PLACES Live 2026 is an exciting opportunity for local initiatives, innovative programmes, and impactful projects to be showcased at the prestigious OECD Global Forum on Local Development. If your organisation is driving change at the local level, this is your chance to bring your work to an international stage in Maastricht, Netherlands.
Selected initiatives will be featured during the OECD Global Forum on Local Development (27–28 May 2026), connecting you with policymakers, experts, and practitioners from around the world.
Brief Information
PLACES Live 2026 invites applications from organisations with innovative local development projects.
The selected initiatives will present their programmes during the OECD Global Forum in Maastricht.
This is a high-level international exposure opportunity for local changemakers.
Application deadline: 22 March 2026.
Key Dates & Details
- Programme Name: PLACES Live: Local Initiatives Marketplace
- Event: OECD Global Forum on Local Development
- Location: Maastricht, Netherlands
- Event Dates: 27–28 May 2026
- Application Deadline: 22 March 2026
- Target Group: Local governments, NGOs, social enterprises, community organisations, development practitioners
- Format: In-person presentation & marketplace participation
- Organiser: OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)
- Application Link
For broader context on global local development strategies, you may explore the official OECD platform: https://www.oecd.org/regional/.
Table of Contents
Overview
PLACES Live 2026 is designed as a dynamic Local Initiatives Marketplace within the OECD Global Forum on Local Development. The initiative provides a curated space where selected projects can demonstrate innovative solutions addressing local economic development, social inclusion, sustainability, entrepreneurship, skills development, and regional transformation.
The OECD Global Forum gathers global policymakers, academics, practitioners, and institutional leaders to exchange best practices and innovative policy approaches. Through PLACES Live 2026, grassroots and local-level actors gain direct access to high-level stakeholders.
Participation in PLACES Live 2026 offers:
- International visibility
- Direct networking with global decision-makers
- Knowledge exchange with peers
- Opportunity to scale or replicate your initiative
- Enhanced credibility through OECD association
Local development is increasingly recognised as a key driver for inclusive growth, and PLACES Live 2026 aims to highlight concrete, replicable examples of impact.
Eligibility
PLACES Live 2026 welcomes applications from:
- Local and regional governments
- NGOs and civil society organisations
- Social enterprises
- Community-led initiatives
- Development agencies
- Public-private partnerships
- Research or policy-driven local projects
Projects should demonstrate:
- Measurable local impact
- Innovation in approach
- Replicability or scalability
- Clear alignment with local development goals
Initiatives from all countries are encouraged to apply.
Application Details
To participate in PLACES Live 2026, applicants must complete the official online application form before 22 March 2026.
The application typically requires:
- Description of the programme/project
- Target beneficiaries
- Evidence of impact
- Innovation elements
- Alignment with local development priorities
Shortlisted initiatives will be contacted by the organisers with further details regarding participation logistics and presentation format.
Early preparation is strongly recommended to ensure a competitive submission.
FAQ
1. Is PLACES Live 2026 fully funded?
The call does not explicitly mention funding coverage. Selected participants may need to arrange travel and accommodation independently unless otherwise informed by organisers.
2. Who can apply to PLACES Live 2026?
Local governments, NGOs, social enterprises, and community-driven initiatives with innovative local development projects are eligible.
3. What is the main benefit of participating?
International exposure at the OECD Global Forum and networking with global policymakers and experts.
4. When is the deadline?
The application deadline for PLACES Live 2026 is 22 March 2026.
Official Link
To apply for PLACES Live 2026, complete the official form here:
👉 Apply Now here
For more information about the forum, visit the OECD’s official website: https://www.oecd.org/regional/
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