Marko Aksentijević, Ministry of Space (Serbia)

I am coming to Kathmandu in a very reflective state of mind. Serbia is currently undergoing massive political unrest, with a youth-led movement trying to overturn the autocratic regime in the upcoming elections. A quarter of a century ago, I was part of the youth in the streets of Belgrade in yet another struggle against an autocratic regime. Given I spent the years in between and my whole adult life working on grassroots organizing and democratization, it feels only appropriate to wonder what should have been done differently. There are many possible answers and, yet, I still have uncertainty as to whether any would have made much difference in the outcomes in the given situation. But desired outcomes are only part of what we do - so much more is about the journey and what we build along the way.

Over many years, through the Ministry of Space collective, I have worked with hundreds of neighbourhood groups to mobilize and articulate their stance towards (un)desired urban development. The idea was that organized citizens will make institutions change, and encourage them to listen more to what the needs of people really are. That did not work out, we did not achieve the change we wanted and institutions only became worse. But people taking part in these struggles nevertheless changed their beliefs about what can be done - and that is the change we needed. We are the institutions we need. And success at any ballot box will ultimately be less significant than what happens the week after, and the year after, and whether the society stays organized in the neighbourhood, helping each other and defending their institutions. Being part of the #ShiftThePower dialogue has reminded me that a strong local community is not only a vehicle for democratic change, it is its cornerstone.

In a world with mismanaged global crises piling up, it can be difficult to find solace in - for example - a rural neighbourhood coming together to fix its water system, and through that generating further income for communal matters. But it is also impossible to think of a well-managed world without people coming together. No matter how small and isolated such efforts seem at the time, these acts of solidarity are the most tangible change. #ShiftThePower reminds me of this, strengthens it and provides inspiration. It reminds us that no community is isolated in its efforts, and brings many of us together in much needed dialogue. I am coming to Kathmandu for more inspiration, reflection, and, above all, company.