URBACT Annual conference “Cities of Tomorrow: Action Today” coming soon!

The Conference in short
URBACT’s Annual Conference builds on the European Commission’s report "Cities of tomorrow – Challenges, visions, ways forward"(October 2011), which highlights many of the major challenges that hundreds of cities in URBACT networks are trying to solve through sustainable urban development. Planned speakers include Johannes Hahn, EU commissioner for regional policy; Jan Olbrycht, MEP & President of the URBAN Intergroup; and Carsten Hansen, Danish Minister for Housing, Urban and Rural Affairs.  

Drawing on evidence from URBACT – in particular project results and lessons - and other European Territorial Cooperation programmes, we will discuss how cities can tackle six key issues. The discussions will be dynamic in an interactive workshops format, and rhythm both days, alternating with plenary session and follow-ups.

The second day will enable participants to go much further into the debates and acquire more global perspectives through EU responses to urban challenges, but not only. Indeed, this will be the opportunity to get a view of global worldwide perspectives and the major urban models thanks to an international panel of city representatives and experts.

Proposing solutions to major urban challenges

Following the working groups’ activities, the six key issues addressed are:

•  How can cities create more jobs
•  How can cities foster active inclusion through social innovation
•  How can cities fight against the socio-spatial divide
•  How can cities manage demographic change
•  How can cities improve buildings’ energy efficiency
•  How can cities develop low carbon urban environment through better mobility and accessibility

After its success during the URBACT 2010 Annual Conference, another way of exchanging will be enabled by the " Download Results-of-the-URBACT-Cafe.pdf (298.95 KB)".  Based on the model of the World café, the URBACT Café offers participants an informal moment to exchange around tables with representatives from their own country, on their experience and good practices.

To the conference are welcomed practitioners and policy-makers involved in urban development at local, regional, national and EU level. URBACT project partners and experts are invited, other cities, national authorities, EU institutions, as well as research institutions and managing authorities of operational programmes.

Have your say!

In preparation for the event, we would like to hear from cities with experiences to share. You can submit your contributions- good practices, case studies, suggestions and ideas about the subjects part of the six key issues mentioned above.
If you wish to share your point of view please contact Daphné at
d.joseph-gabriel@urbact.eu .

Registration details for the conference are coming very soon.


Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fireworkrach/7181528691/
Flickr, from Cycling Man