of corporate sustainability and responsibility. The work of Kodiko relies on strong partnerships with enterprises, institutional actors and other NGOs; which was a perfect example of a cluster network.

To conclude the workshop, Cristiana Di Pietro from LUMSA University introduced the EU recommendation paper they will draft, and reminded us how these types of  workshops and shared moments are paramount to better understand how the model of cluster network can be improved and thus better used in the future to promote the swift integration of third countries nationals into the labour market.

ALDA is very pleased to host the LIME Project next meeting within its General Assembly week from June 19th until 25th 2021

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An intense week of events, conferences and debates marked the second half of June 2021. Thus, ALDA, in the occasion of its General Assembly week, launched its seven Working Groups (WGs) on:

  1. Democracy and Local Development;
  2. Environment;
  3. Digitalisation;
  4. Cooperation between CSOs and the Private Sector;
  5. Eastern Partnership/Russia and Central Asia Cooperation;
  6. South-Eastern Europe Cooperation and
  7. Middle-East, Africa and Turkey Cooperation

Thus, members’ participation and active engagement has always been a pillar within ALDA’s mission. With the creation of these seven clusters of interests, the idea is to foster dialogue and knowledge sharing among experts and professionals. Serving as a platform to develop ideas and valuable content, while starting from local experiences and  perceptions; WGs are more far-reaching. Thus, the latter are intended to have an impact at European level, such as: by supporting the digitalisation process within Europe; raising awareness as far as the environment concerns; and promoting exchange of good practices related to local governance.

The importance not only of the thematic themselves, but also the necessity to start at local level to then tackle the European one

Besides, thanks to its long experiences, ALDA has also defined three WGs on specific geographic areas in which it has great expertise on – be they Eastern Partnership, Russia and Central Asia cooperation; South-Eastern Europe Cooperation (SEE) and Middle-East, Africa and Turkey Cooperation (MEA). Hence, within ALDA there are three specific departments working on the above-mentioned areas; therefore the association is very much pleased to exchange on that, always looking at mutual sharing and growth.

Last but not least, considering the role of ALDA both as part of the Civil Society Convention; and as an interlocutor with the private sectors (especially within some projects such as SMELT )the association has considered the creation of a specific Working Group in order to empower cooperation between Civil Society Organisations and profit entities, while promoting fair and inclusive economic activities.

Considering the relevance of these Working Groups, their meetings are also visible on the Conference on the Future of Europe platform, so that to stress, once again, the importance not only of the thematic themselves, but also the necessity to start at local level to then tackle the European one.

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Over the last few months, ALDA, along with 75 membership-based organisations working at the pan-European level, has been actively working towards developing a Civil Society Convention on the Future of Europe serving as a key interlocutor with the EU institutions conveying the voice of citizens and civil society within the Conference for the Future of Europe (CoFoE).

These efforts have finally been acknowledged by the CoFoE executive board. While within the Convention work is well underway and members are about to undertake an extensive consultation campaign across their constituencies – reaching out to millions of citizens in all areas of life: from education to culture, social inclusive, environment, governance and transparency – without clear sight on the follow-up and consideration these major takeaways would be given to the CoFoE, the latter has just been officially endorsed to seat in the Plenary.

Plenary chairs have offered 5 out of the 8 seats reserved for civil society representatives to the Convention members

Indeed, the Plenary chairs have offered 5 out of the 8 seats reserved for civil society representatives to the Convention members, especially those of the Steering Committee ALDA is part of, to contribute to the meetings & debates alongside citizens and representatives from the others bodies and institutions involved.

This initiative, in addition to granting recognition to the work carried out by the Convention, demonstrates genuine consideration of the role of civil society as a representative of the citizens’ voice.

We invite all European associations and organisations to keep up with the Convention’s work and agenda, which beyond this ongoing representation, will ensure to deliver strong inputs upon the CoFoE conclusion.

Last but not least, ALDA is very pleased to inform you that, whether you are a single citizen, a CSO or a Local Municipality you can join us and be an active player within the Conference on the Future of Europe.

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Among others, two projects had a particular relevance during the whole ALDA General Assembly week.

Tackling two key topics also addressed by the Conference on the Future of Europe, namely migration and digital transformation, the spotlight was on the projects LIME – Labour Inclusion for Migrants’ Employment and DIGITAL – Supporting democratic union and active citizenship in digital era.

After the official opening event, the BUK Festival of Modena hosted an interactive panel discussion on the “Roles and responsibilities of migrants inclusion in the labour market”. The event was opened by Dolinda Cavallo, LIME project manager, who gave an overview of the overall project’s achievements and illustrated the MEIC methodology. MEIC – Migrants Economic Migration Cluster aims at facilitating the inclusion of Third Country Nationals into the labour market based on a multi-stakeholder approach and the creatin of cluster networks.

Education, training and employment are at the core of the program, thus we really hope LIME project and its result will give a tangible contribution towards the achievement of the set goals

Following, the public in presence and the audience online listened to the experiences of Francesca Capuozzo, activist and lawyer, who gave an overview on the national and European policies on the matter. The last two speeches were held by Elena Tanzi, member of the Volunteer Association “Porta Aperta Modena” and Francesca Dallatana, managing the training and job placement area of Ciac Onlus Association.

On Monday June 21st, online this time, we had the chance to participate to the LIME final conference: after 2 years of activity the project, led by CIES onlus, came to its end. The event was introduced by ALDA Secretary General Antonella Valmorbida, who presented the main results and saw the participation of numerous keynote speakers.

Among them we underline the participation of some of the project’s beneficiaries who presented their experience as part of pilot projects implemented in Rome (Italy). Whithin this framework they attended a series of training on soft-skills improvement and entrepreneurship thanks to which they succeeded in finding a job

Finally, we highlight the intervention of Angelique Petrits, European Commissioner Policy Officer, who described the newly implemented action plan on integration and inclusion 2021-2027. Education, training and employment are at the core of the program, thus we really hope LIME project and its result will give a tangible contribution towards the achievement of the set goals!

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Not only migration. The whole General Assembly week was marked by several discussions concerning the issue of digitalisation, digital transformation, and the impact of new technologies in the lives of citizens and in democratic processes.

Such topics were mainly discussed through the project DIGITAL – Supporting democratic union and active citizenship in digital era during the two events which took place on Tuesday 22 and Thursday 23 June.

Both happening online, the Opening session and the first webinar of the 4th international event titled “The Future is Digital”, were deeply linked to the Conference on the Future of Europe with insights aimed at analysing how the digital revolution we are living will, eventually, affect democracy.

After an introduction by Lisy Piter, ALDA and DIGITAL project manager, panelists – Virgilio Dastoli, President of the European Movement Italy, Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General and Gilles Pelayo, Head of Units, Europe for citizens programme – EACEA – focused on the challenges addressed by digitalisation to the European Union and its functioning, on one side and the strengths such a transformation is bringing in terms of services’ improvement in the everyday life of European citizens, on the other.

The speakers from the second webinar – Rait Pihelgas, Member of the European Committee of the Regions; Ruth-Marie Henckes, Advocacy and Communications Coordinator – European Partnership for Democracy; David Frautschy Heredia, Director for European Government and Regulatory Affairs – Internet Society; Sofia Caiolo, Project Management Coordinator of ALDA-focused on the future and the impact of the current digital revolution on the citizens, civil societies organization and the European Union (see the Agenda)

The whole General Assembly week was marked by several discussions concerning the issue of digitalisation, digital transformation, and the impact of new technologies in the lives of citizens and in democratic processes

On  Thursday 23 June, the participants were invited to an overview on 3 topics linked to the digital revolution: Youth, Local authorities and Food.

The second day was divided into three webinars. The first one, “A youth digital future” – with  Francesca Passudetti, Head of the Italian Y20 delegation and delegate of Young Ambassadors Society; Thomas Trevisan, Membership Officer – Young Professionals in Foreign Policy Brussels; and Janis Fifka, International board member of European Youth Parliament – opened dialogue among civil society organisations working with young people, to understand their vision on a digital future where youth would represent the prevalent stakeholder.

Consequently during the second webinar of the day, the talk shifted to a more practical and broader level, addressing citizens as a whole, to investigate how local authorities are exploiting new technologies to improve the lives of citizens in terms of services’ accessibility. Jonathan Wofsy, Maire de Chevry-cossigny (France) and Pascal Goergen, Alderman for Citizen Participation, Civil Status, Population, Digital Transition, Digitalisation, International Relations and Partnerships of the municipality of Grez- Doiceau (Belgium) were presented in the discussion to share with us their experiences (see the Agenda)

Digital food: a more sustainable food on our plates? Was the topic of the last part, to investigate how new technologies can support the establishment of a more sustainable pattern, limiting or cancelling the negative footprint our production and consumption models have on the environment. Helping us in understanding the issue there were Isabelle Albert, Autor of  « Tech it green. Transformation numérique et transition écologique : construire la double révolution du 21e siècle », COO of Satgana,  Doris Marquardt, Programme officer from the European Commission in Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development – Unit B2 – Research and Innovation, Isabelle Piot-Lepetit, Economist at INRAE (l’Institut national de la recherche agronomique) and Deputy Director of the InstitutConvergences Agriculture Numérique, and Sébastien Weykmans, Managing Director of WalDigiFarm.

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On the occasion of the opening event of the 2021 edition of the BUK Festival, held on Saturday 19th June at « Laboratorio Aperto – Ex AEM » in Modena; ALDA – together with the European Federalist Movement and the European Planning Office of the Municipality of Modena – tackled the issue of culture in the European context. Culture as an added value, as a transversal value that unites, that creates future. Precisely the latter was a key aspect of the debate: considering the Conference on the Future of Europe as an opportunity to write together the Europe of tomorrow.

Panelist of the conference, moderated by Francesco Zarzana – Artistic Director of BUK festival and Vice-President ALDA, were:

  • Antonella Valmorbida – Secretary General of ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy;
  • Giorgio Anselmi – President of the European Federalist Movement and the Institute of Federalist Studies « Altiero Spinelli »;
  • Antonella Buja – Head of the European Projects Office, International Relations and Coordination of Complex Projects of the Municipality of Modena; and
  • Giuseppe Caruso – Senior Project Manager Office for European Projects, International Relations and Coordination of Complex Projects of the Municipality of Modena.

Culture as an added value, as a transversal value that unites, that creates future

The four speakers shared the vision according to which culture, be it the common past or the shared present, representS for Italy and for Europe itself a source of rebirth and a stimulus to create a unitary European future.

Thus culture, brilliantly expressed by the many small and medium-sized publishers active at the local level and participating at BUK Festival, opens up to the European context.

Moreover, on the occasion of the opening event, ALDA welcomed the Municipality of Modena as its new member, and thanked Andrea Bortolamasi – Councillor for Culture, Municipality of Modena, for the valuable contribution given to the opening conference of the BUK Festival.

The latter, finally, marked the start of the 2021 ALDA General Assembly. The next events on the calendar, live-streamed from the different ALDA venues, such as Strasbourg and Brussels, will focus on the European context, the Conference on the Future of Europe, and its many facets: from digital to migration.

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BUK Festival – Programme

Municipality of Modena

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On June 11ͭ ͪ 2021, a local activity « Coffee with the President » was realized in Niksic, in which the President of the Municipal Assembly, Mr Nemanja Vukovic, participated. The event was attended by representatives of the Municipality of Niksic, as well as the of state institutions, the NGO sector, entrepreneurs, representatives of the academic community and media and interested citizens. More in details, among the citizens and participants there were:

  • 5 representatives of the Municipality of Niksic,
  • 2 representatives of state institutions,
  • 15 representatives of the NGO sector,
  • 8 representatives of the media and
  • 1 representative of entrepreneurs.

Promoting a culture of dialogue and solidarity in the Municipality of Niksic

The event was of an interactive type and all participants have joined in the discussion. The topics discussed were related to the resolution of the issue of unemployment in the Municipality of Niksic and proposals for solving this problem and improving the transparency of the work of the Municipality, while promoting a culture of dialogue and solidarity. In addition to the topics envisaged by the agenda, participants initiated a conversation on topics related to environmental protection, out of the politic in local communities, the position of the Roma and Egyptians populations, cultural creativity and the like.

Over 50 questions were asked and more than 20 initiatives and 10 proposals to solve current problems, which are burdening the citizens of Niksic were sent. The President of the Municipal Assembly answered all the questions; while promising that he would consider all initiatives and proposals to work together. A model of future cooperation between the city and the civil sector and citizens has been agreed, preconditions have been created for good cooperation between representatives of the NGO sector, citizens and decision-makers.

This initiative was part of the VALID Project

DOCUMENTS

  • No documents available

Over the course of the 15th and the 16th of June of 2021, the VALID project organized their second intercultural event: the Intercultural City Exchange, hosted in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, though held online over zoom. The focus is on a local level, specifically with the purpose of finding connections between groups and creating an exchange of culture, such as through cities, cultural ideas, etc.

As well as this, ideas were shared around during the runtime of the conference and suggestions were given in terms of what can be done for cultural minorities, migrants, etc. to promote inclusiveness, cultural dialogue, and building a network of towns. The zoom meeting was also divided into breakout sessions that discussed local ways of participating and suggestions, and polls were done in order to gauge the opinions and knowledge of participants.

The event in Novo Mesto was productive and helped to share interesting ideas for cultural promotion

Possible expectations and suggestions given further increase participation, inclusion, motivation, etc. for recipients and prove to be beneficial. General things encouraged include creating things such as NGOs and consultative bodies for cultural minorities/migrants, encourage those who have the right to vote, promoting art and creativity, flexibility, approaches such as personal and “here and now” approaches, among other things.

Among the discussion topics covered was also things that are already done for promotion of inclusion, such as daily centers (mostly for children,) activities and classes for kids and adults (such as language, IT, work help, etc.), workshops, year-wide cultural events, and more. It was also made clear that there will be future international events held across other countries.

Overall, it can be said that this event was productive and helped to share interesting ideas for cultural promotion. Of course, more events like this will be held.

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The VALID project is a bottom-up approach for promoting inclusion and cultural dialogue among people, and the purpose of this meeting was to facilitate that, with several speakers giving presentations with examples of local development, including people from various cultural projects, NGOs and other associations.

DOCUMENTS

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ALDA is very pleased to share updated information on the implementation of the project within the programme “Platform for Good Governance and Environmental Protection”, financed by UNDP Ukraine.

Froom a broad perspective, the overall aim of the project is to develop and strengthen the institutional capacity of:

  • Local authorities;
  • Representatives of civil society organisations of pilot communities in community governance, public influence on decision-making, and
  • Implementation of good governance policy using the principles of participatory democracy.

More into depth, the project envisages the delivery of 12 trainings and 12 round tables. Starting with the topic of the first training, the latter took place on June 14th -16th and it was entitled “Introduction of e-democracy in local governance and receiving feedback from the community”.

The overall aim of the project is to develop and strengthen the institutional capacity

The training was attended by 22 representatives from the Local Public Authorities of Luhansk and Donetsk Oblast of Ukraine and by representatives of Civil Society Organisations. Representatives from:

  • UNDP Ukraine;
  • Luhansk and Donetsk Oblast Administrations and
  • ALDA

were among keynote speakers. As far as the second topic concerns, be it “Good governance: clear and transparent reporting by local authorities”, the training was attended by 21 representatives from the same territorial communities.

Overall, training sessions are based on relevant examples from international and national practice, focused on the development of professional competencies of local authorities’ leaders such as: leadership and effective team management skills; the ability to identify problems and set tasks for their solution using tools of time and crisis management. Moreover, throughout the project, each participant has to work on one idea or project (success story) s/he is willing to implement in his/her communities. In order to develop this tasks, participants will be assisted by trainers during the Coaching Sessions, providing also practical advice.

Antonella Valmorbida – Secretary General – and ALDA will also support participants by providing valuable knowledge and tools, while leading several trainings, happening at the beginning of July. This is just the beginning of a great project, more updates in the upcoming months.

DOCUMENTS

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Join ALDA for being involved in the Conference on the Future of Europe 

This year, on May 9th we celebrated the “Europe Day”, but that day also marked the beginning of one of the most remarkable happenings of our democratic history: the launch of the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE), with an opening session held – in hybrid format – at the European Parliament, in Strasbourg.

Yet, what is the Conference on the Future of Europe?

The Conference (CoFoE) represents the opportunity for all European citizens to discuss and debate on both challenges and priorities, and discuss on the future path that Europe should follow. Thus, the idea behind it is that all three institutions – be they European Parliament; Council and Commission – will listen to European citizens, their ideas and proposals as far as the future of Europe concerns.

Still one question remains: “How can people actively join the Conference?”

Based on a bottom-up and citizens-oriented approach, citizens can both take part in several conferences and events, divided into topics. Starting from the multilingual digital platform citizens will have the possibility to share their ideas; organise events while joining some of them already available at the participatory space online.

More, the European citizens’ panels, organised by the European Commission, will bring together representatives in terms of citizens’ age, socioeconomic background, gender and origins; they will gather regularly and provide inputs to the Conference Plenary.

Till the end of the Conference, we have the possibility to propose the EUROPE THAT WE WANT !

ALDA will give you the opportunity to be part of the Conference, by raising your voice and the voices of citizens to make Europe the one we want.

The key topics to be addressed are :

  • Climate change and environment
  • Health
  • A stronger economy, social justice and jobs
  • The European Union stronger in the world
  • Values, rights, rule of law and security
  • Digital transformation
  • European democracy
  • Migration
  • Education, culture, youth and sport
  • Other ideas

 If you are a local authority:

  •  You can join ALDA and participate to our projects and be part of our Working groups, which are officially registered as consultations in the official website of the European Commission
  • You can get in touch with ALDA for assistance with the registration to the official CoFoE Platform, organise an event, elaborate recommendations. We will help you to raise your voice. Tell us what you are interested in by filling-out this FORM or writing an email to alda@alda-europe.eu

 If you are an association or a civil society group:

  • You can join ALDA and participate to our projects and be part of our Working groups, which are officially registered as consultations in the official website of the European Commission
  • You can get in touch with ALDA for assistance with the registration to the official CoFoE Platform, organise an event, elaborate recommendations. We will help you to raise your voice. Tell us what you are interested in by filling-out this FORM or writing an email to alda@alda-europe.eu

 If you are a citizen:

  • You can be part of a consultation, present your proposal and engage in discussions on one or more of the key issues mentioned above. If you are interested in playing an active part in the consultation process set up by ALDA please fill-out this FORM and indicate your field(s) of interest.

For more information, write an email to alda@alda-europe.eu

ALDA, beside the Working Groups involving the members, is planning, in cooperation with the programme of the Committee of the Regions and the Bertelsmann Foundation, a series of consultations that will take place in the upcoming months and will be officially registered in the CoFoE Platform.

Moreover, ALDA is one of the Steering Committee members of the Civil Society Convention for the future of Europe which is represented with 5 seats at the Plenary of the Conference and which is gathering several times to collect ideas and suggestions of European Citizens, including your idea, as well!

ALDA is also organising series of events and consultations thanks to its networks and in particular with the European Movement International, the European Movement Italy, the European Movement France and the European Federalist Movement of Italy.

ALDA looks forward to the Conference on the Future of Europe, as a concrete occasion to restart, to improve and to strengthen Europe together with its citizens!

DOCUMENTS

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On June 11th 2021, the group of young people engaged in youth CSOs from Knjazevac had a meeting with the representative of the local governance, the Deputy Mayor Mr. Branislav Josifovic. The topic of the activity was participation of youth in the decision-making on the local level, as well as the presentation of the recommendations for the improving the quality of life of young people in Knjaževac.

Prior to this meeting, a street action was organized, where young activists asked the citizens to vote on their recommendations and to add their suggestions. In the document presented to the local authorities, there were four recommendations for improving the quality of life for young people in municipality of Knjazevac that had the most votes:

  1. to establish a youth centre,
  2. to create more opportunities for recreational sports,
  3. to have a counselling program for young people and
  4. to have more cultural and entertaining activities for youth, organized according to their interests.

Four recommendations for improving the quality of life for young people in municipality of Knjazevac

The conclusion of the meeting is that the recommendations largely concur with the activities planned by the local government for the coming period. A space that would be intended for young people is also planned, and which should be established at the beginning of next year. The deputy mayor stated that the local government will consult with young people when planning the next activities, and invited them to address him directly with questions and suggestions concerning young people.

The activity was a part of the project VALID – European Cities – Strengthening Common Values of Solidarity and Intercultural Dialogue funded by the Europe for Citizens program.