Nilüfer (Turkey) was announced as the winner of the Transformative Action Award 2017 at a ceremony held yesterday at the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels (Belgium).
The award, organised by ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability, the Basque Country and the City of Aalborg (Denmark), rewards current or concluded Transformative Actions that address the pathways of the Basque Declaration related to three categories: socio-cultural transformation; socio-economic transformation; and technological transformation.
Karl-Heinz Lambertz, President of the European Committee of the Regions and host of the ceremony, said: “In the shared fight against climate change, we need action, not words. During COP23, we witnessed once again how the level of climate ambition seen locally often outshines national governments. The Transformative Action Awards are an inspiration to all local and regional actors without whose leadership and decisive action we would not have any chance of winning the battle against global warming.”
Nilüfer won the award for their transformative action which focuses on using neighbourhood committees to increase civic engagement. Cor Lamers, ENVE Commission Chair and jury member, said: “I congratulate Nilüfer on their extraordinary achievements in promoting citizen engagement and participatory local democracy in their transformation towards a sustainable, liveable and inclusive city.”
Nilüfer Municipality Councillor Pelin Sevgi, who accepted the award, said: “It‘s a great honour to win as we were competing against strong candidates that implemented highly impressive actions. The visibility that it brings to our city is very beneficial. This award and the Basque Declaration, which we have endorsed, are of great importance to us. The Basque Declaration is the perfect tool to create a sustainable city and to promote sustainable development.”
During the award ceremony the jury singled out one of the shortlisted candidates, Udaltalde 21 (Basque Country), for a special mention. “Udaltalde 21 deserves particular recognition for acting as the voice of several municipalities that have bundled forces to bring about environmental, economic and energy efficiency in each of their communities despite all financial constraints,” said Mr. Lamers.”
We are proud to have been given a special mention as part of the award ceremony. Small and medium-sized municipalities, working together, can develop quality sustainability policies,” said Miguel Ángel Herrero Miravalles, President of Udaltalde 21. “We know there is no room for complacency. We know that we have much to improve. And it is awards such as this that motivate us to continue working to transform our area and to continue developing the culture of sustainability.”
For more information about Nilüfer’s Transformative Action, visit the European Sustainable Cities Platform.