Winter Greetings & Happy New Year from ALDA

Winter Greeting and Happy New Year from ALDA President, Mr. Oriano Otočan, ALDA Secretary General, Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida and the whole ALDA team!

As every December, it is time to stop for a second and look back at what has been done during the last 12 months. A year full of initiatives, meetings and events that give great energy for the upcoming 2024.

“Dear Esteemed Members, Cherished Partners, and Friends of ALDA,

As we gather together on the cusp of the Winter Holidays, my heart swells with warmth and gratitude. It is my privilege to extend heartfelt wishes to each and every one of you on behalf of the entire ALDA team, its Governing Board, its Advisory Board and our network of LDAs.” – stated our President, Mr. Otočan at the beginning of its letter.

“In reflecting on the passing year, I am moved to acknowledge the difficult challenges that have touched our lives. The ongoing wars have cast a long shadow, deeply affecting the implementation of our activities across Europe and beyond. Many of you have confronted the stark realities of these conflicts, facing obstacles that extend from economic to social and cultural dimensions. It is during these tumultuous times that our commitment to supporting local communities becomes more critical than ever.

In 2024, our overarching goal remains unwavering — to foster connections within our network of local communities, civil society and local authorities from Europe and beyond. We firmly believe that only through collaborative efforts, idea-sharing, and joint initiatives can we navigate the complex challenges of our time. We stand ready to play our part in alleviating the plight of those affected and approach the coming year with renewed determination. Our aspiration is to transition to a peaceful and democratic future, where communities stand together, strong and resilient.

Citizens participation and local communities working toward a globally sustainable change, striving for a better future for all humanity and our planet, remain the core of ALDA, our essence and the foundational values that unites all of us. As we face what lies ahead, let’s gather strength from our shared commitment and unity. Looking at 2024, we see a time full of new hope and purpose ahead.

​​The upcoming year holds the promise of fresh activities, such as the upcoming EU24 elections, our electoral General Assembly, realisation of dozens of already approved projects, adoption of a new ALDA Strategy that will allow us further development and new challenges based on the results achieved in the previous 30 years. Together, we will continue to champion the values that bind us. As we embark on this journey, let optimism guide our steps, and may our collective efforts pave the way for a world where democracy thrives and the voices of local communities resonate more powerfully than ever.

Wishing you all happy Winter Holidays, and a great New Year!” – concluded Mr. Otočan.

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The entire ALDA team wishes you all Happy Winter Holidays, and a great New Year!

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Similarly, Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, ALDA Secretary General, wished to the network and friends of the Association warm winter greetings and happy New Year!

Subtitles are available in ENG and FR.