Taking place in Brussels for the 22nd time, this year’s European Week of Regions and Cities is organised under the motto "Empowering Communities," with sessions highlighting the vital role of local and regional governments. As the largest annual Brussels-based event dedicated to cities and regions, the 2024 edition will run from 7–10 October at the European Committee of the Regions and nearby venues.
ICLEI Europe will be active throughout the event, hosting a stand at the Albert Borschette Conference Centre and participating in multiple sessions focused on various aspects of local sustainability.
Additionally, ICLEI Member Aalborg (Denmark), host of this year’s Sustainable Cities and Towns Conference, will take part in a panel debate jointly organised by ICLEI, the European Committee of the Regions, and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. One topic of discussion is expected to be the Aalborg Conditions, which will be officially launched the week prior in Aalborg, calling for “Shared Governance, Integrated Finance and a Cohesive Transition.”
In total, ICLEI will co-host three sessions and provide additional support to others.
ICLEI co-hosted sessions:
Beyond GDP: The SPI as a tool to drive a just transition in EU cities and regions (closed for pre-registration)
8 October 2024, 16:30 CEST, Jacques Delors building, JDE 70
This workshop explores tools available to local and regional policymakers to implement a 'beyond GDP' approach at the local and regional levels. Using the Social Progress Index as a practical tool applicable across all levels of governance, participants will discuss how such tools can be better integrated into EU policy-making, for example within cohesion policy, in order to ensure a strong social dimension in the European Green Deal and to drive a just transition in which no one is left behind.
Navigating Polarised Narratives: Understanding Regional Food Systems in the EU
9 October 2024, 16:30 CEST, Jacques Delors building, JDE 62
After analysing the polarising narratives of regional food system realities across EU Member States, the session’s objective will be the creation of regional multi-stakeholder platforms designed to catalyse cooperation in transitioning local food systems towards sustainability, addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities of tomorrow's agrifood landscape while maintaining regional distinctiveness.
The future of the Green Deal is local! Moving from theory to practice (closed for pre-registration)
10 October 2024, 9:30 CEST, Jacques Delors building, JDE 53
This session will focus on implementation of the EU Green Deal by defining a clear path towards integrating it into regional and urban planning. Speakers will discuss multi-level cooperation and integrated financing solutions, as well as available ad-hoc support for driving local sustainable growth in line with EU objectives. By discussing new ways of political leadership and presenting practical tools, this session aims to facilitate localising the Green Deal for holistic local transitions. The new Aalborg Conditions calling for “Shared Governance, Integrated Finance and a Cohesive Transition.” will be presented.
ICLEI supported Sessions
8 October 2024, 14:30 CEST, Albert Borschette Conference Centre, AB-3D
Connecting the New European Bauhaus with the Cities Mission, cities are exploring novel approaches to sustainability, inclusivity, and beauty by integrating diverse efforts across disciplines and stakeholders. Experimentation is key, as each trial contributes to creating best practices. The cities of Bruges, Rijeka, and Písek, part of the EU-funded Re-Value project, will share their experiences of learning from failures and their solutions. A workshop will help participants identify pitfalls and strategies for innovation journeys.
Succeeding with Regional and Local Climate Action in the EU
8 October 2024, 9:30, Boulevard Charlemagne 80, Brussels, Belgium
ICLEI is speaking in this event hosted by the Danish Climate Alliance on how local and regional action can deliver the green transition as a side event during the European Week of Regions and Cities (EWRC) in Brussels on October 8, 2024. The event will bring together experts, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss innovative strategies and collaborative efforts in tackling climate change at regional and local levels. Don't miss this opportunity to network, learn, and contribute to shaping the future of climate action in the EU!