Welcomed by ALDA during an afternoon, a delegation of 42 Italian students from the Liceo di Salò embarked on an unforgettable journey through the European district in Strasbourg.
The participants joined in an exciting treasure hunt devised by the Centre Europe Direct, discovering the hidden treasures of the European quarter and learning about the importance of the upcoming European elections.
From April 15 to 19, ALDA’s project managers, alongside members from Sos Malta, We Youth, and the Street Art Museum of Amsterdam (SAMA) from Amsterdam (Netherlands), were part of a transformative 5-day training journey on migration inclusion in Gdynia, Poland. At the heart of this training was the INCLUDATE curriculum, a collaborative European project engaging seven project partners: Comparative Research Network – CRN (Germany), Konkáv fro. Budapest (Hungary), Per Esempio (Italy), Crossing Borders (Denmark), Polnischer Sozialrat (Germany), Miejski Osrodek Pomocy Spolecznej – MOPS (Poland) and ALDA (France).
On April 15, this training started with a dinner with all the participants gathered to get to know each other, talk, exchange experiences and form bonds. As training and meetings were developing on April 16, participants engaged in interactive modules led by experts from CRN, Per Esempio, and Crossing Borders. From community mapping, Community reporting to Q methodology, these sessions provided invaluable insights into driving social change in the context of migrant people’s inclusion.
April 18 marked a hands-on day for participants, centered around “Action Plan” implementation and practical sessions. The day was structured into two main activity types: learning methods and tools, and engaging in experiential group work. This approach enabled participants to gain valuable experience in adapting these methods to their concrete cases and their countries.
Participants embarked on different visits, first to the Emigration Museum of Gdynia, then to SPILNO, an information and integration point where foreigners can find information about life, education, health and a space for integration activities. These visits proved to be inspiring and enriching experiences for all participants, offering valuable insights and fostering a deeper understanding of migration inclusion dynamics.
On April 19, the program concluded with a day dedicated to reflection. Participants came together to collectively analyse the lessons learned from the training and engage in discussions about the future trajectory of the project.
Through the INCLUDATE initiative, these five days helped empower organisations through mutual learning, and community building, echoing the project’s commitment to diversity and inclusion across Europe.
On Monday, April 22, 2024, the ALDA Governing Board convened virtually to deliberate on the Association’s future strategy and to approve the roster of candidates contending for the new Governing Board term spanning 2024 to 2028. These candidates will undergo election during the forthcoming ALDA General Assembly 2024, slated from May 13 to 15 in Barcelona, Spain.
This year’s ALDA Festival and General Assembly 2024, themed “Local Democracy for Global Impact,” stands as a significant juncture for the entire ALDA Network. It will not only witness the endorsement of a new strategy charting the Association’s course from 2024 to 2028 but also the election of a Governing Board and President, who will steer ALDA’s trajectory until 2028.
The official release of the candidate list for these pivotal positions is now public, encompassing (in alphabetical order):
Ms. Maddalena Alberti is the Director of the Association Ambasciata della Democrazia Locale a Zavidovici, based in Brescia, Italy. She has worked for several Italian municipalities as an expert in migration, designing services, processes and building multi-stakeholder relationships with migrant citizens, as well as promoting inclusion processes and dialogue between local authorities, institutions, and citizens with a migratory background. Through her work with ADL Zavidovici, she specialised in material housing and legal assistance services, orientation and labor integration. Since 2021, she has been part of the Advisory Board of ALDA for the Migration Thematic Hub.
Mr. Oleksandr Bilenkyi represents the Poltava Regional Council, Ukraine. He is Chairman of the Poltava Regional Council, Chairman of the Association Poltava Regional Association of Local Self-Governments, and a public figure. He supports democratic principles at the local level, including the participation of citizens in decision-making and the development of local institutions are key in his activities. Since 2016 he has initiated the creation of mechanisms to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between different categories of residents of the communities of Poltava region and strives to scale this process.
Mr. Maurizio Camin is the Director of the association Trentino per i Balcani, based in Trento, Italy. He has more than 10 years of experience in international cooperation working mainly in Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia and Albania on mandate of the Autonomous Province of Trento. Through the association, he works to promote knowledge and awareness of sustainable development, human rights and global citizenship and collaborate to build an inclusive and open-minded Balkan reality. Thus, he has expertise in field work and participatory democracy projects for peaceful coexistence between communities and attention to fragile, weak and discriminated groups. He has been serving as a Member of ALDA Governing Board in the mandate 2020-2024.
Mr. Emir Coric, candidate of the Municipality of Centar-Skopje, North Macedonia. Currently working for the Ministry of Local-Self Government of North Macedonia as advisor and project coordinator in the local economic development department. Previously, he worked in the municipality of Centar as coordinator of the youth office. He gained a major expertise in community development, enhancing civic participation, and bridging the gap between citizens and decision-makers. He has been serving as a Member of ALDA Governing Board in the mandate 2020-2024. He is running for the position of Vice President.
Mr. Thibaut Guignard is the Mayor of Plœuc-L’Hermitage Municipality, France. He is a fervent defender of European rural areas, he was able to create several dynamics of European cooperation thanks to his different functions. Thus, since 2008, when he became Director of the Leader program of the Pays of South Saint-Brieuc, he has implemented European cooperation projects with stakeholders of the territory. Convinced of the success of the bottom-up approach and Community-Led Local Development, he persevered in the defense of rural areas at European level through the fulfillment of his mandates. He is an expert on promoting rural areas to allow them to discover all the opportunities allowed by the European Union and to promote their participation. He has been serving as an observer Member of the ALDA Governing Board since 2023.
Dr. Roger Lawrence is an individual member, former leader of Wolverhampton, UK. He holds a doctorate from the University of Bristol in European Regional Policy (cross border relations in Central and Eastern Europe). He led Wolverhampton City Council from 2002 to 2020 and remains an elected councilor with regional roles for transport and asylum/migration issues. His involvement with the ALDA goes back to early 2000 when Wolverhampton became lead partner for the Local Democracy Agency in Subotica. He has been serving as Treasurer of ALDA Governing Board since 2008. He is running for the position of treasurer.
Mr. Oriano Otočan represents the Region of Istria, Croatia. Since 2005, he served first as a Member of the Regional Government, and afterwards as Director of the Department in charge of international cooperation and European integration in the Region of Istria. He has significant experience in promoting minority rights, local development, interregional cooperation and the work of international organisations. He has deep knowledge of the Euro-integration process and of the current political reality of Southeast Europe. From 2014 to 2019 he has been working in the European Parliament as Policy advisor and Head of Office for a Member of the European Parliament. He has been serving as the President of ALDA since 2012.
Ms. Núria Parlón Gil is the Deputy for the Presidency and Delegate for International Relations of Diputación de Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain. She is also a Provincial Councillor in charge of International Relations, Agenda 2030, New Urban Agenda and Public Policies Innovation. She has also been serving as Mayor of Santa Coloma de Gramenet since 2009. She is also the national coordinator of the Network of Trafficking-Free Municipalities. From 2012 to 2015 she held a seat in the Parliament of Catalonia as a deputy for the Barcelona constituency. Among her responsibilities are the “Feminism and equality” area, the “Democratic Memory” and Global Observatory on Local Democracy and Decentralisation.
Mr. Alessandro Perelli represents the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy. Since 1980 he worked at the Regional Council and since 1999 at the International Relations Service where he was in charge of cooperation projects and agreements until August 2017. Since 2000, when Friuli Venezia Giulia joined ALDA, he has followed its associative life and activities on behalf of the Region. He has been particularly interested in the Mediterranean area and the creation of the new local democracy agencies in Morocco and Tunisia. He also assiduously followed the work and commitments of the agencies in Verteneglio, in Croatia, Gyumri in Armenia and Niksic in Montenegro. He has been serving as a Vice President of ALDA since 2016. Running for the position of Vice President.
Mr. Andrea Rilievo is the President of the social cooperative Studio Progetto, based in Cornedo Vicentino, Italy. His organisation has been working for 35 years in social projects for disadvantaged people, mainly dealing with job placement. He is also working on several social services for young people, for elderly people, for people with physical or psychiatric disabilities, for migrants and refugees and for the community as a whole, through basic health services. He is an expert in the social cooperation business model, based on nonprofit development and on human beings and social inclusion. He has been serving as a Member of the ALDA Governing Board in the mandate 2020-2024.
Ms. Marta Sys represents the Merkury Foundation, based in Walbrzych, Poland. She is a lawyer, EU consultant, trainer and project coordinator with significant experience in funds raising (from private, national and European sources) and in the field of supporting non-governmental organisations, building civil society, and raising awareness of EU values. She is involved in many actions on local and regional level (Lower Silesia) dedicated to civil society building and in social economy building prices in Poland as coordinator of an innovative project financed by EU initiative EQUAL called Muflon Partnership. She has been serving as a Member of the ALDA Governing Board since 2023.
PhD Inna Volkova is an active member of Odesa Rayon Council, Ukraine. She holds a PhD in Law. She has been serving in the Council since 2019, contributing to local governance, civic initiatives, and international cooperation. There, she served as Head of the Coordination Headquarters on the receipt and distribution of humanitarian aid in 2022-2023. Her perspective was enriched through the role of assistant on international issues to a Member of Parliament of Ukraine and through an internship at the German Federal Foreign Office in the framework of High Level Experts Programme (HLEP), where she gained practical insights aimed at implementing European expertise in Ukraine.She is part of the ALDA Advisory Board as an expert contributing to the Thematic HUB on Civic Engagement.
Ms. Nataša Vučković is the President of the Center for Democracy Foundation (CDF), based in Belgrade, Serbia. She has a large experience in the civil society in Serbia and in the Western Balkans as a founding member and secretary general of the CDF since 1994. In particular, her programme portfolio focuses on support for democratic institutions, youth and civic education, inclusive and participatory public policy design and regional cooperation. Along with her work in the civil society, she was a member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia for thirteen years (2007-2020), where she served as chair of the parliamentary Committee for European Integration. In this capacity, she was a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. She has been serving as a Vice President of ALDA since 2023. She has been a member of the Governing board of ALDA since 2020. She is running for the position of President of the Association.
Mr. Francesco Zarzana is the President of the cultural association Progettarte, based in Modena, Italy. In addition, he is a journalist, writer, playwright and film director. He has experience of collaboration with ALDA for more than 15 years, giving support to the growth and the development of ALDA. Through his cultural work, he focuses on human rights, migration and gender equality. He has been serving as a Vice President of ALDA Governing Board in the mandate 2020-2024. He is running for the position of Vice President.
PhD Mario Žuliček is Advisor at the Association of Cities of the Republic of Croatia, based in Zagreb, Croatia. He holds a PhD on the topic of communication elements that positively influence people’s willingness to cooperate, which ultimately contributes to a motivation of citizens in being involved in decision-making processes. He is active in the implementation of various participatory processes at the local, national, and international levels. He coordinates the participatory budgeting mentoring programme for Croatian cities and the certification system for Croatian cities in the field of youth policies. He is an educator for local youth council members, and a mentor in the largest youth European project – Europe Goes Local.
The elections and proclamation of the new ALDA Governing Board for the period 2024-2028 will be a crucial moment for deep discussion and foresight into the future work of the Association.
The renewed ALDA approach will pursue the Association’s unceasing day-to-day commitment to the promotion of democracy, good governance and citizen participation, strengthening its global impact.
Stay tuned for further updates on the ALDA pathway and the new dynamic strategy towards more resilient communities and an equal and inclusive society.
On the April 30 in Tirana (Albania), there will be a kick-off event for BOOST: Balkans for Optimising Opportunities, Sustainability and Transformation of Civil Society. BOOST is a three-year initiative funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) that aims to advance socio-economic and democratic development in the Balkans and empower civil society across the region.
This event marks the beginning of an ambitious initiative aimed at strengthening civil society in the Western Balkans, focusing on crucial areas such as youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, environmental preservation, rural development, and cultural heritage. Through conferences, training sessions, and regional and national grants, the aim is to catalyse sustainable development and empower local communities.
The conference will bring together members of Western Balkans Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), alongside representatives from AFD, the French Embassies in the Western Balkan countries, and local government officials.
Notably, partners will have the opportunity to discuss the goals of the project and address challenges. The event will mark the official inauguration of BOOST, presenting an opportunity for the enhancement the role and capacity of CSOs in driving positive transformations.
BOOST is coordinated by ALDA in partnership with LEADER France, Pulse SOS, Pulse Balkans, LDA Mostar, LDA Kosovo, LDA Nikšić, LDA Zavidovići, LDA Prijedor, LDA Subotica, LDA Central and Southern Serbia and the Urban Research Institute Albania.
Agence Française de Développemnt (AFD) implements France’s policy on international development and solidarity. Through its financing of NGOs and the public sector, as well as its research and publications, AFD supports and accelerates transitions towards a fairer, more resilient world. It also provides training in sustainable development (at AFD Campus) and other awareness-raising activities in France.
Join us on the April 30 in Tirana Internation Hotel as we take the first step towards empowering change and driving transformation in the Balkans.
Check the agenda HERE.
Register HERE.
The recent ALDA Odesa meeting brought together key stakeholders to review achievements and plan for the future. Attendees included ALDA Secretary General Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, Ms. Tamara Astakhova from the Association of Ukrainian Cities (AUC), Mr. Vitaliy Barvinenko, Advisory Board Member Mrs. Inna Volkova, Mr. Igor Studennikov and Ms. Viktoria Yatsyshyna contributed to the success of the meeting.
The collaboration with Fons Mallorqui has been crucial, enabling ALDA Odesa to utilise expertise and resources for the benefit of the region.
Since November, ALDA Odesa has been active, as demonstrated by Mrs. Valmorbida’s video showcasing highlights of their work in Ukraine, particularly in Odesa. The potential partnership with the Association of Ukrainian Cities (AUC) presents exciting opportunities, with Ms. Tamara Astakhova providing insights into AUC’s long history of engagement in decentralisation and other reforms.
Mr. Vitaliy Barvinenko is optimistic about the organisation’s progress, considering possible reorganisation to adapt to the evolving situation. Ms. Inna Volkova shared updates on recent projects, including the Smart Family House and Children’s Centre, highlighting ALDA Odesa’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups. Mr. Igor Studennikov extended an invitation to the National Participation Day in the Danube region, emphasising the importance of broader engagement.
The Action Plan is taking shape, with a focus on youth, IDPs adaptation, and cultural and educational initiatives. Ms. Inna Volkova’s suggestion to include EU integration activities aligns with the organisation’s advocacy efforts and vision of fostering European values in the Danube region. Ms. Viktoria Yatsyshyna provided updates on cultural cooperation between Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and Odesa, emphasising the significance of international partnerships.
Moving forward, ALDA Odesa aims to finalise the Action Plan soon. The next meeting in May will be crucial for formalising the LDA registration.
ALDA Odesa’s journey is characterised by collaboration, resilience, and a shared vision for sustainable development. With each meeting, partnerships are strengthened, impact deepened, and progress made towards a brighter future in Odesa and beyond.
On 9 April, five young candidates to the European elections met and exchanged with young citizens in Brussels in an event organised by Stand Up for Europe.
This event provided a platform for an active exchange of perspectives, ideas, and concerns, facilitating direct engagement between young individuals and candidates for the European Parliament. Addressing critical issues such as climate change, economic policies, mental health, human rights, social justice, and education, the session sought to identify and help bridge the gap between youth aspirations and the legislative agenda.
With the participation of candidates Suzana Carp (Volt), Laura Hidalgo (MR), Yvan Verougstraete (Les Engagés), Léa Charlet (Ecolo), Bram Vandeninden (Volt), Marta Barandiy (Voor U).
On 19 April 2024, in the framework of the European Youth Week, students, young professionals, and local associations met in Rome, Italy to discuss the upcoming European elections as well as youth participation beyond the voting process.
This event is part of the TALE project (TAke the Lead in the European Elections) and was organised by one of the 100 changemakers ALDA and the project partners trained in the context of the European elections.
The event was dedicated to discussing effective communication on European issues, values and institutions.
As partner of the Get The Trolls Out project, an initiative to combat discrimination and intolerance based on religious grounds in Europe, ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy – contributes in the perpetration of antisemitic and anti-religious speech, supporting diversity and inclusion.
Together with the partners, we develop strategies and activities to counter intolerance and hate narratives, involving local entities and young people to disseminate positive messages and improve democratic construction.
Would you like to learn more about the project and its path? Here, you can find an example of an article elaborated by the consortium of partners on the stigmatisation of Muslims in the French political discourse.
On 12 March, a group of pro-Gaza students blocked an amphitheatre in the prestigious Parisian university Science-Po. Towards the end of the demonstration, however, a student was reportedly prevented from entering the hall for being Jewish. Occupiers threw her out of the room shouting “Don’t let her in, she’s a Zionist.”
Besides the obviously antisemitic nature of this event, it was quickly taken over by populists to develop their rhetoric of hate.
Several right-wing figures, such as the far-right party Reconquête! leader Éric Zemmour or philosopher Michel Onfray called out the supposed collusion between Islamist ideas (linking, in a daring association, pro-Gaza demonstrations, islam, and terrorism) and left-leaning university students.
Both Eric Zemmour and Michel Onfray denounced the “Islamo-leftism” at work in French universities. But what is Islamo-leftism? What does it mean, and can it be equated to an attack on muslim people?
Let’s find out.
A neologism, islamo-leftism describes a perceived political alliance between the left political spectrum and Islamist movements. It is mostly — if not exclusively — used by right-leaning figures to discredit the left and its supposed collusion with radical islam ideas.
The term appeared in French political discourse after the first Islamic terrorist attacks in France in 2012, when far-right politician Marine Le Pen used it to describe a supposed alliance between “Islamic fanatics” and the French left.
Since then, it has been used by all sides of the political spectrum. Its usage has progressed in French political discourse in the last five years, notably from 2020, when former French education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer denounced it as an “ideology that then, far and away, leads to the worst.
Most importantly, islamo-leftism is a manifestation of the usual anti-Islam trope of “islamisation” of Western societies. In this specific case, the perceived “invasion” of French society would be aided by the complacency of a certain part of the political class.
But the most salient aspect of Islamo-leftism is its semantic void. As Professor Christian Delporte puts it: “Today, ‘islamo-leftist’ has become a buzzword. We don’t really know what it means anymore. All we know is that it’s insulting.”
Therefore, the term is used — and abused — by the right’s political spectrum to discredit its opponents, accused of facilitating the decrepitude of French traditional values, another common theme of the populist right.
In conclusion, if using the term ‘islamo-leftism’ is not a frontal attack on islam, it still contains loaded assumptions about the religion and its believers — namely the islamisation of western societies and the cultural incompatibility of Islam with the western way of life.
As for the partners of the Get The Trolls Out project, we will closely monitor the phrase, and report it to the media and online platforms, in accordance with the law, should it be used for stigmatisation, call to violence or other religious-based hate speech.
1 Bouchet, A.. (12 March 2024). Une salle de Sciences Po Paris bloquée en soutien à Gaza, des étudiants juifs interdits d’entrer. Le Point
2 (18 March 2024). ÉRIC ZEMMOUR : «SCIENCES PO PARIS EST DEVENU UNE ZAD ISLAMO-GAUCHISTE». CNEWS
3 (16 March 2024). AMPHI DE SCIENCES PO BLOQUÉ PAR DES SOUTIENS À GAZA : «ON EST DANS UNE LOGIQUE ISLAMO-GAUCHISTE», SELON MICHEL ONFRAY. CNEWS
4 Ryan Y. (6 April 2012). French right focuses on ‘radical’ Muslims. Aljazeera
5 Le Nevé S. (23 October 2020), Polémique après les propos de Jean-Michel Blanquer sur « l’islamo-gauchisme » à l’université. Le Monde
6 A guide to islamophobic narratives. Get The Trolls Out
7 Houeix R. (25 January 2017). Qu’est-ce que cet “islamo-gauchisme” dont le camp Valls accuse Hamon ? France 24
The partners of the REAL DEAL project invite you to participate and share your experiences in a citizen decision-making space focused on shaping the future of Europe’s environmental landscape. This unique opportunity allows citizens to have their voices heard regarding what the green transition in Europe could and should look like. Taking place on June 15 and 16 in Brussels (Belgium), this event offers an experience in citizen decision-making, providing the platform for your insights to potentially influence the trajectory of nature conservation and biodiversity preservation.
The European Union has long been at the forefront of environmental policy, but too often, decisions are made disconnected from the lived realities of its citizens. Now, it’s time for a change.
Whether you’re a seasoned environmental advocate or simply passionate about making a difference, this event is for you. No prior knowledge is required—all that’s needed is your willingness to contribute to the collective wisdom that will shape the future of our planet. Over the course of two days, the project partners will delve deep into the heart of the EU Green Deal, exploring its potential and identifying the barriers that stand in the way of effective biodiversity conservation. Through innovative democratic methods, they’ll bring your voices directly into the policymaking process, making tangible strides towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.
The workshop will take place on Saturday, June 15, and it will be reserved for dialogue, discovery, and collaboration. And don’t miss our social gathering on Sunday, June 16th, where connections will be forged and ideas will continue to flourish.
Register now to secure your spot in this groundbreaking event. Together, let’s redefine democracy, reshape policy, and unlock a greener, brighter future for all.
This event will be co-organised by the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and partners as part of the REAL DEAL project, and according to the Horizon 2020 research initiative focused on enhancing citizen participation and deliberative democracy in Europe. By fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration, the REAL DEAL project aims to pave the way for a more inclusive and responsive policymaking process. Join us in shaping the future of Europe’s environmental agenda—your voice is the catalyst for change.
Date:Saturday, June 15 2024 for the workshop and Sunday June 16 for the social event
Location: Rue des Palais 46, Brussels, Belgium
Register by: Friday, May 3rd, 2024
Register here.
In the framework of the European Youth Week, on April 19, 2024, a successful local event of the TALE – TAke the Lead in the European Elections action took place at Re-Work in Rome, Italy. Organised by one of the Italian TALE changemakers, this event gathered young students, young professionals, young volunteers and local associations in a vivid discussion about the upcoming European elections as well as youth participation beyond the voting process.
The event was divided into two main phases: the first part was dedicated to the presentation of local associations of youngsters, to the introduction of ALDA’s campaign “Better Europe Together” and of the TALE initiative, and to the panel discussion led by Europe Direct – Roma Tre. The second phase focused on the group discussion and final remarks.
Following the welcoming session, “YOUTH Taking the lead” was launched by TALE changemaker, introducing local groups of European associations of young volunteers and activists, aimed at shaping a better Europe and at promoting European values. First, Young European Ambassadors briefly presented their work within the European Union and beyond; then, Europiamo shared their experiences and mission in line with the European Youth Goals.
After the good practices and relevant initiatives at the EU level of both youth organisations, ALDA shared with all participants its campaign “Better Europe Together” ahead the upcoming EU elections, presenting the long-lasting Communication Partnership with the European Parliament, and the visibility opportunities offered to all ALDA’s partners and members’ initiatives promoting the European Parliament elections on its landing page and through its social media.
Within this framework, a specific focus of ALDA’s presentation was on the TALE action, aiming at empowering young citizens and enhancing their active participation, notably towards the parliamentary elections of June 6-9, 2024.
The goal of the event was for ALDA to invite the audience to register on the EP platform through this Together.eu link, in order to get the main updates, news and relevant information on the upcoming elections.
The last part of session one was dedicated to a panel discussion on how to effectively communicate about European issues, values and institutions. The panel was led by Europe Direct – Roma Tre and involved Raffaele Torino, Professor of EU Law at Roma Tre University.
Phase two of the event was devoted to the TALE World Cafè, involving around 40 participants in small groups discussing about and focusing on the TALE’s webinars topics: activism and youth participation, information, and online and offline campaigning. The results of each small group discussion were presented at the end of the event, stressing the importance of young people’s voice as drivers of the change and key actors of a better Europe’s future, and enhancing the need of reaching all citizens through a multiplier effect of such crucial local initiatives.
2030 Youth Vision partners and young people met at First Youth Forum in Novo Mesto, Slovenia.
From April 1 until 5, some of the youngsters involved in the Local Labs that were held in Rome by Fondazione Mondo Digitale, in Spain by the Municipality of Catadau, in Portugal by the Municipality of Lousada and in Slovenia by DRPDNM, met for the First Youth Forum Exchange Ii Novo Mesto, Slovenia. They had the chance to get to know each other, share experiences from the Local Labs, and explore the 2030 Agenda and SDGs with a panel discussion on the role of youth in achieving sustainable development goals.
Among the numerous activities, time was dedicated to cultural activities such as a workshop to celebrate various cultures, traditions, and ethnicities, promoting inclusivity and reducing inequality.
They also were invited to engage in Traditional Dance and Music Showcases, where traditional dances and music performances highlight themes of gender equality and empowerment, and a Theater Performances Addressing Social Issues workshop.
In parallel to the Youth Forum Exchange, on April 4, ALDA and CREAS joined the other partners for the Third Transnational Partners meeting, which took place in Novo Mesto too. The partners who implemented the first phase of the Local Labs, shared insights, successes and challenges from the activities and the next steps of the project implementation were discussed.
Furthermore, on April 5 the partners were engaged in the Local dissemination event, and participated in a round table discussion with the youngsters about “the Role of the media in promotion of SDG and participation of youth”.
The First Youth Forum was a significant step forward in empowering youth in influencing local policies in the context of the SDGs and to face the most significant challenges for their future. The Second Youth Forum will take place in Catadau (Spain) to discuss the results of the second phase of Local Labs.
To ensure a comprehensive EU policy framework for a socio-ecological transition within the European Green Deal, the REAL DEAL project partners have developed a Social-Ecological Transition Policy Tool within the Civil Society Forum.
The Real Deal is a community of people living in Europe who are taking action to build a new model of environmental citizenship for Europe; a model which places people living in Europe at the heart of the decision-making process, making a REAL DEAL for both people and the planet.
Through the development of a Policy Tool, civil society organisations deliver input for future EU-level policymakers and different stakeholders to align with the aspirations of citizens, civil society, and stakeholders in the pursuit of a robust social-ecological European Green Deal. By providing examples of emerging issues, this tool aims to inspire civil society organisations to develop narratives in line with their advocacy priorities and empower them to engage with policymakers involved in the upcoming EP elections.
On November 8 2023, more than 50 civil society organisations (CSOs) from across Europe came together for the sixth edition of the Civil Society Forum for Sustainability: Shaping the European Green Deal. The forum focused on the importance of a powerful vision for the socio-ecological transition. This vision is essential for the European Union to ensure a safe future, protect the planet, and promote the well-being of people in the context of the upcoming European Parliament elections. To achieve these goals, the participants identified the following themes around which stronger collective messaging is needed from civil society: civic space and democracy, the green and social deal, and the mobilisation of citizens.
The tool includes conclusions of the discussions with CSOs and other stakeholders about the context, problems, possible solutions and optimal vision of each dimension. Furthermore, the tool also proposes a structure for a campaign briefing to guide CSOs in developing their own campaigns.
By integrating the recommendations and addressing the issues discussed in this tool, the Civil Society Forum believes the newly elected European Parliament will be able to successfully implement the European Green Deal and lead the socio-ecological changes needed.
On April 3, the consortium of the newly launched Erasmus+ project “Speak up” came together in Bucharest (Romania) for its kick-off meeting, marking the beginning of an exciting journey.
Led by Grupul pentru Dialog Social (Romania), the consortium comprises Tudatos Ifjúságért Alapítvány (Hungary), ALDA (France) and Centre of Active Citizens for Sustainable Development (Cyprus).
Speak up is an Erasmus+ project, which aims at fostering youth engagement and participation through the creation of a resilient network of youth debate clubs across Romania, Cyprus and Hungary. Recognising structured debate as a pivotal tool for civic learning and empowerment, the project aims to equip young individuals with the requisite skills and confidence to become proactive citizens within their local communities.
By extending its outreach to vulnerable groups, including Roma communities, young migrants, and those susceptible to radicalisation, SPEAK UP commits to ensure that every voice is not only heard but also valued. Through creating debate clubs in disadvantaged areas and, with the support of the partners, the project strives for a more inclusive and cohesive society. Indeed, the consortium recognises the debate platform as a venue of dialogue and exchange, capable of amplifying youth voices and fostering exchange between different groups.
During the Kick-off meeting, the partners had the chance to connect, share ideas, and determine together the next steps of the project. An important highlight was the presentation of the ARDOR, as an associated partner of the project. As the Romanian Debate and Oratory Association, they explained the World School Debate format, outlined its extensive network within Romania, and shared the methodology employed in its debating activities with young individuals.
ALDA, in turn, will play a crucial role by training and empowering youth workers and youth on issues of participatory democracy and youth engagement, so they could in turn make a lasting mark in the local communities.
SPEAK UP holds promise as an exceptional opportunity to amplify youth voices, encourage their active involvement, and empower them to assume leadership roles, thus contributing to the cultivation of a brighter future for generations to come.
One crucial element stands at the forefront in the journey towards a green future: citizen participation. As we experience the complexities of climate change and environmental degradation, it becomes evident that the engagement of citizens and key stakeholders is not only desirable but essential in driving meaningful green change. Citizens emerge as pivotal actors in green transition, shaping sustainable policies, driving innovation, and fostering collaborative efforts towards a greener tomorrow.
On April 11, the event “What’s new for Green Living Areas?” organised in the framework of the Green Living Areas Thematic Community Kick-off, took place in Turin, Italy.
ALDA participated as a panellist in the session “Experiences with citizen involvement and advice for the new projects”. The Environment and Climate Hub, represented by Lizeth Lopez, ALDA Project Manager Junior with a focus on Environment, emphasised the importance of citizen involvement in the green transition, through participatory methodologies. The experiences of the E&C hub involve co-creation activities with citizens and key stakeholders that contribute to the development of the ongoing projects. The session emphasised how the collaboration among local authorities, institutional actors, and citizens amplifies the impact of grassroots efforts in driving environmental change.
The E&C Hub, with its commitment to inclusive environmental citizenship, advocates for the integration of citizens into decision-making processes. The Hub operates on the belief that civic engagement acts as a catalyst to deliver fast and effective environmental outcomes. Through initiatives focused on climate change adaptation and mitigation, green skills, circular economy, and inclusive transitions, the activities of the hub empower citizens to take ownership of the green agenda. By fostering dialogue and bridging the gap between citizens and decision-makers, ALDA facilitates a participatory approach that ensures no one is left behind in the transition towards a greener world.
The event was an exchange of best practices which offered unique perspectives on engaging citizens to drive impactful change in green living areas. From innovative technological solutions to community-driven initiatives, the projects showcased diverse approaches towards fostering environmental consciousness and active citizenship.
The recent Training of Trainers of the Erasmus+ MEDIUM project allowed us to discover the possibilities that innovation and technologies may bring to citizen engagement. Hosted by the Municipality of Lousada (Portugal) and guided by experts from ALDA+ and CSUV, this training was held on March 26-27 and marked a significant milestone in fostering participatory democracy and also uncovering the role of immersive technologies.
The MEDIUM Training of Trainers involved ALDA+ and CSUV, Municipality of Lousada and Municipality of Etterbeek (Belgium), members of ALDA.
The first part was dedicated to participatory democracy practices and their implementation in local contexts. Participants had the unique opportunity to explore the role that citizen and stakeholder involvement plays in our democratic systems, while analysing the transformative potential that digital tools already have in the public sphere. This session was enlivened by interactive and engaging exercises in which participants and trainers shared their opinions and insights from their experience in local contexts, thus fostering a multidimensional and multi-stakeholder exchange.
On the other hand, in the second part of the training sessions, with the guidance of the CSUV, participants had the opportunity to actively engage with immersive technologies, trying out VR viewers and experiencing first-hand what virtual realms and the Metaverse can offer. Navigating these new possibilities and tools allowed them to imagine technologies as a way to foster the accessibility and intuitiveness of public services.
However, the journey did not end in Lousada. In fact, the trained participants will now be responsible to share their knowledge and skills in local training workshops to empower colleagues within their local communities. This cascading effect would eventually translate into citizen consultations and local events , where citizens themselves would become agents of change and brainstorm together with local authorities on how to integrate these tools within local communities to better promote innovation and adapt it to their needs.
Overall, this training of trainers within the MEDIUM project was only the starting point towards a more inclusive, engaged and technologically empowered society. It is indeed important to remind ourselves of the challenges that technologies can bring, but also how their use can have a significant and positive impact on our lives. Together, it is important that we continue to work on the potential of digital technologies and use them to engage citizens and enable the principles of local participatory democracy.
Introducing a new chapter in the old familiar location, the Western Balkans. ALDA is launching the BOOST project – Balkans for Optimising Opportunities, Sustainability, and Transformation of Civil Society, officially commencing on 1 April, 2024.
Funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), BOOST project is a three-year initiative coordinated by ALDA and implemented by a consortium of partners from France and the Western Balkans, with the goal of advancing development in various areas in the region within the framework of EU enlargement.
The project will involve CSOs from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia in various activities, including conferences, trainings, and national and regional sub-granting schemes, with a budget of 3.7 million euros.
The primary goal of this project is to contribute to the democratic development of the Western Balkan region, through extensive support for the civil society sector and activities while taking in consideration the socio-political and economic dynamics of the region. The project is taking advantage of the growing presence of CSOs in Western Balkans and the active civic engagement, who despite challenges, plays a crucial role in promoting democratic reform, human rights and social advancement.
The project will tackle the most crucial topics and issues, such as the obstacles that youngsters face when engaging in civic activities, the low level of citizen participation, the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles and decision-making positions, the untapped potential of rural and cultural tourism.
It aims to establish a robust network of stakeholders committed to the region’s democratic growth and to foster a collective narrative among civil society and decision-makers that reinforces European values of peace, democracy, and inclusive youth participation at the regional level.
Benefiting from a diverse and seasoned consortium, the project will leverage the extensive field experience of local partners from the Western Balkans, complemented by the EU experience contributed by the French members of the consortium.
The project will be inaugurated on 30 April, 2024, in Tirana, Albania, with a launching event bringing together 50 representatives from Western Balkans Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) alongside the project partners. Agence Française de Développement (AFD) implements France’s policy on international development and solidarity. Through its financing of NGOs and the public sector, as well as its research and publications, AFD supports and accelerates transitions towards a fairer, more resilient world. It also provides training in sustainable development (at AFD Campus) and other awareness-raising activities in France.
BOOST is coordinated by ALDA in partnership with LEADER France, Pulse SOS, Pulse Balkans, Local Democracy Agency Mostar, Local Democracy Agency Kosovo, Local Democracy Agency Nikšić, Local Democracy Agency Zavidovici, Local Democracy Agency Prijedor, Local Democracy Agency Subotica, Local Democracy Agency Central and Southern Serbia and the Urban Research Institute Albania.
Project aims to strengthen democratic, economic and social development of the WB region. This will be achieved through long-term program support for empowering civil society capacities in different thematic pillars: youth & entrepreneurship, rural development & environment, preservation of cultural heritage & community development. The cross-cutting priority is to promote active citizenship through participatory approaches and tools, and to encourage a gender perspective in all the programme’s activities. The programme aims to strengthen the capacities of civil society organisations through: a) capacity building, b) financial supporting activities to CSOs in the three key thematic pillars; c) promoting networking within civil society and with other key actors such as local authorities.
The project focuses on young people and especially young women and is aimed at strengthening their capacity for active participation in all the pillars described above. Project also aims to encourage greater engagement and effective cooperation among citizens and direct dialogue with decision-makers, at the local and national level. These actions help to strengthen transparent and responsive local governance structures, generating a positive impact on a regional scale. ALDA’s network also reaches EU and in particular French partners and members, which have been involved with ALDA in the WB region, in several programmes for good local governance for more than two decades.
Overall objective: Promote the democratic, economic, and social development of the Western Balkans region within the context of EU enlargement, by strengthening civil society in the areas of youth and entrepreneurship, environmental protection, rural development, preservation of cultural heritage and community development.
Specific objectives:
#BOOST #BOOSTtheBalkans
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”.
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.
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