Since its establishment in November 2004, Local Democracy Agency Mostar acts as a locally registered non-profit, nongovernmental organization, with the support of its partners and co-operation with other Agencies and the Association of Local Democracy Agencies (ALDA). It is precisely this co-operation, both on local and regional level that has enabled numerous activities and projects useful for the development of the local community and its inclusion into processes at the regional level.
The activities of LDA Mostar are focused on fostering the development of a modern democratic society. By enhancing dialogue between citizens, their interest groups, and locally elected decision-makers, LDA strives to promote a more engaged citizenry and a transparent, accountable local government.
Strongly committed to diversity and inclusion, LDA Mostar actively involves and supports underrepresented groups in community building and enables young people to become agents of change in their communities.
Strengthening institutional capacity of public officials and improving civil society organizations areas of operation, while simultaneously facilitating cooperation and dialogue among citizens and local authorities.
Supporting democratic policy making through citizens involvement in public decision processes at different levels.
Monitored and evaluated over 100 awarded grants to local civil society organizations supporting women political participation, inclusion, youth education, tourism, and agricultural development with more than 300 000 €.
The Local Democracy Agencies have been established in the Western Balkans by the Congress of the Council of Europe since 1992, as a support program to strengthen local democracy, foster respect for human rights and further sustainable development. Today there are 17 active Local Democracy Agencies based in Western Balkans, South Caucasus and North Africa coordinated by ALDA, on top of 3 LDAs – Operational partners, based in Croatia.
The agencies function as self-sustaining, locally registered NGOs, but they are different from other local NGOs because of the international framework they operate in. Indeed, the LDAs develop partnerships with local authorities and NGOs from all over Europe giving to the whole network direct access to an international framework through the support of ALDA, the Council of Europe and the European Union.