The OIDP Conference is rapidly becoming an international reference point in participatory democracy, and the challenge its participants face this year is centered on the analysis of Participatory Planning for the democratic construction of cities.

Our progress in policies and experiences shows that the outcomes of participation can go a lot deeper if they embrace an integrated vision of the reality of a city. Transversality and commitment turn strategic planning instruments into a powerful public management tool which enables social control and the involvement of citizens in the mapping out and collectively building their city.

The aim of the Conference is to meet the concerns that arise from the implementation of participatory processes which seek this integrated vision. Thus the Conference is to be structured around three main issues - Participatory Instruments, Education for Participation, Social Inclusion and Coexistence in the City – with the goal of driving forward the debates about participatory instruments which stimulate “thinking about the city” and the difficulties and challenges that this goal entails.

The main part of the Conference will consist of working groups. Alongside this we are also planning to run other events which will contribute to knowledge and exchanges between Conference participants. One of these will be a round table with the participation of International Institutions. In addition, the Suburban Local Authorities Forum (FALP) is to hold a panel discussion about its work, and finally the OIDP “Best Practice in Citizen Participation” Distinction will be presented.

WE COUNT ON YOUR PARTICIPATION!