In 2025, ALDA proudly launches its Thematic Hubs and Regional Hubs, reinforcing its commitment to building resilient democracies by amplifying internal expertise, increasing member engagement, and fostering strategic cooperation. This revitalised framework provides a stronger foundation for knowledge-sharing, cross-regional collaboration, and targeted action to address today’s democratic and societal challenges.
Thematic Hubs: Specialisation, Synergy, and Strategy
Thematic Hubs are vital platforms that bring together ALDA staff, members, and partners around core topics such as active citizenship, human rights, decentralised cooperation, local economic development, and environmental sustainability. Their aim is to:
- Strengthen ALDA’s strategic action through thematically structured expertise;
- Involve members more systematically in projects, events, and policy development;
- Encourage cross-departmental and cross-regional collaboration;
- Support the implementation of ALDA’s Strategy 2024–2028;
- Contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Each hub is led by a Chair, Co-chair, and a Hub Coordinator. This leadership ensures a balanced governance structure that combines civil society and local government perspectives. Coordinators are responsible for aligning the hub’s strategy with ALDA’s current and future projects, monitoring progress through biannual reports, and mobilising stakeholders as needed.
What’s New in 2025?
The relaunch introduces a stronger and more operational approach. Key updates include:
- Clear appointment of Chairs and Co-chairs, with roles approved by ALDA’s Governing Board;
- Enhanced onboarding process for hub leaders to foster a shared vision and understanding of ALDA’s strategic goals;
- A checklist-based onboarding toolkit, helping Hub Coordinators communicate effectively and prioritise engagement opportunities;
- Regular interaction between Chairs/Co-chairs and ALDA staff for strategic alignment, member mobilisation, and external representation;
- Dedicated communication campaigns and improved digital visibility for each hub.
Each Thematic Hub will engage in activities such as mapping projects and stakeholders, training and knowledge-sharing, supporting project development, and leading advocacy efforts at various levels. These operational activities are designed to create bridges between projects, partners, and policies, and to enhance ALDA’s impact on local and global scales.
Regional Hubs: Local Roots, Global Vision
In parallel, ALDA’s Regional Hubs continue to provide a vital territorial dimension to the association’s work. Covering areas such as the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, and beyond, Regional Hubs:
- Ensure that ALDA’s actions remain anchored in local contexts;
- Facilitate peer learning among members and Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs);
- Build synergies between geographic and thematic priorities;
- Offer strategic entry points for project development and member involvement.
By promoting ownership at the regional level, these hubs serve as crucial catalysts for transnational cooperation and community empowerment.
Key Dates and Next Steps
- April 24, 2025: Onboarding meeting held with Hub Coordinators to align strategy and structure;
- May 2025: Launch of visibility campaign on the appointment of Chairs and Co-chairs;
- Spring–Summer 2025: Preparatory webinars with members;
- Autumn 2025: In-person hub events and workshops integrated into relevant projects, offering concrete spaces for member input and collaboration.
In the first year of this renewed format, events will be strategically linked to existing projects due to budget constraints, ensuring efficient resource use while maximising visibility and participation.
By launching the Thematic and Regional Hubs, ALDA empowers its community to shape the future of democracy — grounded in local realities, driven by shared expertise, and connected to global change.
➡️ Stay tuned for updates on hub activities, upcoming events, and ways to get involved. Thematic and Regional Hubs are not just structures — they are spaces where democracy is lived, learned, and led.
