On 14 December 2024, the Barcelona Provincial Council (Deputaciò de Barcelona – a proud #ALDAMember) hosted the inspiring conference “City Diplomacy in a World in Conflict”, bringing together global experts, local government representatives, and international organisations to explore the potential of city diplomacy amidst today’s complex global challenges.
Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy, contributed significantly to the second panel discussion, focused on “The role of city diplomacy in peace and conflict resolution; democracy, decentralisation and the guarantee of rights.”
In her intervention, Antonella emphasised that city diplomacy is a cornerstone of ALDA’s mission. Highlighting the success of Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs), she demonstrated how these permanent platforms foster collaboration between local authorities and civil society, addressing challenges through dialogue, inclusion, and shared innovation.
“Local democracy is where responsibility, innovation, and care for communities truly come alive,” she noted, urging participants to harness these principles to create impactful change.
Antonella also underlined the importance of empowering local actors to support peacebuilding, democratic governance, and the protection of rights, even in contexts of global uncertainty.
The conference, which included three panels, served as a dynamic platform for discussing the paradoxes of city diplomacy, especially during a time of geopolitical tension, shifting aid models, and recentralisation. Antonella’s participation reinforced ALDA’s dedication to promoting democracy and solidarity through active partnerships and local empowerment. The event was wrapped up by Maria Eugènia Gay, Vice-President and Deputy Delegate for International Relations and the 2030 Agenda of the Barcelona Provincial Council and Governing Board Member of ALDA.
This event exemplifies ALDA’s commitment to shaping a brighter future by fostering cooperation at the local level, further advancing the principles of democracy and inclusion in a rapidly changing world.