ICLEI Member cities mobilise broad support for a fair and sustainable future at EU Regions Week 2023
Date
Tue, 09/26/2023
Sections
Global Europe
From 9 - 12 October, ICLEI Europe will assemble ambitious local leaders who are paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future at this year’s European Week of Regions and Cities (EU Regions Week). As part of the EU Regions Week, ICLEI will host a variety of events that advocate the importance of sustainability-driven policy action from the ground up, including a high-level session dedicated to implementing the European Green Deal at city level and a workshop promoting social innovation through public canteens. Topical sessions will also include further insights into nature-based solutions, innovative procurement strategies and local energy transitions.
On 10 October from 9:30 - 10:30 CET, IFOAM Organics Europe, with the support of ICLEI Europe, will advocate for the implementation of healthy and sustainable school meals for every child in Europe during the workshop: Promoting social innovation through public canteens. The event will feature endorsing statements from Members of the European Parliament - including Marlene Mortler, European People’s Party and Camilla Laureti, Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats - and a handover of the Buy Better Food Campaign’s petition for healthy school meals, which has garnered over 35,000 signatures. The session will also highlight input from Tunç Soyer, Mayor of ICLEI Member İzmir (Türkiye) and Member of the ICLEI Global Executive Committee.
On 11 October from 11:30 - 13:00 CET, ICLEI Europe and the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) will be joined by Minna Arve, Mayor of ICLEI Member Turku (Finland) and ICLEI Vice-President; CoR Member Hanna Zdanowska, Mayor of ICLEI Member Łódź (Poland); and Diana Pretzell, the First Deputy Mayor of ICLEI Member Mannheim (Germany), for the high-level participatory lab: Local Green Deals: Closing the gap between commitment and action. The session will provide insights into how these cities are translating a political vision into local reality. Audience members will be invited to develop concrete ideas and practices surrounding inclusive citizen-participation practices, creating political and public consensus around sustainability measures in times of polycrisis, and crafting Local Green Deals with businesses in mind.
As the EU moves forward with the implementation of the European Green Deal and relevant sustainability related legal frameworks, local leaders must be involved every step of the way to ensure Europe achieves climate neutrality.
Learn more about all of ICLEI Europe’s sessions and register for the EU Regions Week here.
About ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability: ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network of more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Active in 125 countries, we influence sustainability policy and drive local action for low emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient and circular development. ICLEI Europe provides Members in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and West Asia with a voice on European and international stages, a platform to connect with peers and tools to drive positive environmental, economic and social change. ICLEI Europe works closely with an extended network of local and regional governments and partners on a broad range of topics.
Press contact:
Valeria Eirin
Senior Officer, Media & Outreach
ICLEI Europe
Email: valeria.eirin@iclei.org
Tel: +49 761 368920