Local democracy, a priority for sustainable development in Moldova and Ukraine

The International Mayors’ Summit – Building Resilient Communities through Innovation and Cooperation took place in the Republic of Moldova on April 11, thanks to the Western NIS Enterprise Fund (WNISEF). This year’s summit was all about fostering collaboration and innovation among municipalities worldwide. The event aimed to create a platform facilitating the experience exchange of cross-borders municipalities and foster local government partnerships.

In this context, the President of the Republic of Moldova, mayors from Ukraine, Moldova, Romania and Poland, representatives of development partners highlighted topical issues such as innovations and digital transformation at local level, sustainable development, the European vector, including funds, partnerships and programmes and the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Central to the summit’s discussions was the imperative of strengthening partnerships between Moldovan and Ukrainian municipalities, especially in light of the ongoing reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. In a region ruin by conflict and uncertainty, fostering solidarity and cooperation among neighboring cities has emerged as a crucial strategy for building resilience and ensuring the well-being of citizens on both sides of the border.

Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, General Secretary of ALDA, delivered an important message on strengthening local democracy in the Republic of Moldova and the Eastern Partnership, ALDA’s mission dedicated to promoting good governance and citizen participation at local level. Within the “Rebuild Ukraine” panel, she pointed out ALDA’s flagship initiative for supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction based on citizens engagement and local government empowering, through strengthening Local Democracy Agencies: ”ALDA is an advocate for Ukraine from all corners of the European Union through its network of LDAs, active members and European partners”.

As the ongoing war against Ukraine continues to damage the fundamental structures of society and governance, ALDA stands with the country’s local authorities and local civil society organisations

ALDA’s unwavering commitment to promoting good governance and citizen participation resonated deeply with attendees, inspiring even bigger dedication to fostering inclusive and accountable governance practices.

ALDA’s ongoing efforts to support Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs) in Ukraine serve as an example of how grassroots initiatives can contribute to stabilisation and cohesion in communities grappling with conflict and adversity. After a year of difficult management due to the ongoing war, in 2023 actions were relaunched aiming on the one hand at further strengthening the existing of the LDA of the Dnipropetrovsk Region and LDA Mariupol and on the other at opening new LDAs in other regions of Ukraine.

In its effort for Ukraine’s recovery, ALDA actively contributes to the work of regional networks that support local governance and empowerment of local society by raising awareness among members and partners on all possible ways to support Ukrainian society during the war, leading projects with local and international partners and members to support Ukraine, and developing and disseminating statements for strong advocacy.

The International Mayors’ Summit represents hope and possibility, where leaders from across the region came together to reaffirm their commitment to building resilient communities through innovation and cooperation. As they return to their respective municipalities armed with fresh insights and newfound partnerships, the legacy of the summit will endure as a testament to the power of collaboration in overcoming the most formidable of challenges.