This past week in Vicenza (Italy), colleagues from across Europe and beyond came together for ALDA’s annual Staff Meeting, a key moment for strategic alignment and renewed collective purpose. At a time marked by uncertainty, rapid transformation, democratic backsliding and the rise of artificial intelligence, gathering under one roof was not merely symbolic; it was essential. It strengthened our cohesion as a team and reaffirmed our shared commitment to our core mission: promoting and strengthening democracy at the local level.
On 9 and 10 February 2026, ALDA’s Coordination Board, bringing together the Heads of Departments, Regional Units and ALDA’s offices, engaged in an in-depth working session focused on the organisation’s key achievements and the promising developments ahead. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on our results, assess our strategic direction and reaffirm the ambition that continues to guide ALDA forward with clarity, coherence and determination.
After dedicated exchanges with the Thematic Hubs Coordinators on current challenges and future opportunities, the entire team reconvened from 11 February onwards.
Marco Boaria, Executive Director and Deputy Secretary General of ALDA and CEO of ALDA+ , presented a renewed organisational pathway for the years ahead. Recalling ALDA’s origins and founding vision, he underscored the importance of evolving with purpose and coherence. The proposed direction will unfold through a structured, step-by-step process, reinforced by strengthened capacity-building and a more strategic use of resources. The message was unequivocal: sustainable growth demands discipline, foresight and collective engagement. The day concluded with a clear sense of direction and a shared commitment to the responsibilities that lie ahead.
On Thursday, February 12, the ALDA staff was honoured to be welcomed by Isabella Sala, Deputy Mayor of the Città di Vicenza, who recognised the organisation as a valuable presence for the local territory. She underscored the importance of keeping democracy central to every initiative and highlighted the urgency of engaging young people more actively in democratic structures, enabling them to become protagonists in shaping the systems that affect their lives, beginning at the local level.
“Having ALDA in the beautiful city of Vicenza is a true gift. Acting as a bridge between citizens and institutions, ALDA contributes to empowering communities, and empowered communities are the foundation of a healthy society.”
Said Isabella Sala.
Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA, who took the floor at a later stage, brought into sharp focus the guiding principle of our work. As she reminded us:
“Democracy must not remain an abstract ideal. It must translate into tangible improvements in people’s daily lives. It must empower communities, engage young people, strengthen participation and foster trust in institutions. Delivering democracy means building networks that function, partnerships that endure and projects that generate lasting impact. It requires professionalism, adaptability and, above all, commitment.”
Her words crystallised the core message of this year’s meeting: we want a local democracy that delivers — and we will act accordingly. This is the standard by which we define success. It challenges us to ensure that our work generates measurable impact, strengthens communities and reinforces democratic values in concrete and lasting ways.
Throughout the meeting, we reflected on our shared responsibility — both as citizens and as professionals — to defend and cultivate democracy in an increasingly complex socio-political environment. One message emerged clearly: our strength lies in unity. The collective expertise of our teams, the dedication of our staff, our ability to innovate and differentiate, and the steadfast commitment of our partners form the foundation upon which meaningful impact is built.
On Thursday afternoon, the entire team engaged in a series of bilateral and trilateral meetings, creating a valuable space for open dialogue and constructive exchange. These focused discussions allowed colleagues to share insights and best practices developed over the past year, while identifying concrete ways to strengthen collaboration across teams.
The days in Vicenza served as a powerful reminder that our mission is more vital than ever. By standing united, embracing change with confidence and upholding the highest standards in our daily work, ALDA does more than advocate for democratic values.
We ensure that democracy delivers.