This year, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns (ESCT) on 1-3 October in Aalborg (Denmark), the very city where this landmark event was first founded 30 years ago. We have come a long way since 1994, and yet, there has never been a more urgent time for cities and towns across Europe to act boldly in response to the environmental threats of today.
The ESCT conference series seeks to challenge local governments to shape a new urban reality, one which is sustainable, resilient, and just. This will be Aalborg's third time hosting an ESCT conference; their first times led to the ground breaking Aalborg Charter (1994) and Aalborg Commitments (2004), both of which have been recognised as local sustainability milestones. This edition will build on the legacy of previous events including, most recently, the 2020 conference that led to the Mannheim Message.
Aalborg2024 will continue to call for core systemic changes and key policy shifts needed to bring a European transformation, addressing the most pressing issues facing urban sustainability experts are facing today. The conference will dive deep into the big topics - more bottom-up and consistent shared governance, more efficient and private integrated finance, and a more inclusive and cohesive transition.
There is something for everyone at Aalborg2024! Keynote speakers will contribute to plenary and deep dive sessions. There will be opportunities to collaborate in a variety of settings - from onsite and offsite workshops to exhibits to agora pitches - as well as to network with like minded professionals. A jam-packed social calendar and the beautiful city of Aalborg will provide the perfect backdrop for fruitful exchanges and meaningful connections, which will lead the European urban sustainability sector closer to our goals.
Check out the programme teaser here!
Join over 1000 participants from local and regional governments, European and international institutions, multilateral organisations, the research community, businesses, and civil society to be part of the movement for transformational change.