The LDA of Dnipropetrovsk Region opens to Ukrainian organisations

On August 23, the Local Democracy Agency of Dnipropetrovsk Region presented its activities and future projects at the Fair of Public Organizations, which took place during the Forum of Ukrainian Diaspora Youth “Dnipro 2017”.

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A dedicated space for the LDA was reserved in the tent camp, where an info point was set. Along with the LDA, other organizations were presented, providing all participants with the opportunity to learn about each other’s activities, establish contacts and new partnerships.

During the whole day, the guests of the Fair and Forum had the opportunity to exchange with the representatives of the Agency, and to discuss topics such as society democratisation, youth involvement, development of international relations, etc.

Among the valuable guests participating in the Fair, also the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Oleksandr Yarema, and Valeria Gavrilenko, member of the scout organization SKIFand representative of the IDPs, showed their interest in developing future joint actions with the LDA, involving young specialists, and focusing on topics related to social and economic support to local communities.

In this occasion, the Local Democracy Agency of Dnipropetrovsk Region and 29 local organisations signed the Memorandum on Cooperation, that represents the shared will of collaborating in the next future.

 

The Forum was attended by about 400 participants – Ukrainian citizens coming from different parts of the world, as well as representatives of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, MPs, honorary guests from around the world.

The Forum was organized by the World Congress of Ukrainian Youth Organizations, Dnipro City Council, Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council, and other partner organisations.

Useful resources:

Agenda of the Forum and further details

On August 23, the Local Democracy Agency of Dnipropetrovsk Region presented its activities and future projects at the Fair of Public Organizations, which took place during the Forum of Ukrainian Diaspora Youth “Dnipro 2017”.

***

A dedicated space for the LDA was reserved in the tent camp, where an info point was set. Along with the LDA, other organizations were presented, providing all participants with the opportunity to learn about each other’s activities, establish contacts and new partnerships.

During the whole day, the guests of the Fair and Forum had the opportunity to exchange with the representatives of the Agency, and to discuss topics such as society democratisation, youth involvement, development of international relations, etc.

Among the valuable guests participating in the Fair, also the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Oleksandr Yarema, and Valeria Gavrilenko, member of the scout organization SKIFand representative of the IDPs, showed their interest in developing future joint actions with the LDA, involving young specialists, and focusing on topics related to social and economic support to local communities.

In this occasion, the Local Democracy Agency of Dnipropetrovsk Region and 29 local organisations signed the Memorandum on Cooperation, that represents the shared will of collaborating in the next future.

 

The Forum was attended by about 400 participants – Ukrainian citizens coming from different parts of the world, as well as representatives of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, MPs, honorary guests from around the world.

The Forum was organized by the World Congress of Ukrainian Youth Organizations, Dnipro City Council, Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council, and other partner organisations.

Useful resources:

Agenda of the Forum and further details

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Democracy Support Fact Sheets 2017

Democracy Support Fact Sheets 2017

Fact Sheets

Democracy Support Fact Sheets 2017

Fact Sheets

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UNDP training on trust and cooperation – LDA of Dnipropetrovsk Region in the frontline

On 10th August, the Delegate of the Local Democracy Agency of Dnipropetrovsk Region, Anzhelika Pylypenko was invited as a speakers during a training organized by UNDP and focused on the basis of cooperation and trust between the final beneficiaries, local authorities, public organizations and citizens.

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“I am grateful for the trust of the project manager Igor Kistenev-Kavkazsky and the curator of the 5 regions for anti-corruption activities, Ivan Shvets, for the opportunity to represent the LDA of Dnipropetrovsk region”, said Pylypenko.
She presented to the audience the opportunities for cooperation with the LDA, and different forms of interaction between local authorities and civil society. This aspect is particularly important in the framework of the project of assistance to Ukraine by UNDP, providing 200 million euros for reliable infrastructure projects in our territorial communities.
The roll-out of several anti-corruption control during all phases of projects implementation was stressed, to ensure resources are allocated efficiently and effectively. A well-known anti-corruption activist from Latvia, Inessa Voiko shared her valuable experience of anti-corruption activities.
This is a unique opportunity to improve the condition of local schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and communities. A number of potential final beneficiaries, including a hospital, have also participated in the training.
May the best projects be implemented!
Useful links:

On 10th August, the Delegate of the Local Democracy Agency of Dnipropetrovsk Region, Anzhelika Pylypenko was invited as a speakers during a training organized by UNDP and focused on the basis of cooperation and trust between the final beneficiaries, local authorities, public organizations and citizens.

***

“I am grateful for the trust of the project manager Igor Kistenev-Kavkazsky and the curator of the 5 regions for anti-corruption activities, Ivan Shvets, for the opportunity to represent the LDA of Dnipropetrovsk region”, said Pylypenko.
She presented to the audience the opportunities for cooperation with the LDA, and different forms of interaction between local authorities and civil society. This aspect is particularly important in the framework of the project of assistance to Ukraine by UNDP, providing 200 million euros for reliable infrastructure projects in our territorial communities.
The roll-out of several anti-corruption control during all phases of projects implementation was stressed, to ensure resources are allocated efficiently and effectively. A well-known anti-corruption activist from Latvia, Inessa Voiko shared her valuable experience of anti-corruption activities.
This is a unique opportunity to improve the condition of local schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and communities. A number of potential final beneficiaries, including a hospital, have also participated in the training.
May the best projects be implemented!
Useful links:

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Sceaux joins project Co-Created as the pilot French city

ALDA and the city of Sceaux (France) are partnering in the framework of the European project Co-Created, aimed at promoting citizens participation in the co-creation of local policies.

Co-Created, funded by European Union’s Erasmus+ programme targets municipalities with 10,000 – 30,000 inhabitants committed to strengthen their collaboration with civil society in order to improve services offered to citizens and public policies. The project is implemented by four partners in France, Italy, Spain, and Bulgaria.

The city of Sceaux accepted ALDA’s proposal to join the project as a pilot city, renown for its will and capacity to mobilize its territory collective intelligence to co-define local needs, and co-design effective policies. A commitment well rooted in “Sceaux Valley®”, the systemic process implemented by the Mayor Philippe Laurent, Secretary General of the Association of French Mayors (AMF), and President of the French Association of Councils of Cities and Regions of Europe (AFCCRE), together with Othmane Khaoua, City Councillor for Social and Solidarity Economy. Through “Sceaux Valley®”, the city of Sceaux walks a local development path based on citizens imagination and collective intelligence of civil society (citizens, their associations, etc.) and of external partners.

The city welcomes 10,000 students and a high number of professionals and researchers, attending its educational institutions every day – experienced stakeholders to jointly define and implement solutions to enhance citizens’ wellbeing. Furthermore, citizens from Sceaux expressed their support to the concept of “doing together to better live together”, on the occasion of two civic consultations launched in the city – “Let’s talk about Sceaux” in 2012, and “Let’s talk about the city centre” in 2017. These participative democracy initiatives were extremely successful, mobilizing over 1,000 people.

The project Co-Created (Co-creation approaches for European civil servants: educational framework) is funded by the European Union and has a timespan of 3 years. It aims at equipping civil servants in the four countries addressed with the skills needed to implement co-creation approaches with the actors of the civil society. ALDA is the French partner, thus addresses interested French cities. For further information and to participate, please contact our French coordinator Agata de Latour

Useful resources:
Read more about Co-Created on the project page
Ci ty of Sceaux – official website

ALDA and the city of Sceaux (France) are partnering in the framework of the European project Co-Created, aimed at promoting citizens participation in the co-creation of local policies.

Co-Created, funded by European Union’s Erasmus+ programme targets municipalities with 10,000 – 30,000 inhabitants committed to strengthen their collaboration with civil society in order to improve services offered to citizens and public policies. The project is implemented by four partners in France, Italy, Spain, and Bulgaria.

The city of Sceaux accepted ALDA’s proposal to join the project as a pilot city, renown for its will and capacity to mobilize its territory collective intelligence to co-define local needs, and co-design effective policies. A commitment well rooted in “Sceaux Valley®”, the systemic process implemented by the Mayor Philippe Laurent, Secretary General of the Association of French Mayors (AMF), and President of the French Association of Councils of Cities and Regions of Europe (AFCCRE), together with Othmane Khaoua, City Councillor for Social and Solidarity Economy. Through “Sceaux Valley®”, the city of Sceaux walks a local development path based on citizens imagination and collective intelligence of civil society (citizens, their associations, etc.) and of external partners.

The city welcomes 10,000 students and a high number of professionals and researchers, attending its educational institutions every day – experienced stakeholders to jointly define and implement solutions to enhance citizens’ wellbeing. Furthermore, citizens from Sceaux expressed their support to the concept of “doing together to better live together”, on the occasion of two civic consultations launched in the city – “Let’s talk about Sceaux” in 2012, and “Let’s talk about the city centre” in 2017. These participative democracy initiatives were extremely successful, mobilizing over 1,000 people.

The project Co-Created (Co-creation approaches for European civil servants: educational framework) is funded by the European Union and has a timespan of 3 years. It aims at equipping civil servants in the four countries addressed with the skills needed to implement co-creation approaches with the actors of the civil society. ALDA is the French partner, thus addresses interested French cities. For further information and to participate, please contact our French coordinator Agata de Latour

Useful resources:
Read more about Co-Created on the project page
Ci ty of Sceaux – official website

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“On the footsteps of Albert Londres” takes young French reporters in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The association “On the footsteps of Albert Londres” continues with the implementation of its main project for a sixth time this year. This time, the young reporters are visiting and writing about Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The project is dedicated to Albert Londres, the French father of modern journalism and its aim is to replicate his experiences during several trips to the Balkans. Every year, young reporters are selected to travel to a Balkan country and produce reportages about the places they have visited.
The group of reporters that make up the 2017 “On the Footsteps of Albert Londres: Young Reporters in Bosnia and Herzegovina” consists of young French students, guided by professional journalists and photographers. So far, they have produced numerous articles on the topic of Bosnian media and have reported about important challenges that Bosnian journalists and independent media are facing.
“On the footsteps of Albert Londres” won the European Citizen’s Prize 2016 for its engagement in youth work and awareness raising towards the use of multimedia. Last year, ALDA was partner in the realization of the project “Young reporters in Romania”, through the France-Balkans decentralized cooperation programme.
Useful links:

The association “On the footsteps of Albert Londres” continues with the implementation of its main project for a sixth time this year. This time, the young reporters are visiting and writing about Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The project is dedicated to Albert Londres, the French father of modern journalism and its aim is to replicate his experiences during several trips to the Balkans. Every year, young reporters are selected to travel to a Balkan country and produce reportages about the places they have visited.
The group of reporters that make up the 2017 “On the Footsteps of Albert Londres: Young Reporters in Bosnia and Herzegovina” consists of young French students, guided by professional journalists and photographers. So far, they have produced numerous articles on the topic of Bosnian media and have reported about important challenges that Bosnian journalists and independent media are facing.
“On the footsteps of Albert Londres” won the European Citizen’s Prize 2016 for its engagement in youth work and awareness raising towards the use of multimedia. Last year, ALDA was partner in the realization of the project “Young reporters in Romania”, through the France-Balkans decentralized cooperation programme.
Useful links:

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Developing International Cooperation through Youth Exchange in Struga

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What is international, fun, productive, and useful at the same time? It’s an Erasmus+ youth exchange, of course!

23 youngsters from Macedonia, Belgium and France met from the 1st to the 7th of August 2017 in the city of Struga, Macedonia, right by the lakeshore, to discuss and exchange on the topics of Migrant crisis and European citizenship.
This French-speaking youth exchange brought together young people not only from different countries and age groups, but with quite mixed cultural and ethnical backgrounds too, which led to some very interesting discussions and even more interesting conclusions regarding the topics at hand.
Through activities such as energizers, games, workshops on writing poetry slam, as well as forum theater, the participants were able to better understand the complex issue of migration, to learn how to work together in mixed, international teams, to follow or bend the rules of an improvised story on the topic of migration, and in a very short time managed to write some wonderful slam poetry, which was presented by each group at the end of the exchange.
Having the opportunity to see the cities of Struga and Ohrid, swim together in the beautiful Ohrid lake, learn more about each other’s countries on the international evenings and help each other in a time of need, resulted in creating a group of friends from total strangers by the end of the week, all of them looking forward to cooperating again in the near future.
The participating organizations in this project funded by the European Union were the European Association for Local Democracy – ALDA Skopje (Macedonia), Logement et Harmonie Sociale Asbl (Belgium) and Centre Socioculturel Intercommunal Pierre Mendes (France).
Useful links:

What is international, fun, productive, and useful at the same time? It’s an Erasmus+ youth exchange, of course!

23 youngsters from Macedonia, Belgium and France met from the 1st to the 7th of August 2017 in the city of Struga, Macedonia, right by the lakeshore, to discuss and exchange on the topics of Migrant crisis and European citizenship.
This French-speaking youth exchange brought together young people not only from different countries and age groups, but with quite mixed cultural and ethnical backgrounds too, which led to some very interesting discussions and even more interesting conclusions regarding the topics at hand.
Through activities such as energizers, games, workshops on writing poetry slam, as well as forum theater, the participants were able to better understand the complex issue of migration, to learn how to work together in mixed, international teams, to follow or bend the rules of an improvised story on the topic of migration, and in a very short time managed to write some wonderful slam poetry, which was presented by each group at the end of the exchange.
Having the opportunity to see the cities of Struga and Ohrid, swim together in the beautiful Ohrid lake, learn more about each other’s countries on the international evenings and help each other in a time of need, resulted in creating a group of friends from total strangers by the end of the week, all of them looking forward to cooperating again in the near future.
The participating organizations in this project funded by the European Union were the European Association for Local Democracy – ALDA Skopje (Macedonia), Logement et Harmonie Sociale Asbl (Belgium) and Centre Socioculturel Intercommunal Pierre Mendes (France).
Useful links:

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Youngsters shaping Europe - Federalist seminar in Neumarkt

From 24 to 29 July 2017, a seminar for young people organized by the Veneto Regional Center of the European Federalist Movement was held in Neumarkt, Austria.

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34 students from Italian high schools from the provinces of Belluno, Mantua, Padua, Treviso, Venice, Verona, and Vicenza attended the seminar. Like every year, ALDA supported youth participation by providing two scholarships.
The event schedule was tight. During the six days, the young federalists actively participated in discussions and seminars on Europe and federalism held by Giorgio Anselmi, MFE’s national President, Gianpier Nicoletti, MFE President of Castelfranco Veneto, Pierangelo Cangialosi, MFE’s Bureau of Affairs, Gianluca Bonato, Member of the GFE National Directorate, and Matteo Roncarà, Secretary of MFE Veneto.
Using non-formal learning methods such as working groups and discussions, participants debated the need for a federalist Europe to be the best resolution for the current state of the old continent. As a result of the seminar, young federalists realized a Youth Convention, with the guidance of group coordinators.
Participants also had the opportunity to visit Styria and Carinthia, and to meet the Mayor of Gurk; they also enjoyed a number of excursions, sports competitions, and games.
Useful links:

From 24 to 29 July 2017, a seminar for young people organized by the Veneto Regional Center of the European Federalist Movement was held in Neumarkt, Austria.

***
34 students from Italian high schools from the provinces of Belluno, Mantua, Padua, Treviso, Venice, Verona, and Vicenza attended the seminar. Like every year, ALDA supported youth participation by providing two scholarships.
The event schedule was tight. During the six days, the young federalists actively participated in discussions and seminars on Europe and federalism held by Giorgio Anselmi, MFE’s national President, Gianpier Nicoletti, MFE President of Castelfranco Veneto, Pierangelo Cangialosi, MFE’s Bureau of Affairs, Gianluca Bonato, Member of the GFE National Directorate, and Matteo Roncarà, Secretary of MFE Veneto.
Using non-formal learning methods such as working groups and discussions, participants debated the need for a federalist Europe to be the best resolution for the current state of the old continent. As a result of the seminar, young federalists realized a Youth Convention, with the guidance of group coordinators.
Participants also had the opportunity to visit Styria and Carinthia, and to meet the Mayor of Gurk; they also enjoyed a number of excursions, sports competitions, and games.
Useful links:

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WE-NET - Successful local solutions to build sustainable communities

What if on 2 August you had already spent all your income for 2017? This is what happened on this day – we had consumed more natural resources than what our planet will be able to regenerate during the whole year. There are a million things we can do to build more sustainable communities – watch the video of the project WE-NET and get inspired by concrete ideas!

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The project WE-NET (Working for Environmentally Educated Towns) brought together citizens from eight different countries in Europe, to promote circular economy and sustainable development in their local communities.

The project created a platform for both public authorities and citizens to have their say, share innovative ideas, and get inspired by their peers on the circular economy model.

The most relevant result achieved by the project is the development a number of successful solutions, tested at the local level and ready to be transferred and reused. For example, the Slovenian Municipality of Novo Mesto created a competition for environmentally-friendly initiatives, participated by many families and children. Gornja Kamenica in Serbia reused leather remaining of a local shoe factory to craft new accessories, thus creating start-ups and job opportunities. In Thiene, Italy, a second life was given to objects during a rummage sale, which also turned into a sociable occasion. This is also possible online in Etterbeck, in the Brussels region, through a virtual give-away shop. And what to do if your favourite lamp is broken? Just visit the Repair Café in Watermael-Boitsfort, where you can get stuff fixed while eating a piece of cake.

Led by the Italian municipality of Thiene, WE-NET is funded by the programme Europe for Citizens of the European Union and implemented with the technical assistance of ALDA.

More information about WE-NET on the project website

What if on 2 August you had already spent all your income for 2017? This is what happened on this day – we had consumed more natural resources than what our planet will be able to regenerate during the whole year. There are a million things we can do to build more sustainable communities – watch the video of the project WE-NET and get inspired by concrete ideas!

***
The project WE-NET (Working for Environmentally Educated Towns) brought together citizens from eight different countries in Europe, to promote circular economy and sustainable development in their local communities.

The project created a platform for both public authorities and citizens to have their say, share innovative ideas, and get inspired by their peers on the circular economy model.

The most relevant result achieved by the project is the development a number of successful solutions, tested at the local level and ready to be transferred and reused. For example, the Slovenian Municipality of Novo Mesto created a competition for environmentally-friendly initiatives, participated by many families and children. Gornja Kamenica in Serbia reused leather remaining of a local shoe factory to craft new accessories, thus creating start-ups and job opportunities. In Thiene, Italy, a second life was given to objects during a rummage sale, which also turned into a sociable occasion. This is also possible online in Etterbeck, in the Brussels region, through a virtual give-away shop. And what to do if your favourite lamp is broken? Just visit the Repair Café in Watermael-Boitsfort, where you can get stuff fixed while eating a piece of cake.

Led by the Italian municipality of Thiene, WE-NET is funded by the programme Europe for Citizens of the European Union and implemented with the technical assistance of ALDA.

More information about WE-NET on the project website

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August

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ENGFRAITASERRUSARA

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Partnership Forum 2017 - 68% of participants believes cooperation LA / CSO is key

ALDA Secretary General Antonella Valmorbida participated in the Partnership Forum 2017 on 6 July in Brussels, organized by the European Commission.

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We are very glad to read that almost 70% of participants to the event is convinced that cooperation between local and regional authorities and civil society organizations in Europe is fundamental.

The Partnership Forum focused on the implementation of the European consensus on development and about strengthening and deepening partnerships worldwide with civil society and local authorities.

On this occasion, Ms. Valmorbida brought ALDA’s experience as a speaker in the panel “Inclusive local economic development: shaping an ecosystem to counter rising inequalities”; among the panelists also Michel Laloge, Head of Unit Local Authorities – Decentralisation, DEVCO B2, European Commission.

Useful links:

Partnership Forum 2017 website

ALDA Secretary General Antonella Valmorbida participated in the Partnership Forum 2017 on 6 July in Brussels, organized by the European Commission.

***

We are very glad to read that almost 70% of participants to the event is convinced that cooperation between local and regional authorities and civil society organizations in Europe is fundamental.

The Partnership Forum focused on the implementation of the European consensus on development and about strengthening and deepening partnerships worldwide with civil society and local authorities.

On this occasion, Ms. Valmorbida brought ALDA’s experience as a speaker in the panel “Inclusive local economic development: shaping an ecosystem to counter rising inequalities”; among the panelists also Michel Laloge, Head of Unit Local Authorities – Decentralisation, DEVCO B2, European Commission.

Useful links:

Partnership Forum 2017 website

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