The 4th edition of the Forum on International Dialogue of Territories (FODIT) was held on 1st June 2026 at the town hall of the 16th arrondissement of Paris, under the aegis of theInternational Observatory for Territorial Diplomacy (OIDT), in partnership with several institutions engaged in local governance and international cooperation.
The forum brought together participants from France, Senegal, Morocco, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Benin among other countries: mayors and local elected officials, representatives of local and regional authorities, government and institutional officials, experts in international relations and territorial development, private-sector representatives, academics, researchers and civil society organisations.
A theme: territories facing a world in upheaval
The central theme of this edition, “Territories facing the geopolitical challenges of a world in upheaval”, highlights the need for local and regional authorities to strengthen their resilience, their capacity for innovation and their international cooperation, in order to meet the challenges of sustainable development, local governance and social cohesion.
The aim of the meeting was clear: to strengthen territorial cooperation, encourage dialogue and share sustainable local development strategies among the countries represented.
Areas of discussion
The forum’s work was organised around seven major themes: territorial diplomacy and decentralised cooperation, local governance and public innovation, the economic development of territories, territorial attractiveness and investment, ecological transition and territorial resilience, intercultural dialogue and international cooperation, and the role of diasporas in local development.
An edition placed under the sign of Africa
The African continent held a central place in this edition, with the participation of many public figures, elected officials and experts engaged in territorial development, international cooperation and innovation. This focus reflects FODIT’s determination to strengthen synergies between Africa, Europe and other regions of the world.
It was also on this occasion that partnerships were signed between the OIDT and FEICOM on the one hand, and between the OIDT and the CVUC (United Communes and Cities of Cameroon) on the other.
FODIT 2026 — Rethinking territories, shaping the future.
In pictures: the 4th edition of FODIT
