On 20 and 21 November, the Governing Board and Coordination Board of ALDA gathered in Barcelona (Spain) for a two-day retreat dedicated to reflection, shared learning, and strategic foresight. Hosted by the Diputació de Barcelona, a long-standing member of ALDA, the meeting offered a precious opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and collectively assess ALDA’s path in a rapidly changing democratic landscape.
The meeting officially opened with remarks delivered by Octavi de la Varga Mas, speaking on behalf of Antoni Montseny, Director of International Relations at Diputació de Barcelona. His words set an inspiring tone for the days ahead.
Reflecting on ALDA’s mission, he remarked:
It is a great honour to welcome you to Barcelona. ALDA has always stood for strengthening local democracy, citizen participation, and inclusive governance. These values are more relevant than ever. We are not here simply to observe today’s challenges — we are here to shape solutions together.
He also highlighted the priorities shared by the Diputació de Barcelona, underscoring three critical themes: resilience and climate action, combating misinformation, and enhancing inclusive participation. These, he noted, are essential pillars for strengthening democracy at local level.
Diputació, he emphasised, “is proud to support ALDA in this mission,” reaffirming their belief that through cooperation, digital transformation, and the fight for equity, ALDA can continue to grow not only as a European leader but as “a global reference for democratic innovation.”
Read the entire speech by clicking here.
Governing Board meeting
Following these opening remarks, the Governing Board turned to an intensive agenda focused on ALDA’s strategic developments:
- Updates on the Thematic and Geographic Hubs
- The current situation of the Local Democracy Agencies and further opportunities to strengthen the network
- The implementation of recommendations from the first-year assessment
- An overview of ALDA’s work in the Western Balkans
Board members also examined a proposal for a new organigram aligned with the organisation’s evolving structure and strategy, as well as updates on the 2025 budget and preliminary planning for 2026.
The morning concluded with a conversation on preparations for the General Assembly 2026, envisioned as the “ALDA Festival 2026”.
Governing Board & Coordination Board meeting
After lunch, the Coordination Board joined the Governing Board, creating a rare moment for governance leaders and senior staff to think together.
The first joint session invited participants to reflect openly on a fundamental question:
Is ALDA’s project still valid today?
Rather than doubt, the dialogue revealed a renewed sense of urgency and relevance. Participants acknowledged the global democratic pressures they witness in their daily work — from rising nationalism to declining trust in institutions — while reaffirming the vital role ALDA plays in strengthening local democracy.
The afternoon continued with a meaningful workshop on personal motivation, exploring what drives individuals to join ALDA, what keeps them committed, and which challenges they face. The conversation surfaced powerful insights on purpose, administrative overload, and the deep sense of belonging that connects ALDA’s community.
The day ended with a guided tour of Palau Güell and by and a walking dinner, generously offered by the Diputació de Barcelona, a perfect setting to continue conversations informally.
The second day began with Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA’s Secretary General, reading a message from María Eugènia Gay, vice president of Diputació de Barcelona and member of the Governing Board. Her contribution opened the floor for a rich discussion on ALDA’s evolving identity as a global actor.
Participants debated two provocative statements that framed the session:
- “Going global dilutes our mission”
- “Global presence makes us stronger”
This dialogue touched on ALDA’s identity, its global reach, and the opportunities and risks of expanding its geographical presence. Participants also explored local and global threats to democracy, sharing insights from their respective regions and contexts.
The retreat closed with a collective wrap-up in which each participant shared one key takeaway — a thought, a commitment, or a question — that they would carry forward as ALDA prepares for the year ahead.
The Barcelona retreat was one of a kind: more than a strategic meeting, it created the space for reconnection, honesty, and renewed purpose. Across two days, participants reaffirmed that ALDA’s project remains not only valid but vital. The discussions blended strategic alignment with human connection, reminding everyone that ALDA’s strength lies in its people and in its values.
As ALDA moves forward, the reflections and priorities shaped in Barcelona will guide the next steps — ensuring the organisation continues to empower communities, defend local democracy, and act as a bridge between citizens and institutions across Europe and beyond.
