The understanding of SDGs and DEAR projects, the exchange on methodologies and lessons learnt, and the direct engagement of citizens and communities contributing to development: this is the LADDER Tool Fair!

Organised on 10-12 May in Toruń, Poland, with the great support of the Region Kujawsko-Pomorskie, the Tool Fair has been opened by a plenary session chaired by Mrs. Imislawa Gorska, Vice-President of ALDA.

Among panellists, the Vice-Marshal of Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region, Mr. Zbigniew Ostrowski, who mentioned the importance of cooperation between Local Authorities and Civil Society Organisations, as a practice to better achieve results, but also the essentiality of creating connections, from transports to dialogue, from education to environment: “All kind of connections are essential and must be improved, cause an open city is an open society”, he said.

A permanent open space for the LADDER Tool Fair and exchange of practices has been set in one of the main rooms, giving the opportunity to share materials, ideas, and networking with people directly engaged in the implementation of DEAR projects and SDG-related activities. More than 170 participants attending the events had the opportunity to get to know the SDGs-related activities developed within our network.

The opening ceremony has been followed by 6 different workshops providing important reflections and exchange of methodologies, addressing several topics, such as global citizenship, education sector, environment, and many more.

On the stage of the Dwor Artusa, hosting the LADDER activities in Toruń, also the theatre play “In a Better World” had its enormous success. “An example on how it is possible to represent SDGs through art. And this is the best way, since nobody is indifferent to emotions trigged by art” said a participant at the end of the play.

Among participants, also some Citizen Journalists of the LADDER initiative joined the activities, getting inspired by the topics discussed and getting closer to DEAR projects and SDGs. Aim of their participation was to provide them with the opportunity of meeting the whole network, gathering new ideas and information for their future works in the field.

The event was closed by the Closing Ceremony and Presentation of LADDER results, where Mr. Oriano Otočan, President of ALDA, Mr. Leszek Świętalski, Secretary General of URC RP, Mr. Mger Kuiumchyan, Deputy Head of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council, and Mr. Dirk Bocken, Coordinator of Round Tables from GENE, shared their impressions and wishes to foster these actions, ensuring a continuity and making them as much as possible sustainable in the future.

The events of LADDER project have been organised back to back with ALDA General Assembly 2017.

Useful links:
Photo gallery of the event
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