23rd IOPD Conference - Building Democratic Resilience with Participatory Communities

The International Observatory on Participatory Democracy (IOPD) is a global network that brings together cities, organizations, and research centers interested in exploring and implementing participatory democracy at the local level. Established in 2001 as part of the European Commission's URB-AL program, the IOPD has been collaborating with United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) since 2006.

The IOPD's annual conference serves as a platform for discussing the current state of participatory democracy worldwide. This event brings together experts in participation, political leaders, and advocates for more participative local democracy. It provides an excellent opportunity for networking and fostering cooperation between cities and international organizations in the field of democratic innovations.

Each year, the conference is organized by the city holding the IOPD presidency, with themes reflecting their priorities in participatory democracy. The event features lectures, panel discussions, exchange sessions, and numerous opportunities for attendees to connect and share ideas.

We are pleased to announce that Stefan Lütgenau, director of Foster Europe, will be among the distinguished speakers at this year's conference in Valongo, Portugal. His expertise and insights will undoubtedly contribute to the rich discussions on participatory democracy and its implementation at the local level.

The IOPD conference continues to be a crucial meeting point for those dedicated to enhancing democratic participation and innovation in local governance. It offers a unique platform for learning, exchanging experiences, and developing new strategies to strengthen participatory democracy around the world.

>>Please click here for more information about the IOPD, here for more information about the 2024 Conference and here for the full agenda.