ALDA Summer School Diary – Day 3
The final day of the ALDA Summer School on Local Democracy centered on Ukraine, addressing the profound challenges faced by local governments and civil society amid ongoing conflict and efforts toward recovery. The agenda for the day brought together key Ukrainian figures such as municipal officers, ALDA representatives, and international experts to discuss resilience, social cohesion, and the future of civic spaces in fragile contexts.
The day began with a series of keynote addresses on the theme of “Mariupol and Resilience.” Vadym Bojčenko, Mayor of Mariupol, delivered a powerful video message, reflecting on the resilience of his city in the face of extraordinary adversity. Following him, Olha Pikula, Councillor from the Mariupol City Council, provided further insights into the ongoing challenges and the determination of local leaders to rebuild and support their communities. “The case of Mariupol can be useful to understand the effort to rebuild democracy despite the difficulties of the war” – said Ms Pikula. She then described two among the several ongoing projects for Mariupol’s reconstruction: “Mariupol housing” which by the next year will provide more than 2000 houses and “Mariupol reborn”, a project to revive the city by 2040.
The morning continued with a keynote address by Olha Oliinyk, Deputy Head of the Secretariat of the Vinnytsia Regional Association of Local Self-Government Bodies. Ms Oliinyk, who joined the School online, highlighted the crucial role that local governments and civil society groups play in maintaining democratic governance and community support during times of crisis. She emphasised the need for robust communication and external relations strategies to ensure continued support for Ukrainian municipalities.
After a brief coffee break, the focus shifted to a panel discussion on “Social Cohesion and Community Resilience.” This session, moderated by Anastasiia Buslaieva, ALDA Ukraine LDA Coordinator, brought together several prominent Ukrainian experts. Inna Volkova, an ALDA Governing Board member, and Khrystyna Kvarstyana, ALDA’s Representative in Ukraine, both joined online, sharing their perspectives on fostering community resilience under challenging circumstances. Tetiana Lomakina, Delegate LDA Mariupol, and Olha Pikula also contributed, discussing how local initiatives can strengthen social cohesion in the face of ongoing disruptions.
Following lunch, the afternoon panel addressed “Civic Space Challenges in Fragile Contexts: Strategies for Inclusive Governance.” Abdelaziz Bouslah, Director of the ALDA Tunis Office and Africa Regional Officer, led the discussion, focusing on the strategies necessary to protect and expand civic spaces in regions affected by conflict and instability. The panel provided valuable lessons from various international contexts, emphasizing the importance of inclusive governance as a foundation for long-term resilience.
The day concluded with a closing ceremony, where participants reflected on the insights gained and discussed the next steps for continuing the work initiated during the summer school. Certificates were awarded to participants, marking the end of a meaningful and impactful event.
The final day of the ALDA Summer School underscored the critical role of local democracy and civil society in sustaining communities through times of crisis, particularly in Ukraine. As the event came to a close, the discussions held throughout the day served as a reminder of the resilience and determination of local leaders and the importance of international support in their efforts to build a more stable and democratic future.