📣 The Agenda of the Event is OUT! Discover it here. 📣

In the ever-evolving landscape of local democracy, active citizenship, and global cooperation, ALDA emerges as a dynamic force. Through participative methodologies and decentralised cooperation, ALDA empowers local communities in Europe and beyond. With a core mission of building bridges between local authorities and communities, the Association plays a pivotal role in fostering dialogue and collaboration that transcends borders. This commitment positions ALDA as a local facilitator with global impact, illustrating how grassroots activities can catalyse transformative change on a global scale.

The eagerly awaited ALDA Festival and General Assembly 2024 is set to become a landmark event, marking a significant milestone in the Organisation’s relentless pursuit of its mission and impact. Taking place from May 13 until 15, 2024, and scheduled to unfold in the city of Barcelona, Spain, this assembly strategically aligns with the Barcelona European Capital of Democracy (ECoD) initiative, amplifying the resonance of its mission.

SAVE THE DATE : ALDA Festival and General Assembly 2024 will take place from May 13 to 15 in Barcelona, Spain!

This annual General Assembly holds particular significance as it marks the elections for a new Governing Board mandate, setting the direction for ALDA until 2028, with also a renewed Strategy for the next 4 years.

The event will also acquire special significance because it will take place the month before the European Parliament elections of 2024 scheduled for June 6-9 of the same year. The proximity to these crucial elections enhances the relevance of the General Assembly, creating a dynamic context where discussions, insights, and strategies formulated during the event can contribute meaningfully to the broader European democratic landscape.

The ALDA Festival and General Assembly 2024 – “Local Democracy for Global Impact” will allow attendees to explore synergies between local and European levels of governance. This alignment reinforces the commitment of ALDA to fostering connections between citizens, local authorities, and the broader European context, ultimately contributing to the Organisation’s mission of promoting local democracy to ensure resilience.

The General Assembly, designed to be a three-day immersive experience, promises an engaging and thought-provoking programme. The event will cover key topics strictly related to ALDA’s Thematic Hubs among which citizens engagement, migration, gender equality, human rights and youth engagement. In addition, it will also embrace an international perspective by touching many geographical areas among which are the Mediterranean, Africa, Western Balkans, Europe and more. The ALDA Festival and General Assembly 2024 will represent the meeting point and discussion of local activities carried out on a global scale. Among the highlights are meetings with Barcelona students, thematic workshops, and international events. The agenda includes panel discussions featuring ALDA members and partners, as well as a captivating photo exhibition showcasing memories from Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

Building on the success of the previous ALDA Festival and General Assembly in 2023, which drew over 200 participants from Europe and beyond, the 2024 edition seeks to elevate the experience. The theme, “Local Democracy for Global Impact,” reflects ALDA’s commitment to creating a lasting impact on a global scale. 

ALDA, at the heart of empowering communities, invites all stakeholders to attend and/or to follow this celebration of local democracy in Barcelona. Together, let’s shape the future of local democracy and cooperate towards a global impact.

We invite you to stay tuned to this page for continuous updates and unfolding details about the programme. The dynamic nature of the event means that new insights, speakers, and sessions will be added, providing you with real-time access to the evolving agenda. We encourage you to check back regularly to ensure you don’t miss any exciting developments. 

If you would like to participate REGISTER HERE !

DISCOVER THE AGENDA HERE!

We are updating the programme daily, so continue to check the Agenda from time to time!

In a testament to its commitment to fostering resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities, ALDA is spearheading the establishment of LDA Kharkiv (Ukraine). 

In a recent meeting concerning the opening of LDA Kharkiv, held on December 4th 2023, the ALDA Task Force in Ukraine, composed of Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General, Mr. Bartek Ostrowski, Consultant for LDAs’ development in Ukraine and Mr. Andrea Michelini, project manager in ALDA met with Ms. Tetiana Yehorova, President of Kharkiv Oblast (Ukraine), Mr. Christian Debeve, Chairman of the Cross-border, Europe and International Relations Committee of Région Grand Est to discuss the potential opening of LDA Kharkiv and to sign the cooperation protocol between the Grand Est Region and the Kharkiv Oblast. 
ALDA Secretary General, Mrs. Valmorbida presented ALDA’s initiative and its significance in supporting democratic aspirations.

Building on the success of LDA Odesa, the opening of LDA Kharkiv aims to make a significant impact on local governance amid challenging times

The recent inauguration of LDA Odesa marked a historic moment for the city and Ukraine as a whole. The event, held on November 17, 2023, symbolised a collaborative effort between local governments in Ukraine and European Union member states. The initiative is a crucial step towards establishing seven new Local Democracy Agencies in Ukraine, aligning with ALDA’s flagship initiative.

The LDAs in Ukraine serve as stabilising and cohesive instruments in communities affected by conflict. Kharkiv, actively engaged in war operations, requires urgent humanitarian assistance and collaborative efforts to address the impact on its infrastructure and services.

The establishment of LDA Kharkiv is not only a response to immediate needs but a strategic initiative to strengthen local governance structures amid the ongoing conflict. ALDA remains dedicated to its vision of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities, actively contributing to Ukraine’s path toward a brighter future. Stay tuned for further updates on this extraordinary journey towards greater cooperation, stronger local democracy, and enduring partnerships.

The recent International Conference “A Wider European Community: The Importance of Local Governance, A roadmap for the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine on the road for EU accession” was held in Skopje, North Macedonia, on October 19 and 20, 2023. 

The conference was organised by the European Association for Local Democracy – ALDA in partnership with the Macedonian Ministry for Foreign Affairs. It was financially supported by the Central European Initiative, the Council of Europe, and its Center of Expertise for Local Government Reform, and the EU.

The two-day event gathered over sixty participants, including government officials, representatives from international and local organisations, diplomats, professors, and experts. They exchanged their views on the challenges and opportunities linked to EU integration in the regions in focus.

Challenges and opportunities linked to EU integration

The conference highlighted the significance of local governance, public involvement, and collaboration in the EU integration process, as key factors in building inclusive, progressive, and peaceful societies. 

The participants highlighted the need for effective collaboration and shared initiatives among Western Balkan countries, Moldova and Ukraine to address common challenges and encourage good neighbourly relations, and stressed the importance of regional cooperation in challenging times. 

The collaboration between local authorities and civil society organisations was emphasised, suggesting that this partnership, grounded in a shared vision, can bring meaningful changes starting at the local level.

The event concluded with a celebration of 30 years of Local Democracy Agencies in the Western Balkans. The LDAs’ positive impact on stability, development, and democratic governance was showcased, emphasising the success story arising from conflict aftermath towards European integration.

Commitment to societies of inclusion, progress and peace

The conference participants affirmed their commitment to the objectives discussed during the event. Their vision imagines a future where strong local governance contributes to a more inclusive and united European community, with the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine progressing towards EU membership.

The conference promoted cooperation, transparency, and inclusive decision-making for regional growth and successful EU enlargement. As local efforts merge into national and international actions, the empowerment of local democracy remains pivotal in building a brighter European future.

On 9 and 10 November 2023, the Forum of Local Governments of the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States took place at the Auditorium of the Industrial School of Barcelona (Spain), with the aim to strengthen the political dialogue between the EU and Latin America.

In the framework of EU-CELAC Summit of Heads of State and Government (Brussels, July 17 & 18, 2023), the initiative was organised by the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) and the Barcelona Provincial Council, with the support of the Secretary of State for International Cooperation of the Government of Spain, the Council of Municipalities and Regions of Europe (CMRE), Mercociudades and other local governments networks.

Throughout the event, several speakers and elected and technical representatives of local governments, national and international local authorities, as well as academic and foundation members from both parties met and discussed the framework of regional relationship and cooperation.

Mr. Marco Boaria, Director of Programs and Corporate Strategy at ALDA – the Association for Local Democracy – and CEO of ALDA+, took part in this high-level event, fostering the need to enhance the role of civil society and local authorities in the bi-regional dialogue.

We firmly believe in the active role of local governments and democracy in the renewed EU-CELAC strategy

Together with our members and partners from Barcelona (Spain), we cooperate to improve the connection between both regions and share the common values of democracy and local development.

The event ended with the adaptation of the Final Declaration which emphasised the importance of territories and communities involvement in the New Agenda for Relations between the EU and Latin America.  

Furthermore, parties specifically acknowledged “the role of local government associations from the two regions in coordinating and creating alliances in the localisation of the new agenda in order to strengthen the partnership between the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean”.

We firmly believe in the active role of local governments and democracy in the renewed EU-CELAC strategy, which is now under the radar of ALDA for its possible contribution and future involvement in the region.

Follow our website to know more about our activities concerning good governance and citizen participation at the local level.

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Il Vice Presidente del Consiglio e Ministro degli Affari Esteri, On. Antonio Tajani, si è recentemente espresso in una significativa lettera in occasione della “Conferenza Internazionale sul Sostegno Decentrato alle Comunità Ucraine: Il Ruolo dei Comuni di Media Dimensione e l’Approccio Territoriale,” tenutasi a Vicenza (Italia) il 23 e 24 Novembre 2023. Organizzata da ALDA ed ALDA Italia APS – Associazione di Promozione Sociale, in collaborazione con il Comune di Vicenza, con il supporto di U-LEAD with Europe e Central European Initiative e patrocinata dal Comitato Europeo delle Regioni, la conferenza non ha potuto vantare la presenza fisica del Ministro ma quella virtuale delle sue idee e progetti.

Nella sua lettera, l’Onorevole Tajani ha ringraziato gli organizzatori per l’invito a partecipare a un evento di così grande rilevanza, sottolineando che questa iniziativa si inserisce nel contesto del solido sostegno del Governo italiano all’Ucraina e al suo percorso di ricostruzione, sia materiale che sociale.

Il Ministro ha ribadito il forte impegno dell’Italia al fianco del popolo ucraino, evidenziando un supporto a 360°: militare, umanitario, finanziario ed economico ed annunciando che l’Ucraina sarà uno dei temi prioritari durante la Presidenza italiana del G7 il prossimo anno che prevederà anche una grande conferenza internazionale organizzata nel 2025 in Italia.

Un punto chiave della lettera è stato il riconoscimento del ruolo fondamentale del settore privato in questo processo: il Ministro ha sottolineato la convinzione che l’Italia, con il suo robusto tessuto di piccole e medie imprese, può contribuire in modo significativo a questo obiettivo e a quello della tutela del patrimonio culturale, nell’ambito del quale ha annunciato il patrocinio italiano per la ricostruzione di Odessa, in collaborazione con le Autorità ucraine.

In conclusione, l’On. Antonio Tajani ha espresso la sua soddisfazione per il valore attribuito alle iniziative delle città italiane nella conferenza e ha augurato a tutti i partecipanti un buon lavoro, confermando il forte impegno dell’Italia nel sostenere le comunità ucraine e contribuire alla loro rinascita.

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Italy’s Strong Support for Ukrainian Communities: Minister Antonio Tajani’s Message

The Vice President of the Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Antonio Tajani, recently conveyed a significant message on the occasion of the “International Conference on Decentralised Support for Ukrainian Communities: The Role of Medium-Sized Municipalities and the Territorial Approach,” held in Vicenza, Italy, on November 23-24, 2023. Organised by ALDA and ALDA Italia APS, with the support of the Municipality of Vicenza, U-Lead with Europe, the Central European Initiative and patronised by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), the conference could not boast the physical presence of the Minister but his virtual participation brought forth his ideas and projects.

In his letter, Hon. Tajani expressed gratitude to the organisers for the invitation to participate in an event of such great significance. He emphasised that this initiative is part of the context of the strong support of the Italian Government for Ukraine and its path of reconstruction, both in material and social terms.

The Minister reiterated Italy’s strong commitment alongside the Ukrainian people, highlighting comprehensive support: military, humanitarian, financial, and economic. He announced that Ukraine will be one of the priority themes during the upcoming Italian Presidency of the G7 next year, which will also include a major international conference organised in Italy in 2025.

A key point in the letter was the acknowledgment of the fundamental role of the private sector in this process. The Minister underscored the belief that Italy, with its robust network of small and medium-sized enterprises, can contribute significantly to this goal and to the protection of cultural heritage. Within this framework, he announced Italian sponsorship for the reconstruction of Odesa in collaboration with Ukrainian authorities.

In conclusion, Mr. Antonio Tajani expressed his satisfaction with the value attributed to the initiatives of Italian cities in the conference and wished all participants success, confirming Italy’s strong commitment to supporting Ukrainian communities and contributing to their rebirth.

ALDA+, the benefit corporation owned by ALDA – the Association for Local Democracy, continues its commitment to providing training and technical assistance globally, targeting diverse stakeholders, including local authorities and civil society.

Indeed, on 15 November 2023, a workshop titled “Fundraising and NON-EU Funding” was held in Prague (Czech Republic), with the aim of exploring and improving understanding of fundraising from private donors and showing best practices for effective collaboration.

Hosted by the Agora Central Europe Association – a civic organisation fostering communication between local governments, central government bodies and citizens – (#ALDAmember) the training served as a platform to learn techniques for monitoring relevant resources and preparing successful projects.

Throughout the session, several practical examples illustrated how partnerships can serve as gateways to new ideas, projects, collaborations, and growth.

Support of civil society, capacity building and skills promotion are core elements of ALDA and ALDA+

During the event, Mr. Marco Boaria, CEO of ALDA+ and Director of programmes and corporate strategy in ALDA, shared the Association’s experience in fundraising and non-EU funding strategies, focusing on the key phases of the process:

• Preliminary scouting: analysing databases and newsletters
• Monitoring: developing an action plan
• Approach of potential donors: studying, initiating contact, first submission, and feedback
• Drafting a strategy: outlining the project’s timeframe, activities, budget, support, and attractiveness

The workshop not only offered insights into these phases but also provided participants with tips, considerations, and project examples in order to facilitate the learning process.

The support of civil society, capacity building and skills promotion remain at the core of ALDA and ALDA+ mission.

Stay updated on ALDA’s initiatives and opportunities by following our activities closely.

On 15th November 2023, LDA Kosovo organised a conference in the Municipality of Peja (Kosovo), centred around the European Label of Governance Excellence Programme, funded by the Council of Europe, and marking the 30 years of Local Democracy Agencies in the Western Balkans.

Titled “Successful Story from Conflict Aftermath Toward European Integration,” panelists, including Ms. Xhenet Syka, Director of the Municipal Department for Culture, Youth, and Sports in the Municipality of Peja, Mr. Maurizio Camin, Director of Associazione Trentino con i Balcani, and Mr. Vullnet Sanaja, Director of Anibar, discussed their collaboration with the LDAs. They highlighted their longstanding partnership with LDA Kosovo, dating back to before its official opening in 2011. The panel was moderated by Ms. Sanja Trpkovska project manager working in ALDA Skopje Office.

Conference participants and guests took a retrospective journey, delving into implemented projects and their impact on the citizens of Peja. ALDA and LDA Kosovo have played a pivotal role in constructing bridges between municipalities, advocating for good governance and local democracy not just in Kosovo but across the entire Balkan region. This task was not always straightforward, given the evolving society; however, the outcomes are evident, showcased by the robust connections formed through partnerships between organisations and local authorities.

These collaborations will persist in the future, forging even stronger ties between citizens of the Balkans, the EU Neighborhood, and beyond.