Public consultation as a tool of participative democracy – an insights on Ukraine

During its 20 years of life, ALDA has been more and more engaged in the Eastern Partnership, especially in Ukraine, when it comes to democracy promotion, support to local authorities and civil society, and development of good governance.

Thus, on April the 20th 2021, ALDA was invited to join the “Public consultations as a tool of participatory democracy. World practises and standards”. The event, promoted by the Ukrainian Parliamentary Committee on State Building, Local Governance, Regional and Urban Development, saw the participation of ALDA Secretary General Antonella Valmorbida, also in the capacity of expert of the Council of Europe (CoE).

Support of decentralisation processes and in the promotion of public administration reforms in Ukraine

The online conference followed an agenda structured into two parts: a first panel discussion focusing on the “Current state of public consultations in Ukraine and presentation of the legislative initiative regarding its improvement”. The discussion involved ministers, members of the Parliament, experts and associations’ representatives from Ukraine discussing and sharing their perspectives and insights as far as the topic of the panel concerned.

“An international experience in conducting public consultation. Lessons from Ukraine” was the theme of the second panel, which saw the participation of ALDA Secretary General, as keynote speaker, together with delegates from European and international institutions. The latter served as a platform to reflect, debate and share knowledge when it comes to democracy promotion, decentralisation and good governance. Moreover, within this framework, ALDA’s contribution was particularly relevant in light of its proven experience in the support of decentralisation processes and in the promotion of public administration reforms in Ukraine.

The video conference was held in cooperation with:

• Minister of Justice of Ukraine
• Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine
• OSCE
• National Democratic Institute (NDI)
• UKAID
• USAID
• Global Communities Partners for Good
• Fond Skhidna Yevropa
• Прямуємо разом
• EU4PAR
• SIGMA
• OECD
• Council of Europe