FIBGAR at the ALDA General Assembly 2026 in Malta: strengthening democracy from the local level
From May 12 to 14, 2026, the island of Malta will host one of the most significant gatherings for the European local democracy network: the General Assembly of ALDA – the European Association for Local Democracy.
Under the theme “Local Democracy that Delivers”, this edition will be more than an institutional meeting. It will be a true festival of exchange, learning, and collective building among members, partners, and collaborators from across Europe and beyond.
For FIBGAR, which is part of ALDA as a member organization, this event represents far more than a formal presence. It is the continuation of a deep commitment to the promotion of human rights, global justice, and the strengthening of democracy from its closest roots: territories, municipalities, and local communities. Being part of ALDA allows us to do precisely that: weave strategic alliances that connect the local with the European, the institutional with the civic, and the theoretical with the practical.
ALDA is a network that has long promoted participatory democracy, good governance, and the active involvement of citizens in public decision-making. Its decentralized approach and direct collaboration with local authorities and civil society organizations make it a unique platform for democratic innovation. In this sense, FIBGAR’s participation in the 2026 General Assembly reinforces our conviction that democracy is not an abstract concept, but a living practice built every day from the local level.
This year’s edition, designed as a three-day festival, will allow participants to exchange experiences, share best practices, and debate key European Union priorities in areas such as social cohesion, civic participation, fundamental rights, and democratic sustainability. In a European context marked by complex challenges — from rising disinformation to political disengagement and territorial inequalities — spaces like this are essential to collectively reimagine the future of democracy.
FIBGAR arrives in Malta with a clear agenda: to continue strengthening the link between human rights and participatory democracy, and to contribute our expertise in civic education, democratic memory, and the defense of the rule of law. We believe that local democracy is the first space where fundamental rights are made real, and therefore its strengthening is essential to ensure more just, inclusive, and resilient societies.
During the Assembly, we will have the opportunity to take part in working sessions, round tables, and networking spaces that will allow us to deepen discussions on topics such as youth participation, inclusive governance, transitional justice, and the role of civil society in defending democracy. These exchanges not only enrich the work of each organization, but also help build shared narratives and common strategies at the European level.
In addition, the “festival” dimension of the event adds an important symbolic value: democracy is not only debated, it is also celebrated. The coexistence of diverse cultures, languages, and experiences reinforces the idea that plurality is a strength, not a threat. At a time when many democracies face internal tensions, gatherings like this remind us of the importance of protecting spaces for dialogue and cooperation.
Being present at the ALDA General Assembly 2026 also means renewing our commitment to networked action. Building a strong democracy cannot be done alone; it requires alliances, mutual trust, and a shared vision of the future. Collaboration with organizations from different European countries allows us to expand the impact of our work and learn from a wide range of contexts.
Democracy is strengthened from the bottom up — from the local level, from organized and committed citizens.
