Engaging with the city and neighbourhoods both politically and digitally: DECIDIM

We are pleased to invite you to take part in the event “Engaging in the City and Neighbourhoods Politically and Digitally – DECIDIM,” which will take place on Tuesday, 8 October 2024, from 18:00 to 21:00 at the Karouzos Hall of the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce (9 Koronaiou, Heraklion). This event is co-organised by the Heraklion Development Agency SAE OTA, the Symbiosis-Council of Europe School of Political Studies in Greece, and the Crete Regional Observatory for Social Inclusion, as part of the European project “EMV-LII: Empowering Migrant Voices for Local Integration and Inclusion”

The EMV-LII project aims to support and strengthen the participation of migrants in the joint design and implementation of local integration policies. It also focuses on establishing and enhancing effective and sustainable participation mechanisms for integration at the local level, such as migrant councils, eParticipation tools, and political advocacy. This transnational project is implemented in Austria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and Luxembourg.

The event aims to explore how new technology can support the political participation of migrants in their local communities, raising the question of whether democratic participation for all is currently possible through digital tools. In this context, the online platform “DECIDIM” (https://her.decidim.gr), developed for the EMV-LII project, will be presented. It is one of six similar online tools for migrant participation in local areas across Austria (Graz and Lustenau), Italy, Slovenia, Greece, Germany, Croatia, and Luxembourg. These eParticipation platforms are developed in line with best practices in eParticipation, utilising the open-source tool Decidim, which is used by the EU for the Future of Europe Dialogue and by various local and regional authorities, such as Barcelona, New York, and Helsinki.

It has been found that in an increasingly digitalised world, there are numerous opportunities to improve democratic practices through online tools. New technological resources are strengthening the field of social participation at local, national, and global levels, enhancing local governance through the social and political legitimacy of decisions. The event will facilitate a dialogue around these specific issues, with participation from institutional representatives of local government, civil society actors, and migrants. Additionally, needs and proposals for utilising DECIDIM as a digital policy tool in the Region of Crete will be recorded and formulated.

Coordination and Presentation.

The total number of participants in the programme is limited to 30 individuals from different institutions. The application form is available online and must be submitted by 24 September 2024. Participants will be notified on 26 September. Certificates of participation will be issued at the end of the event.

For more information, please contact Litsa Giakoumaki, Heraklion Development Agency, giakoumaki@anher.gr, Tel: 2810 364257.