The IOPD was created more than 20 years ago, in 2001, as a result of the world social forums, exchange programs in networks between municipalities, and the municipalism movement. Since its origins, it has been advocated that the active and effective participation of citizens in decision making is vital for the functioning of democracy and to achieve a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable urban planning. Through international conferences, best practice awards and various activities within the URBAL project of its inception and within the World Organization of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) since 2006, the network has been growing and evolving .

Seneca wrote "Life is divided into three parts: what was, what is and what shall be. Of these three periods, the present is short, the future is doubtful and the past alone is certain."

The Technical Secretariat of the IOPD firmly believes in the importance of history and has begun work to recover the information and facts that have characterized the glorious history of this Observatory, which for more than 20 years has been a meeting point and link between hundreds of of municipalities and organizations that are directly involved in participatory democracy. Members can actively collaborate in carrying out this project by sharing their memories and everything that unites them with the Observatory.

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