Initiatives from ICLEI Member Berlin (Germany), as well as from Leuven (Belgium) and Lousada (Portugal) were announced today as the finalists for the prestigious 2019 Transformative Action Award.
The award recognises “Transformative Actions” that make use of the 15 pathways outlined in the Basque Declaration to achieve the socio-cultural, socio-economic and technological transformation needed to forge a more sustainable society. They highlight the critical role that cities play in reaching global goals such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the Paris Climate Agreement.
This year’s finalists are working on three distinct and impactful initiatives. Circular Berlin is advancing the circular economy in the German capital through providing platforms for engagement and knowledge-exchange, and supporting local actors through collaboration. Leuven2030 is bringing together local stakeholders to create the city’s comprehensive roadmap to become carbon-neutral, and is creating an innovative governance model to implement this plan. Finally, the City of Lousada is using environmental education to promote sustainable practices; inspire and support alternative ways of creating conservation areas and job opportunities; and reconnecting local citizens with rural landscapes.
The esteemed jury has also awarded ICLEI Member Umeå (Sweden) with a Special Mention for their transformative action, which uses a public library model for residents to access sports-equipment, toys, and leisure items, in order to assist local children in overcoming economic barriers.
The final award recipient will be announced at a ceremony on 21 November 2019, at the European Committee of the Regions in ICLEI Member Brussels (Belgium), and will receive the €10,000 prize to support additional Transformative Actions. In addition, the winner will receive free entry and a presentation at Mannheim2020, a flagship European conference taking place from 30 September to 2 October 2020 in ICLEI Member Mannheim (Germany).
The award is organised by ICLEI Europe, the Basque Country, and the City of Aalborg (Denmark) and supported by the European Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank.
For more information on the award and finalists, please click here.