ALDA serves as a guiding force for promoting local democracy and citizen engagement not only in Europe but also across neighbouring regions and beyond. Established in 1999 through the initiative of the Council of Europe, ALDA has evolved into a global alliance uniting associations, civil society organisations, and local governments.

Central to ALDA’s mission is the coordination and support of Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs), which function as grassroots champions of good governance and local self-government. These LDAs, operating as self-sustainable, locally registered NGOs, play a pivotal role in fostering community empowerment.

Over its more than two-decade journey, ALDA has spearheaded the development of over 500 projects, directly engaging nearly 25 million citizens. Drawing on its wealth of expertise and commitment to participatory methodologies, ALDA emerges as a strategic force in advancing local democracy, active citizenship, and collaborative governance.

Through its unwavering dedication to fostering cooperation between local authorities and civil society, ALDA continues to drive meaningful change and contribute to building more inclusive and sustainable communities worldwide.