From 8 to 10 June 2026, ALDA, through its ASWAT Department, participated in three major events in Brussels, Belgium, aimed at strengthening cooperation between African and European stakeholders committed to democracy, citizen participation, and territorial development. These engagements provided valuable opportunities to deepen partnerships, facilitate dialogue, and promote shared approaches to democratic governance across continents.
The three-day programme included participation in DemoWave 2026, the Annual Conference of the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), and the Brussels stage of the African Territories Economic Forum.
Together, these events highlighted the importance of promoting collaboration between local authorities, civil society organisations, and international institutions to address common democratic challenges.
Youth Participation and Democratic Engagement at DemoWave 2026
On 8 June, ALDA accompanied six African organisations supported through the WYDE Civic Engagement programme to participate in DemoWave 2026, organised by the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD).
The participating organisations represented a diverse range of civil society actors from across Sub-Saharan Africa: Enda Ecopop and Éclaireuses et Éclaireurs du Sénégal from Senegal, Ouvrir les Horizons from Guinea, YAPD4Africa from Nigeria, A4DG from Tanzania, and The Youth Café from Kenya.
The event brought together young leaders, activists, and changemakers from around the world to exchange experiences and explore innovative approaches to democratic participation. Through interactive workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities, participants shared best practices, reflected on common challenges, and identified new opportunities for cooperation.
The presence of ALDA’s partners showcased the dynamism of African youth-led initiatives working to strengthen democratic governance and civic engagement. Their participation further reinforced the importance of creating spaces where young people can actively contribute to shaping democratic processes and public policies.
Reflecting on Democratic Resilience at the EPD Annual Conference
On 9 June, ALDA and its African partners took part in the Annual Conference of the European Partnership for Democracy, which focused on the evolving challenges facing democracies worldwide.
The conference brought together policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and civil society representatives to discuss pressing issues such as disinformation, political polarisation, declining trust in institutions, and the future of democratic participation.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in plenary sessions and thematic workshops examining how democratic systems can become more resilient, inclusive, and responsive to citizens’ needs.Discussions also emphasised the importance of stronger partnerships between Africa and Europe as a means of promoting democratic values and encouraging meaningful citizen engagement at all levels of governance.
The conference provided an important platform for knowledge exchange and collective reflection, highlighting the role of international cooperation in supporting democratic innovation and safeguarding civic space.
Supporting Strategic Cooperation Through the African Territories Economic Forum
Alongside the EPD events, ALDA supported its long-standing partner, the International Observatory on Participatory Democracy Africa (OIDP Africa), during the Brussels stage of the African Territories Economic Forum.
Representing local authorities from Senegal, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire, the African delegation was led by Mr Bachir Kanouté, Secretary General of OIDP Africa. The mission aimed to strengthen dialogue with European institutions and international organisations working on territorial governance, decentralised cooperation, and sustainable development.
On 9 June, the delegation met with several international stakeholders, including Cities Alliance and the Open Government Partnership. Discussions focused on urban governance, participatory approaches to policymaking, and sustainable local development strategies.
The following day, meetings were held with representatives of key European institutions and services, including the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), and the European External Action Service (EEAS). Exchanges explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation between European institutions and African local authorities, with particular attention given to strengthening territorial governance within the framework of the European Union’s international partnerships and the Global Gateway initiative.
The mission concluded with a visit to the Parlamentarium, the European Parliament’s visitor centre, providing delegates with a deeper understanding of the history of European integration and the functioning of European Union institutions.
Through its active participation in these events, ALDA continues to strengthen bridges between Africa and Europe, promoting dialogue, participatory democracy, and supporting inclusive local governance.
These engagements contributed to consolidating existing partnerships, identifying new avenues for collaboration, and reinforcing the role of local actors in addressing global democratic challenges. They also reflect ALDA’s ongoing commitment to supporting democratic governance, citizen participation, and sustainable territorial development across both continents.