We are pleased to inform you that the Call for Applications for the 20th OIDP Award “Best Practices
in Citizen Participation” has been officially launched. This edition marks both the 20th anniversary of the Awardand
the 25th anniversary of the International Observatory on Participatory Democracy (OIDP).
The OIDP Award aims to recognize innovative and transformative practices implemented by local
and regional governments in participatory democracy, citizen participation, and democratic innovation.
The Award offers an opportunity to give international visibility to effective participatory practices and
to connect with a global network of local governments and relevant organizations.
Who can apply:
-
Local and regional governments, with participatory and deliberative democracy practices active in 2025.
-
Non-profit organizations or individuals, provided the practice was implemented in collaboration
with a local or regional government and with their authorization.
Categories for submission:
• Building more democratic and peaceful communities
• Urban management and public space
• Gender and care
• Ecological transition and environment
• Civic Tech
Special Mention for Sustainability: Practices that have been active for more than 5 years and maintain their core elements unchanged are eligible for a Special Mention for Sustainability.
Important dates:
• Deadline to become an OIDP member: 5 March 2026
• Application submission deadline: 15 March 2026
Award Ceremony: The Award and Special Mentions will be presented during the 25th OIDP Conference, to be held in Krakow, Poland, between 21 and 23 September 2026.
Applications must be submitted through the online form, completed in English, French, Portuguese, or Spanish. Applicants are encouraged to attach supporting materials such as images, videos, publications, and documents in line with the form instructions. All submitted practices will be published on the ParticipateOIDP platform and will receive international visibility.
Selection timeline:
➣ First stage – Submission of applications: until 15 March 2026
➣ Second stage – Selection of finalist practices (Jury 1): April – May 2026
➣ Third stage – Assessment of finalist practices (Jury 2) and open vote: May – July 2026
➣ Final stage – Publication of results and Award Ceremony: September 2026
Further information and access to the application form are available through the official OIDP Award Platform.
As UCLG-MEWA, we strongly encourage our members to apply and to share their participatory democracy practices within this international framework.
