European Local Democracy Week (15-21 October 2012) will promote inclusive communities at grassroots level through human rights activities

At the general co-ordination meeting organised by Congress in Paris on the 19th January, representatives from municipalities, national associations and European networks assessed the results of the 2011 edition of the European Local Democracy Week (ELDW) and agreed on action in the field of citizen participation in 2012. The European Local Democracy Week is steadily gaining popularity and reputation, as seen in 2011. “The number of participating municipalities, the variety of activities and the concrete commitment of our institutional partners show that the 2011 edition was a success”, stated John Warmisham, political co-ordinator of the Week. The involvement of national local government associations in this event and the specific commitment of the “12 Star” cities (Brussels and Namur/Belgium, Utrecht/Netherlands, Katowice/Poland, Amadora/Portugal, Mola di Bari/Italy and Strasbourg/France attended the meeting) were highlighted as concrete improvements compared to previous editions. With regard to the leading theme of the new ELDW edition, to be held from 15 to 21 October, Congress President Keith Whitmore proposed to live up to the success of the 2011 edition by promoting social cohesion in local communities under the overall thematic umbrella of “human rights at local level”. It was also agreed that participating municipalities will be encouraged to develop – based on this leading theme – targeted programmes and activities according to their own priorities such as involving vulnerable groups, improving the inter-generational dialogue, ensuring public service quality etc. “The overall aim is to develop local democracy by achieving a real culture of human rights at the grassroots”, concluded Keith Whitmore. List of participants Edition 2011:concept, engagement, events by contry (download the Booklet) Go to the photo gallery “12 Star” cities 2011: Brussels and Namur (Belgium), Sisak (Croatia), Strasbourg and Angers (France), Festos and Chania (Greece) Mola di Bari (Italy), Utrecht (Netherlands), Katowice (Poland), Amadora (Portugal), Belgrade (Serbia), Sundbyberg (Sweden), Mugla, Lüleburgaz, Tarsus, Gebze and Gazientep (Turkey) and Stokton-on-Tees (United Kingdom).