Initiatives from ICLEI Member Nijmegen (the Netherlands), as well as from the City of A Coruña (Spain) and from La Titaranya SCCL were announced today as the finalists for the prestigious 2021 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.

“The many challenges we face today – including mitigating the impacts of climate change, distributing and implementing equal access to resources, ensuring a green and just COVID-19 recovery, and creating sustainable, thriving cities – require transformative leadership and transformative action,” said Wolfgang Teubner, Regional Director, ICLEI Europe.

This year’s finalists are working on three distinct and impactful initiatives.

ICLEI Member Nijmegen is in the running for the award thanks to its work underscoring and promoting the importance of sustainability strategies that are not exclusive, but instead welcoming and supportive of the involvement of all citizens, regardless of background.

For its part, the City of A Coruña is being considered for its initiatives weaving together a network of urban gardens that aims to connect green areas while offering numerous environmental, economic and social benefits to its residents, including strengthening biodiversity and climate change resilience, providing new economic opportunities and encouraging sustainable lifestyles.

La Titaranya SCCL is a housing and premises co-operative, which is being recognised for integrating citizens, stakeholders and civic organisations into the creation of a sustainable, long-term strategy for the physical and social rehabilitation of a highly degraded neighbourhood in Valls, Spain.

The final award winner will be announced at a virtual ceremony on 23 November at 12:15–13:00 CET as part of a European Committee of the Regions (CoR) meeting. The winner will receive €10,000 to support or kick-start a Transformative Action in their community.

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.