European Local Democracy Week, Valongo

Description

The European Local Democracy Week (ELDW) is a pan-European initiative through which local and regional authorities of the Council of Europe member states are invited to organise public events, with the aim of mobilising European citizens around the theme of local democracy.
The Municipality of Valongo has joined this initiative since 2014, and since then, in addition to the main events it organises during the European Local Democracy Week, which always takes place around 15 October, it implements different initiatives and events throughout the year. The initiatives are very diverse but have the common goal of increasing citizens’ knowledge and involvement in local politics, intensifying and deepening the dialogue of elected representatives with citizens, strengthening local democracy and reinforcing respect for human rights.

Partners

Not applicable

Beneficiaries

The community of Valongo

Details

The Municipality of Valongo can contribute to SDG implementation in several ways, such as raising Awareness and Fostering Engagement, as ELDW provides a platform for the Municipality to engage citizens and local stakeholders in discussions about the SDGs and their relevance to their daily lives. Empowering Citizens and Strengthening Democracy will also accelerate SDG implementation, because ELDW's focus on citizen engagement aligns with SDG 16 - Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. By promoting dialogue between elected representatives and citizens, the Municipality can empower individuals to take an active role in decision-making processes and hold authorities accountable for SDG implementation. This enhanced citizen participation fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards sustainable development outcomes. Furthermore, the Municipality of Valongo can identify and prioritize local challenges that intersect with the SDGs. By aligning their own development plans and policies with the SDGs, the Municipality can ensure that their efforts are targeted and contribute to the global agenda while addressing specific local needs. Building Partnerships and Multi-stakeholder Cooperation will encourage collaboration between local and regional authorities. By fostering partnerships with neighbouring municipalities, civil society organizations, private sector entities, and academia, the Municipality of Valongo can leverage resources and expertise to address complex development issues that transcend administrative boundaries and require collective action. In conclusion, the Municipality of Valongo's active participation in the European Local Democracy Week presents a valuable avenue for accelerating SDG implementation and addressing interlinkages at the local level. By fostering citizen engagement, aligning local priorities with the SDGs, building partnerships, and promoting inclusivity and human rights, the Municipality can make significant strides towards sustainable development while contributing to the broader global agenda of achieving the SDGs by 2030.

Additional information

Goal 10

Reduce inequality within and among countries

10.3

Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard

Goal 16

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Government

Promote inclusive, participatory, responsible and accountable multilevel governance leading to global action

Strengthen public institutions to enhance the protection of our global commons and provision of public goods

Involve the scientific-community, civil society and local communities in the policy and decision making

Contribute to the strengthening of multilateralism through a meaningful engagement in global agendas and representation in decision making bodies

People

Promote informed citizen participation in public life and decision-making

Foster open, accessible and verifiable information and data to promote inclusion, education and communication.

By implementing these tangible deliverables, the Municipality of Valongo can significantly accelerate SDG implementation and contribute to addressing interlinkages, fostering sustainable development, and strengthening local democracy. These initiatives will empower citizens, ensure inclusivity, and promote collaborative action, making meaningful progress towards the 2030 Agenda and leaving a lasting impact on the well-being of the community and the environment.

Staff / Technical expertise

Staff/Technical expertise in the context of the European Local Democracy Week (ELDW) refers to the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of trained professionals and experts who support the planning, coordination, and implementation of ELDW initiatives. These individuals possess specialized knowledge in areas such as event management, public engagement, local governance, sustainable development, and human rights. Their expertise is instrumental in designing effective programs, conducting workshops, facilitating citizen dialogues, and ensuring that ELDW activities align with the goals of promoting local democracy, citizen participation, and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Staff/Technical expertise plays a crucial role in guiding the Municipality of Valongo's efforts to create meaningful and impactful initiatives during ELDW and throughout the year, enhancing citizen knowledge and involvement in local politics and reinforcing respect for human rights.