When exchange is key: the LADDER Tool Fair between global citizenship and SDGs

The understanding of SDGs and DEAR projects, the exchange on methodologies and lessons learnt, and the direct engagement of citizens and communities contributing to development: this is the LADDER Tool Fair!
***
Organised on 10-12 May in Toruń, Poland, with the great support of the Region Kujawsko-Pomorskie, the Tool Fair has been opened by a plenary session chaired by Mrs. Imislawa Gorska, Vice-President of ALDA.
Among panellists, the Vice-Marshal of Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region, Mr. Zbigniew Ostrowski, who mentioned the importance of cooperation between Local Authorities and Civil Society Organisations, as a practice to better achieve results, but also the essentiality of creating connections, from transports to dialogue, from education to environment: “All kind of connections are essential and must be improved, cause an open city is an open society”, he said.
Mr. Jan Hofmolk, Deputy Director at the Eastern Division, Plenipotentiary of the Minister for the Eastern Partnership in the Polish MFA, stressed as well the importance of the joint cooperation of LAs and CSOs: “Local Authorities are those who can efficiently shape this generation, while the role of grass root organisations is essential since they are the ones who can help us in getting actively involved in the promotion of SDGs”. And he added: “Civil Society Organisations have the crucial role of communicating, and we need them to communicate the goals of the Eastern Partnership. We need them to prepare future generations to execute policies and take responsibility for the implementation of SDGs”.
A global perspective on what goes on in our societies and the state of affairs regarding the implementation and promotion of the SDGs was provided by Mr. Harm-Jan Fricke, Consultant in Development Education and Global Learning, who put the accent on the commitment that needs to be invested in the processes activated by DEAR projects, that often require several years to show results.
A permanent open space for the LADDER Tool Fair and exchange of practices has been set in one of the main rooms, giving the opportunity to share materials, ideas, and networking with people directly engaged in the implementation of DEAR projects and SDG-related activities. More than 170 participants attending the events had the opportunity to get to know the SDGs-related activities developed within our network.
Among participants, also some Citizen Journalists of the LADDER initiative joined the activities, getting inspired by the topics discussed and getting closer to DEAR projects and SDGs. Aim of their participation was to provide them with the opportunity of meeting the whole network, gathering new ideas and information for their future works in the field.
The opening ceremony has been followed by 6 different workshops providing important reflections and exchange of methodologies, addressing the following topics:
1. Best practices of Global citizenship in the formal education sector
2. Best practices of Global citizenship in the non-formal education sector
3. Empowering citizens and creating an enabling environment
4. Reaching out to citizens: the example of Local Democracy Agencies
5. Increasing ownership of SDGs: research findings on development education
6. Reaching out to citizens: local actors in action (Category A Co-applicants)
On the stage of the Dwor Artusa, hosting the LADDER activities in Toruń, also the theatre play “In a Better World” had its enormous success. “An example of how it is possible to represent SDGs through art. And this is the best way, since nobody is indifferent to emotions trigged by art” said a participant at the end of the play.
The event was closed by the Closing Ceremony and Presentation of LADDER results, where Mr. Oriano Otočan, President of ALDA, Mr. Leszek Świętalski, Secretary General of URC RP, Mr. Mger Kuiumchyan, Deputy Head of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council, and Mr. Dirk Bocken, Coordinator of Round Tables from GENE, shared their impressions and wishes to foster these actions, ensuring a continuity and making them as much as possible sustainable in the future.
The events of LADDER project have been organised back to back with ALDA General Assembly 2017.
Useful links:

The understanding of SDGs and DEAR projects, the exchange on methodologies and lessons learnt, and the direct engagement of citizens and communities contributing to development: this is the LADDER Tool Fair!
***
Organised on 10-12 May in Toruń, Poland, with the great support of the Region Kujawsko-Pomorskie, the Tool Fair has been opened by a plenary session chaired by Mrs. Imislawa Gorska, Vice-President of ALDA.
Among panellists, the Vice-Marshal of Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region, Mr. Zbigniew Ostrowski, who mentioned the importance of cooperation between Local Authorities and Civil Society Organisations, as a practice to better achieve results, but also the essentiality of creating connections, from transports to dialogue, from education to environment: “All kind of connections are essential and must be improved, cause an open city is an open society”, he said.
Mr. Jan Hofmolk, Deputy Director at the Eastern Division, Plenipotentiary of the Minister for the Eastern Partnership in the Polish MFA, stressed as well the importance of the joint cooperation of LAs and CSOs: “Local Authorities are those who can efficiently shape this generation, while the role of grass root organisations is essential since they are the ones who can help us in getting actively involved in the promotion of SDGs”. And he added: “Civil Society Organisations have the crucial role of communicating, and we need them to communicate the goals of the Eastern Partnership. We need them to prepare future generations to execute policies and take responsibility for the implementation of SDGs”.
A global perspective on what goes on in our societies and the state of affairs regarding the implementation and promotion of the SDGs was provided by Mr. Harm-Jan Fricke, Consultant in Development Education and Global Learning, who put the accent on the commitment that needs to be invested in the processes activated by DEAR projects, that often require several years to show results.
A permanent open space for the LADDER Tool Fair and exchange of practices has been set in one of the main rooms, giving the opportunity to share materials, ideas, and networking with people directly engaged in the implementation of DEAR projects and SDG-related activities. More than 170 participants attending the events had the opportunity to get to know the SDGs-related activities developed within our network.
Among participants, also some Citizen Journalists of the LADDER initiative joined the activities, getting inspired by the topics discussed and getting closer to DEAR projects and SDGs. Aim of their participation was to provide them with the opportunity of meeting the whole network, gathering new ideas and information for their future works in the field.
The opening ceremony has been followed by 6 different workshops providing important reflections and exchange of methodologies, addressing the following topics:
1. Best practices of Global citizenship in the formal education sector
2. Best practices of Global citizenship in the non-formal education sector
3. Empowering citizens and creating an enabling environment
4. Reaching out to citizens: the example of Local Democracy Agencies
5. Increasing ownership of SDGs: research findings on development education
6. Reaching out to citizens: local actors in action (Category A Co-applicants)
On the stage of the Dwor Artusa, hosting the LADDER activities in Toruń, also the theatre play “In a Better World” had its enormous success. “An example of how it is possible to represent SDGs through art. And this is the best way, since nobody is indifferent to emotions trigged by art” said a participant at the end of the play.
The event was closed by the Closing Ceremony and Presentation of LADDER results, where Mr. Oriano Otočan, President of ALDA, Mr. Leszek Świętalski, Secretary General of URC RP, Mr. Mger Kuiumchyan, Deputy Head of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council, and Mr. Dirk Bocken, Coordinator of Round Tables from GENE, shared their impressions and wishes to foster these actions, ensuring a continuity and making them as much as possible sustainable in the future.
The events of LADDER project have been organised back to back with ALDA General Assembly 2017.
Useful links:

by admin

Bitola then and now – Students use photography to show the footprints that World War I left in Macedonia

World War I was one of the biggest wars in history of humankind.

***

Around 70 million soldiers were recruited. The Macedonian front was formed in 1915 and remained until 1918. The remnants of the war can be seen even today.

Students from “Josip Broz Tito” high school in Bitola were involved in a project about the remembrance of the WWI recently. Five high schools from the country were included in the project realized by ALDA Skopje (European Association for Local Democracy) and financed by the British Embassy in Skopje.
The students from Bitola prepared a series of photographs of their home town during the war and now. The photos show how Bitola has changed in the period of 100 years and they show the damage that the buildings took during the war. This piece of news was also published on Bored Panda.


Bitola hier et aujourd’hui – Des étudiants utilisent la photographie pour montrer les empreintes de la Première Guerre mondiale en Macédoine.

La Première Guerre mondiale est l’une des plus importantes guerres de l’histoire de l’humanité.

***
Près de soixante-dix millions de soldats ont été recrutés. Le front macédonien s’est formé en 1915 et a demeuré jusqu’en 1918. Les vestiges de la guerre sont encore visibles aujourd’hui.

Des étudiants du lycée « Josip Broz Tito » de Bitola ont été impliqués dans un projet sur la mémoire de la Première Guerre mondiale. Cinq lycées du pays ont participé au projet réalisé par ALDA Skopje (Association européenne pour la démocratie locale) et financé par l’Ambassade britannique de Skopje.

Les étudiants de Bitola ont préparé une série de photographies de leur ville, durant la guerre et de nos jours. Les photos montrent comment Bitola a changé en cent ans et révèlent les dommages infligés aux bâtiments durant la guerre. Cette information a également été publiée sur Bored Panda.


Bitola un tempo e oggi – Gli studenti usano la fotografia per mostrare le tracce che la prima guerra mondiale ha lasciato in Macedonia

La prima guerra mondiale è stata una delle guerre più epocali della storia dell’umanità.

***
Sono stati reclutati circa 70 milioni di soldati. Il fronte macedone è stato costituito nel 1915, ed è stato operativo fino al 1918. Ciò che resta della guerra è visibile ancora oggi.

Gli studenti della scuola superiore “Josip Broz Tito” a Bitola, Macedonia, sono stati recentemente coinvolti in un progetto sul ricordo della prima guerra mondiale. Cinque scuole superiori del paese sono state incluse nel progetto realizzato dall’ufficio di ALDA a Skopje,  finanziato dall’Ambasciata britannica a Skopje.

Gli studenti di Bitola hanno preparato una serie di fotografie rappresentanti la loro città natale durante la guerra e adesso. Le foto mostrano come Bitola è cambiata nell’arco di 100 anni, e i danni causati agli edifici durante la guerra. Questo articolo è stato pubblicato anche su Bored Panda.


Битола тогда и сейчас – студенты используют фотографию, чтобы показать следы Первой мировой войны в Македонии

Первая мировая война была одной из самых крупных войн в истории человечества.

***
Было призвано около 70 миллионов солдат. Македонский фронт был сформирован в 1915 году и просуществовал до 1918 года. Отголоски войны можно услышать и сегодня.

Студенты средней школы «Иосипа Броз Тито» в Битоле недавно участвовали в проекте, посвященном памяти Первой мировой войны. Пять высших школ страны были включены в проект, реализованный офисом ALDA Скопье (Европейская ассоциация местной демократии) и финансируемый британским посольством в Скопье.

Студенты из Битолы подготовили серию фотографий своего родного города во время войны и сейчас. На фотографиях показано, как Битола изменился за 100 лет, и они показывают ущерб, нанесенный зданиям во время войны. Эта новость также была опубликована в Bored Panda.


Bitolj nekada i sada – Studenti kroz fotografiju pokazuju tragove I Svetskog rata u Makedoniji

Prvi svetski rat je bio jedan od najvećih ratova u istoriji čovečanstva.

***
Oko 70 miliona vojnika je bilo regrutovano. Makedonski front je formiran 1915. godine, a ostao je sve do 1918. Ostaci rata mogu se videti i danas.

Studenti iz srednje škole “Josip Broz Tito” iz Bitolja su nedavno bili uključeni u projekat sećanja na Prvi svetski rat. Pet srednjih škola iz Makedonije su bile deo projekta koji je realizovala ALDA Skoplje (Evropska asocijacija za lokalnu demokratiju) a finansijski podržala Britanska ambasada u Skoplju.

Učenici iz Bitolja su pripremili niz fotografija njihovog rodnog grada nastalih tokom rata i sada. Fotografije pokazuju kako se Bitolj promenio u periodu od 100 godina kao i štetu koje su zgrade pretrpele tokom rata. Ova vest je objavljena na sajtu Bored Panda.

بيتولا في الماضي والحاضر – طلبة يستعملون الصور لإبراز التداعيات التي خلفتها الحرب العالمية الأولى على مقدونيا

 

الحرب العالمية الأولى هي من أفضع الحروب في تاريخ البشرية

***

تمت تعبئة ما يقارب 70 مليون جندي. كما أن الجبهة المقدونية, التي أنشئت سنة 1915, بقيت إلى غاية 1918. ويمكن مشاهدة آثار هذه الحرب إلى غاية اليوم.

شارك تلاميذ من مدرسة “جوزيف بروس تيتو” الثانوية, ببيتولا, في مشروع تمحور حول استعادة ذكرى الحرب العالمية الأولى إلى غاية تاريخ ليس بالبعيد. شاركت خمس مدارس ثانوية, تمثل مختلف مناطق البلاد, في المشروع الذي أنجزته ألدا (الجمعية الأوروبية للديمقراطية المحلية) بسكوبيو, والذي سهرت على تمويله السفارة البريطانية بسكوبيو.

تولى عدد من التلاميذ ببيتولا إعداد سلسلة من الصور الفوتوغرافية تمثل مدينتهم خلال فترة الحرب والوقت الراهن. كما توضح هذه الصور كيف تغيرت بيتولا خلال فترة المائة عام وتوضح الأضرار التي لحقت بالمباني خلال فترة الحرب. كما تم نشر هذا الخبر على موقع حيوان البندا الذي أصابه الملل (Bored Panda)

World War I was one of the biggest wars in history of humankind.

***

Around 70 million soldiers were recruited. The Macedonian front was formed in 1915 and remained until 1918. The remnants of the war can be seen even today.

Students from “Josip Broz Tito” high school in Bitola were involved in a project about the remembrance of the WWI recently. Five high schools from the country were included in the project realized by ALDA Skopje (European Association for Local Democracy) and financed by the British Embassy in Skopje.
The students from Bitola prepared a series of photographs of their home town during the war and now. The photos show how Bitola has changed in the period of 100 years and they show the damage that the buildings took during the war. This piece of news was also published on Bored Panda.


Bitola hier et aujourd’hui – Des étudiants utilisent la photographie pour montrer les empreintes de la Première Guerre mondiale en Macédoine.

La Première Guerre mondiale est l’une des plus importantes guerres de l’histoire de l’humanité.

***
Près de soixante-dix millions de soldats ont été recrutés. Le front macédonien s’est formé en 1915 et a demeuré jusqu’en 1918. Les vestiges de la guerre sont encore visibles aujourd’hui.

Des étudiants du lycée « Josip Broz Tito » de Bitola ont été impliqués dans un projet sur la mémoire de la Première Guerre mondiale. Cinq lycées du pays ont participé au projet réalisé par ALDA Skopje (Association européenne pour la démocratie locale) et financé par l’Ambassade britannique de Skopje.

Les étudiants de Bitola ont préparé une série de photographies de leur ville, durant la guerre et de nos jours. Les photos montrent comment Bitola a changé en cent ans et révèlent les dommages infligés aux bâtiments durant la guerre. Cette information a également été publiée sur Bored Panda.


Bitola un tempo e oggi – Gli studenti usano la fotografia per mostrare le tracce che la prima guerra mondiale ha lasciato in Macedonia

La prima guerra mondiale è stata una delle guerre più epocali della storia dell’umanità.

***
Sono stati reclutati circa 70 milioni di soldati. Il fronte macedone è stato costituito nel 1915, ed è stato operativo fino al 1918. Ciò che resta della guerra è visibile ancora oggi.

Gli studenti della scuola superiore “Josip Broz Tito” a Bitola, Macedonia, sono stati recentemente coinvolti in un progetto sul ricordo della prima guerra mondiale. Cinque scuole superiori del paese sono state incluse nel progetto realizzato dall’ufficio di ALDA a Skopje,  finanziato dall’Ambasciata britannica a Skopje.

Gli studenti di Bitola hanno preparato una serie di fotografie rappresentanti la loro città natale durante la guerra e adesso. Le foto mostrano come Bitola è cambiata nell’arco di 100 anni, e i danni causati agli edifici durante la guerra. Questo articolo è stato pubblicato anche su Bored Panda.


Битола тогда и сейчас – студенты используют фотографию, чтобы показать следы Первой мировой войны в Македонии

Первая мировая война была одной из самых крупных войн в истории человечества.

***
Было призвано около 70 миллионов солдат. Македонский фронт был сформирован в 1915 году и просуществовал до 1918 года. Отголоски войны можно услышать и сегодня.

Студенты средней школы «Иосипа Броз Тито» в Битоле недавно участвовали в проекте, посвященном памяти Первой мировой войны. Пять высших школ страны были включены в проект, реализованный офисом ALDA Скопье (Европейская ассоциация местной демократии) и финансируемый британским посольством в Скопье.

Студенты из Битолы подготовили серию фотографий своего родного города во время войны и сейчас. На фотографиях показано, как Битола изменился за 100 лет, и они показывают ущерб, нанесенный зданиям во время войны. Эта новость также была опубликована в Bored Panda.


Bitolj nekada i sada – Studenti kroz fotografiju pokazuju tragove I Svetskog rata u Makedoniji

Prvi svetski rat je bio jedan od najvećih ratova u istoriji čovečanstva.

***
Oko 70 miliona vojnika je bilo regrutovano. Makedonski front je formiran 1915. godine, a ostao je sve do 1918. Ostaci rata mogu se videti i danas.

Studenti iz srednje škole “Josip Broz Tito” iz Bitolja su nedavno bili uključeni u projekat sećanja na Prvi svetski rat. Pet srednjih škola iz Makedonije su bile deo projekta koji je realizovala ALDA Skoplje (Evropska asocijacija za lokalnu demokratiju) a finansijski podržala Britanska ambasada u Skoplju.

Učenici iz Bitolja su pripremili niz fotografija njihovog rodnog grada nastalih tokom rata i sada. Fotografije pokazuju kako se Bitolj promenio u periodu od 100 godina kao i štetu koje su zgrade pretrpele tokom rata. Ova vest je objavljena na sajtu Bored Panda.

بيتولا في الماضي والحاضر – طلبة يستعملون الصور لإبراز التداعيات التي خلفتها الحرب العالمية الأولى على مقدونيا

 

الحرب العالمية الأولى هي من أفضع الحروب في تاريخ البشرية

***

تمت تعبئة ما يقارب 70 مليون جندي. كما أن الجبهة المقدونية, التي أنشئت سنة 1915, بقيت إلى غاية 1918. ويمكن مشاهدة آثار هذه الحرب إلى غاية اليوم.

شارك تلاميذ من مدرسة “جوزيف بروس تيتو” الثانوية, ببيتولا, في مشروع تمحور حول استعادة ذكرى الحرب العالمية الأولى إلى غاية تاريخ ليس بالبعيد. شاركت خمس مدارس ثانوية, تمثل مختلف مناطق البلاد, في المشروع الذي أنجزته ألدا (الجمعية الأوروبية للديمقراطية المحلية) بسكوبيو, والذي سهرت على تمويله السفارة البريطانية بسكوبيو.

تولى عدد من التلاميذ ببيتولا إعداد سلسلة من الصور الفوتوغرافية تمثل مدينتهم خلال فترة الحرب والوقت الراهن. كما توضح هذه الصور كيف تغيرت بيتولا خلال فترة المائة عام وتوضح الأضرار التي لحقت بالمباني خلال فترة الحرب. كما تم نشر هذا الخبر على موقع حيوان البندا الذي أصابه الملل (Bored Panda)

by admin

Thank you for making ALDA General Assembly a real success!

Over 170 participants from the enlarged Europe attended the General Assembly 2017 of ALDA and its related events, hosted by the region Kujawsko-Pomorskie (Poland) in Toruń on 12 May. The region is indeed in the frontline for the promotion of local democracy and citizen participation, is active member of ALDA, and supports the Local Democracy Agency Georgia.

***

“The event is among the top biggest in the history of Toruń”, said the Marshal of Kujawsko-Pomorskie Piotr Całbecki during the initial press conference on 10 May, and he added “In these challenging times for Europe, the cooperation between ALDA and local and regional authorities is key to foster good local governance and citizens’ participation”.
Kujawsko-Pomorskie Vice Marshal Sławomir Kopyść opened the Assembly by welcoming the participants, highlighting the commitment of the region in international cooperation and decentralisation, as well as its strong cooperation with regions all over Europe and beyond. The President of ALDA, Oriano Otočan, thanked the region for the warm welcome, stressing how important it is to capitalize on the experience of Poland, a country leading in the path towards decentralisation. Because of its best practice empowering local and regional authorities, it is not a coincidence that Poland during the last programming period was incredibly successful in attracting EU structural funds. It is crucial to share this results in other countries where ALDA operates, where local and regional governments do not have enough decision-making power.
The Assembly was chaired by Sylwia Tubielewicz-Olejnik, Director of the Department of International Relations of the hosting region. During the Assembly, the budget and the programme of activities of the Association were approved. Furthermore, the political document “ALDA addressing the challenges of today and tomorrow – Local democracy and citizens’ participation at the core of the European project” was adopted, which calls European institutions to change EU policies in order to increase their outreach towards citizens, local governments and civil society, in order to address the distrust between European citizens and institutions, thus reinvigorating our common project.
This year, the scholarship in memory of ALDA Honorary President Gianfranco Martini is awarded to Mr. Klodjan Sefaraj, from the University of Tirana, Albania, for his work on Local Democracy in Albania, titled “Albania stands at a crossroads regarding its local democracy”.
The event was also the occasion to welcome new members of ALDA, over 60 since last General Assembly. Diplomas of membership by ALDA, for civil society organizations, and by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, for local and regional governments, were awarded to those attending.
Before the Assembly, the Governing Board of ALDA met at the premises of the region; ALDA’s Vice President and Board member Imislawa Gorska, Principal of the International School of Bydgoszcz, less than 50 km from Toruń, was present and instrumental to the success of all events.
The three days were intense, but the programme did not only include conferences and hard work: the participants had the chance to discover Toruń with a guided tour, to learn how to make gingerbread during the cultural night, as well as to mingle and dance like local students during the concert.
What else to say, if not the slogan of the region: Kujawsko-Pomorskie – it’s great to be here!
Useful resources:

Over 170 participants from the enlarged Europe attended the General Assembly 2017 of ALDA and its related events, hosted by the region Kujawsko-Pomorskie (Poland) in Toruń on 12 May. The region is indeed in the frontline for the promotion of local democracy and citizen participation, is active member of ALDA, and supports the Local Democracy Agency Georgia.

***

“The event is among the top biggest in the history of Toruń”, said the Marshal of Kujawsko-Pomorskie Piotr Całbecki during the initial press conference on 10 May, and he added “In these challenging times for Europe, the cooperation between ALDA and local and regional authorities is key to foster good local governance and citizens’ participation”.
Kujawsko-Pomorskie Vice Marshal Sławomir Kopyść opened the Assembly by welcoming the participants, highlighting the commitment of the region in international cooperation and decentralisation, as well as its strong cooperation with regions all over Europe and beyond. The President of ALDA, Oriano Otočan, thanked the region for the warm welcome, stressing how important it is to capitalize on the experience of Poland, a country leading in the path towards decentralisation. Because of its best practice empowering local and regional authorities, it is not a coincidence that Poland during the last programming period was incredibly successful in attracting EU structural funds. It is crucial to share this results in other countries where ALDA operates, where local and regional governments do not have enough decision-making power.
The Assembly was chaired by Sylwia Tubielewicz-Olejnik, Director of the Department of International Relations of the hosting region. During the Assembly, the budget and the programme of activities of the Association were approved. Furthermore, the political document “ALDA addressing the challenges of today and tomorrow – Local democracy and citizens’ participation at the core of the European project” was adopted, which calls European institutions to change EU policies in order to increase their outreach towards citizens, local governments and civil society, in order to address the distrust between European citizens and institutions, thus reinvigorating our common project.
This year, the scholarship in memory of ALDA Honorary President Gianfranco Martini is awarded to Mr. Klodjan Sefaraj, from the University of Tirana, Albania, for his work on Local Democracy in Albania, titled “Albania stands at a crossroads regarding its local democracy”.
The event was also the occasion to welcome new members of ALDA, over 60 since last General Assembly. Diplomas of membership by ALDA, for civil society organizations, and by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, for local and regional governments, were awarded to those attending.
Before the Assembly, the Governing Board of ALDA met at the premises of the region; ALDA’s Vice President and Board member Imislawa Gorska, Principal of the International School of Bydgoszcz, less than 50 km from Toruń, was present and instrumental to the success of all events.
The three days were intense, but the programme did not only include conferences and hard work: the participants had the chance to discover Toruń with a guided tour, to learn how to make gingerbread during the cultural night, as well as to mingle and dance like local students during the concert.
What else to say, if not the slogan of the region: Kujawsko-Pomorskie – it’s great to be here!
Useful resources:

by admin

Governing Board of ALDA meets in Toruń, Poland

On 11 May 2017, the Governing Board of ALDA met in Toruń, Poland, hosted by the Marshal’s office of Kujawsko-Pomorskie region.

***

Members of the Board agreed a number of documents to be approved by the General Assembly the following day, including the budget of the Association, new staff regulations, and the proposal for the new strategic views guiding ALDA’s activities until 2018, including the monitoring of implementation of the views adopted in 2015 up to today.
The meeting was particularly participated, once more showing the commitment and the knowledge on the topics of democracy, participation, and development of the volunteer members of the Governing Board of ALDA, a varied group of extremely skilled woman and men representing local authorities and civil society from the whole enlarged Europe.

On 11 May 2017, the Governing Board of ALDA met in Toruń, Poland, hosted by the Marshal’s office of Kujawsko-Pomorskie region.

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Members of the Board agreed a number of documents to be approved by the General Assembly the following day, including the budget of the Association, new staff regulations, and the proposal for the new strategic views guiding ALDA’s activities until 2018, including the monitoring of implementation of the views adopted in 2015 up to today.
The meeting was particularly participated, once more showing the commitment and the knowledge on the topics of democracy, participation, and development of the volunteer members of the Governing Board of ALDA, a varied group of extremely skilled woman and men representing local authorities and civil society from the whole enlarged Europe.

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Local democracy in action in Toruń, Poland

This week, the capital of local democracy and citizen participation is Torun, in Poland.

Hosted by the Region of Kuiavia and Pomerania, the Tool Fair of the project LADDER will take place on 10-11 May, gathering national and international stakeholders working in the field of development education.
On 12 May, the annual General Assembly of ALDA will be held, setting the strategy for current and future activities of the Association.
You can follow the events on social media: #LADDERproject – #Torun17

This week, the capital of local democracy and citizen participation is Torun, in Poland.

Hosted by the Region of Kuiavia and Pomerania, the Tool Fair of the project LADDER will take place on 10-11 May, gathering national and international stakeholders working in the field of development education.
On 12 May, the annual General Assembly of ALDA will be held, setting the strategy for current and future activities of the Association.
You can follow the events on social media: #LADDERproject – #Torun17

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Activity Report 2017 - Local Democracy Agencies

Activity Report 2017 – Local Democracy Agencies

Report

Activity Report 2017 – Local Democracy Agencies

Report

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ALDA Activity Report 2017

ALDA Activity Report 2017

Report

ALDA Activity Report 2017

Report

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Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the LDA Georgia

On 3rd May 2017, Local Democracy Agency Georgia celebrated its 10 years anniversary in the host city of Kutaisi.

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Local Democracy Agency Georgia started its activities in October 2006 with the support of European and local partners, and the Association of Local Democracy Agencies (ALDA).

Since that, LDA Georgia’s mission is to strengthen local democracy and civil society, support democratic reforms in Georgia, and develop new and innovative approaches to local and national challenges by cooperating with local and international stakeholders.

The anniversary event was attended by the ALDA Vice President Imislava Gorska; ALDA Easter Partnership program coordinator, Nino Tvaltvadze; Kutaisi Mayor Shota Murgulia, and LDA Georgia board members and national/international partners.

Nino Khukhua, the executive director of LDA Georgia, presented the main activities and approaches of the organization. During the second part of the celebration, the guests together watched a short movie about LDA Georgia history and important moments.

Attending partners and board members evaluated the role and the importance of LDA Georgia mission in Georgia for local democracy development and express their readiness for the future cooperation.

This 10 years anniversary was full of positive memories and future wishes, and LDA Georga is eager to continue its mission in Georgia as successfully and productively as before.

On 3rd May 2017, Local Democracy Agency Georgia celebrated its 10 years anniversary in the host city of Kutaisi.

***

Local Democracy Agency Georgia started its activities in October 2006 with the support of European and local partners, and the Association of Local Democracy Agencies (ALDA).

Since that, LDA Georgia’s mission is to strengthen local democracy and civil society, support democratic reforms in Georgia, and develop new and innovative approaches to local and national challenges by cooperating with local and international stakeholders.

The anniversary event was attended by the ALDA Vice President Imislava Gorska; ALDA Easter Partnership program coordinator, Nino Tvaltvadze; Kutaisi Mayor Shota Murgulia, and LDA Georgia board members and national/international partners.

Nino Khukhua, the executive director of LDA Georgia, presented the main activities and approaches of the organization. During the second part of the celebration, the guests together watched a short movie about LDA Georgia history and important moments.

Attending partners and board members evaluated the role and the importance of LDA Georgia mission in Georgia for local democracy development and express their readiness for the future cooperation.

This 10 years anniversary was full of positive memories and future wishes, and LDA Georga is eager to continue its mission in Georgia as successfully and productively as before.

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In Lendinara “Europe” is a never-ending journey

On 5th May, the Secretary General of ALDA, Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, took part in the opening ceremony of the hall dedicated to the memory of Gianfranco Martini, our Honorary President, held at the city library in Lendinara.

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A large amount of books coming from the personal library of Gianfranco Martini, Mayor of Lendinara from 1951 to 1964 and President of ALDA from the beginning till 2008, has been donated, by his sons, to the Municipality of Lendinara.

On the day of the opening of the memory hall dedicated to Gianfranco Martini, where his donation is kept and publicly available, the Mayor of Lendinara, Mr. Luigi Viaro, together with ALDA’s Secretary general, Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida and Martini’s sons introduced Gianfranco Martini, his lifetime experiences and his commitment for Europe and Local Authorities.

Francesco Pala, grandson of Gianfranco Martini and currently intern at ALDA, was also present, once more marking the timeless heritage of the ideas and values of ALDA’s Honorary President.

Gianfranco Martini was among the initiators of the concept of Local Democracy Agencies and became the first President of ALDA when the Association was founded in 1999. Every year ALDA launches a call for candidatures for a scholarship in his memory.

This year, the scholarship is awarded to Mr. Klodjan Sefaraj, from the University of Tirana, Albania, for his work on Local Democracy in Albania, titled “Albania stands at a crossroads regarding its local democracy”. Soon, updates about his project will be disseminated via ALDA’s website and communication channels.

Useful links:

On 5th May, the Secretary General of ALDA, Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, took part in the opening ceremony of the hall dedicated to the memory of Gianfranco Martini, our Honorary President, held at the city library in Lendinara.

***

A large amount of books coming from the personal library of Gianfranco Martini, Mayor of Lendinara from 1951 to 1964 and President of ALDA from the beginning till 2008, has been donated, by his sons, to the Municipality of Lendinara.

On the day of the opening of the memory hall dedicated to Gianfranco Martini, where his donation is kept and publicly available, the Mayor of Lendinara, Mr. Luigi Viaro, together with ALDA’s Secretary general, Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida and Martini’s sons introduced Gianfranco Martini, his lifetime experiences and his commitment for Europe and Local Authorities.

Francesco Pala, grandson of Gianfranco Martini and currently intern at ALDA, was also present, once more marking the timeless heritage of the ideas and values of ALDA’s Honorary President.

Gianfranco Martini was among the initiators of the concept of Local Democracy Agencies and became the first President of ALDA when the Association was founded in 1999. Every year ALDA launches a call for candidatures for a scholarship in his memory.

This year, the scholarship is awarded to Mr. Klodjan Sefaraj, from the University of Tirana, Albania, for his work on Local Democracy in Albania, titled “Albania stands at a crossroads regarding its local democracy”. Soon, updates about his project will be disseminated via ALDA’s website and communication channels.

Useful links:

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Circular economy on the spot: the impact of the project WE-NET

The partners of the project WE-NET, representing a consortium of 12 communities across Europe led by the City of Thiene, reunited from 2 to 5 May in Apulia Region (Italy) for the final international activity of a two-year process launched in 2015. More than 40 participants had the opportunity to exchange knowledge, experience and good practices on the topic of circular economy and plan testing activities at the local level.

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The activity was also an occasion to further analyse more than 25 good practices collected at the local level and assess the overall two-year process developed in the framework of WE-NET. In terms of outcomes, the project produced more than 25 awareness raising and trainings processes in 12 communities, targeting youngsters and their families; more than 1000 participants directly involved in the activities; more than 50 000 people informed about the model of circular economy and the role of local actors in its implementation; knowledge and environmentally friendly behaviours increased and a set of recommendations drafted for European institution to bring local actors voice in policy debate around circular economy.

The outcomes of the project were showcased on the occasion of the seminar “Waste management and circular economy: what challenges for local actors? – the experience of the project WE-NET”. The event promoted by ISBEM – Istituto Scientifico Biomedico Euro Mediterraneo brought together local authorities, civil society associations, experts and ordinary citizens to discuss on the transferability of the outcomes of the project in an area where environmental issues are very much at stake.

WE-NET is one of ALDA’s key tools in promoting sustainability in local communities, with a particular focus on environmental issues. By bringing together local authorities and civil society associations to foster knowledge transfer, the project brought new solutions to local communities sharing the same problems and needs.

Useful links:
Find out more about the project

The partners of the project WE-NET, representing a consortium of 12 communities across Europe led by the City of Thiene, reunited from 2 to 5 May in Apulia Region (Italy) for the final international activity of a two-year process launched in 2015. More than 40 participants had the opportunity to exchange knowledge, experience and good practices on the topic of circular economy and plan testing activities at the local level.

***
The activity was also an occasion to further analyse more than 25 good practices collected at the local level and assess the overall two-year process developed in the framework of WE-NET. In terms of outcomes, the project produced more than 25 awareness raising and trainings processes in 12 communities, targeting youngsters and their families; more than 1000 participants directly involved in the activities; more than 50 000 people informed about the model of circular economy and the role of local actors in its implementation; knowledge and environmentally friendly behaviours increased and a set of recommendations drafted for European institution to bring local actors voice in policy debate around circular economy.

The outcomes of the project were showcased on the occasion of the seminar “Waste management and circular economy: what challenges for local actors? – the experience of the project WE-NET”. The event promoted by ISBEM – Istituto Scientifico Biomedico Euro Mediterraneo brought together local authorities, civil society associations, experts and ordinary citizens to discuss on the transferability of the outcomes of the project in an area where environmental issues are very much at stake.

WE-NET is one of ALDA’s key tools in promoting sustainability in local communities, with a particular focus on environmental issues. By bringing together local authorities and civil society associations to foster knowledge transfer, the project brought new solutions to local communities sharing the same problems and needs.

Useful links:
Find out more about the project

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