Welcome to the ALDA Podcast series! Precious highlights to understand what local democracy looks like in our everyday lives. Chats and interviews with many guests from Europe and beyond. Find out more ➡️ www.alda-europe.eu (http://www.alda-europe.eu)
Season 5 Ep. 3 - AI & Democracy: Can Technology Become a Shield for Democracy?
🎙 AI & Democracy: Can Technology Become a Shield for Democracy?
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming our societies, but can it also become a tool to strengthen democracy rather than a threat to it?
Recorded in Malta during the ALDA General Assembly and Festival, the third episode of Season 5 of Shades of Democracy explores the relationship between Artificial Intelligence, ethical digital transformation and democratic resilience. From civic technologies that support citizen participation to AI-powered tools tackling online hate speech, the conversation looks at how digital innovation can help local authorities and communities become more inclusive, responsive and resilient – while addressing the ethical challenges that come with it.
💬 Guests:
Nataša Vučković, President of ALDA and Co-chair of the Digital & Innovation Hub, and Alexis Prokopiev, Vice-President of ACTE (Association Civic Tech Europe), join host Manal Snidi and ALDA Secretary General Antonella Valmorbida to discuss how AI and civic technology can support democratic participation, strengthen civic spaces and deliver concrete solutions at the local level.
🎧 Listen now and discover how Artificial Intelligence can become an ally for democracy!
Useful links:
ACTE – Association Civic Tech Europe ➡️ https://civictech.eu/
Digital & Innovation Hub ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/thematic-hubs-3/digital-and-innovation/
HATEDEMICS ➡️ https://hatedemics.eu/
ALDA Centre of Expertise ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/centre-of-expertise/
ALDA Website ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/
21 Sept 2026
Season 5 Ep. 2 - The Participation Gap: Delivering Real Power to Europe’s Youth
🎙 The Participation Gap: Delivering Real Power to Europe’s Youth
Young people are often invited to participate – but how much power do they actually have to shape the decisions that affect their lives?
Recorded in Malta during the ALDA General Assembly and Festival, the second episode of Season 5 of Shades of Democracy explores the gap between recognising youth participation as a democratic priority and turning it into meaningful influence on decision-making.
From political representation and the implementation of youth participation frameworks to the role of cities and local authorities, the conversation looks at what it really takes to move beyond simply giving young people a seat at the table.
💬 Guests:
Rareș Voicu, then-President of the European Youth Forum, joins host Manal Snidi and ALDA Secretary General Antonella Valmorbida to discuss the state of youth participation in Europe, the findings of the Youth Progress Index, and how stronger youth engagement can contribute to more responsive and resilient local democracies.
🎧 Listen now and discover what it takes to turn youth participation into real influence!
Useful links:
European Youth Forum ➡️ https://www.youthforum.org/
Youth Progress Index ➡️ https://youthprogressindex.org/
ALDA Centre of Expertise ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/centre-of-expertise/
ALDA Website ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/
7 Sept 2026
Season 5 Ep. 1 - Local Democracy that Delivers: A New Chapter
🎙 A New Season, a New Perspective: Local Democracy that Delivers
Shades of Democracy is back - and Season 5 marks the beginning of a new chapter.
Recorded in Malta during the ALDA General Assembly and Festival, this opening episode launches a season dedicated to “Local Democracy that Delivers”: exploring how democratic participation moves beyond principles and policies to create tangible change in people’s everyday lives.
This season also brings something new. Shades of Democracy becomes the first flagship product of the newly launched ALDA Centre of Expertise on Participative Local Democracy, bringing together ALDA’s knowledge, field experience and expertise developed over more than 30 years of work with communities, local authorities and civil society.
And there is a new voice joining the conversation throughout the season. Alongside host Manal Snidi, ALDA Secretary General Antonella Valmorbida will bring a recurring “Conversations with the Secretary General” perspective, connecting the broader questions addressed in each episode with real stories, experiences and lessons from the local level.
💬 Guests:
Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA; Nataša Vučković, President of ALDA; Marco Boaria, Director of ALDA+, come together to introduce the vision behind the new Centre and explore how ALDA is turning decades of experience into knowledge, tools and practical support for stronger local democracy.
🎧 Listen now and join us for the beginning of Season 5 of Shades of Democracy!
Useful links:
ALDA Centre of Expertise ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/centre-of-expertise/
ALDA International School ➡️ https://www.aldaplus.it/en/alda-2026-international-school/
ALDA Website ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/
Podcast Authority Score: 28 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
55
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
Contact Shades of Democracy
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Shades of Democracy?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
