NewsFeb20

RISE Africa is ICLEI Africa’s new annual event that aims to inspire and foster new connections that lead to swift and impactful actions for enhanced sustainability and resilience in Africa’s urban areas. Exposure to forward-thinking ideas from different disciplines through a range of curated interactions will provide an antidote to outdated “silo” thinking that is well recognised to inhibit innovation. Instead of being another ‘talk shop’ amongst like-minded individuals, RISE Africa will bring a diversity of city role players together in innovative sessions to identify new opportunities for collaborative action.

https://riseafrica.iclei.org/about-rise-africa-2020/

Urban Future Global Conference

The URBAN FUTURE Global Conference gathers CityChangers from all over the world – passionate people who drive change towards more sustainable cities.

Cities are key to a sustainable future of our planet. Massive changes are necessary to fight climate change and social inequalities. But is technology really the most relevant solution to driving change?

We are convinced that it’s all about the people. Active, passionate and visionary decision makers – we call them CityChangers – are the ones who can make our cities more sustainable.

Are you one of them? Join us at #UFGC20 in Lisbon and become part of the CityChangers-movement!

https://www.urban-future.org/

Cities using the SDGs to reduce urban violence

Despite growing prosperity as a leading urban center in Latin America, Mexico City is confronting “a crisis situation in … terms of violence,” according to its Attorney General. Mexico City’s Head of Government Claudia Sheinbaum has made safety a top priority, leading an all-hands-on-deck meeting on security every day, seven days a week. An integrated strategy to address the root causes of violence is underway, investing in both improved policing and reductions in long entrenched inequality and lack of opportunity for young people. This balanced approach recognizes the importance of addressing multiple intersections of inequality in successfully reducing violence, and is reinforced by the city’s endorsement of global agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2019/12/18/cities-using-the-sdgs-to-reduce-urban-violence/

Helsinki has no pedestrian fatalities in 2019

In 2019, the Finnish capital Helsinki recorded, for the first time since it started recording the relevant statistics, a year with no pedestrian fatalities from road traffic accidents.

The Finnish capital keeps, as do many cities, statistics on road traffic accidents and has been doing so since 1960. Only in 2019, did Helsinki, for the first time, record a year with no pedestrian fatalities from road traffic.

https://www.eltis.org/in-brief/news/helsinki-has-no-pedestrian-fatalities-2019

Smart City Expo Atlanta Earlybird extended to February 29

By popular demand, we have extended early bird registration through February 29!

Our team is proud to have created accessible pricing packages, and we invite you to take advantage of early bird pricing before this deal ends.

We’re excited for you to meet top global leaders transforming our cities from June 10-11 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

https://smartcityexpoatlanta.com/

2020 Tall + Urban Innovation Conference early registration deadline

This conference explores and celebrates the very best in innovative tall buildings, urban spaces, building technologies, and construction practices from around the world. Incorporating what was previously known as the CTBUH Annual Awards Event, this conference will see the owner/developers and design teams from Award of Excellence winning projects compete in front of an international audience and live juries for winning distinctions.

https://tallinnovation.com/

How people with disabilities are shaping urban design

Safety is a high priority for urban planners, but places that feel safe for some might not for others.

Research in Ireland looked at the experiences of people with disabilities in urban areas.

The findings could help improve urban areas for all residents.

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/02/disabilities-urban-safety-insight-town-planning/

ITF's 10 key recommendations for micro-mobility safety

As existing urban traffic patterns are being challenged by micromobility services – electric scooters, e-bikes, motorised skateboards and other light personal mobility devices – a new report published by the International Transport Forum, an intergovernmental organisation with 60 member countries, has suggested 10 recommendations for policy makers, city planners, operators and manufacturers to ensure optimised micromobility safety:

https://www.intelligenttransport.com/transport-news/95957/itf-report-outlines-recommendations-for-safety-of-micromobility-services/

CEMR Congress - early-bird registration

You’ve got one month left to catch a great deal! Register now for CEMR’s 2020 Congress in Innsbruck and benefit from the early-bird rates.

Taking place between 6 and 8 May, the Congress of European municipalities and regions is the not-to-be-missed gathering of the dynamic decisionmakers who are building a more sustainable future in their city, town or region.

https://www.ccre.org/en/actualites/view/3980

Call for expression of interest to host WUF12 in 2024

The Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Ms. Maimunah Mohd Sharif, today opened the Call for Expression of Interest to cities wishing to host the Twelfth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12).

The deadline for receiving the Expressions of Interest is 31 August 2020. The potential hosts will then be provided with the bidding package and guidelines. The WUF12 selected host city/country will be announced during the World Habitat Day global observation on 4 October 2021.

https://unhabitat.org/now-open-the-un-habitat-call-for-expression-of-interest-to-host-wuf12-in-2024

Decision Makers Summary for EU SUMP Guidelines out now

An interactive summary has been created that makes the new edition of the EU SUMP Guidelines more accessible and easy to use.

Developed for decision-makers who wish to make use of this crucial document, the summary represents gives a succinct introduction to some of the most important content found in the Guidelines.

In the space of only 10 pages, the general idea of SUMP is explained, the principles underlying the planning process are described, and a brief introduction of the four SUMP phases is given.

https://www.polisnetwork.eu/news/decision-makers-summary-for-eu-sump-guidelines-out-now/

It's Time for a '15-Minute City'

Paris needs to become a “15-minute city.” That’s the message from the manifesto of Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who is seeking re-election this March. Hidalgo has been leading a radical overhaul of the city’s mobility culture since taking office in 2014, and has already barred the most polluting vehicles from entry, banished cars from the Seine quayside and reclaimed road space for trees and pedestrians. Now, she says, Paris needs to go one step further and remodel itself so that residents can have all their needs met—be they for work, shopping, health, or culture—within 15 minutes of their own doorstep.

https://www.citylab.com/environment/2020/02/paris-election-anne-hidalgo-city-planning-walks-stores-parks/606325/

WUF10 - Abu Dhabi Declared Actions

The Tenth World Urban Forum (WUF 10), focused on the theme ‘Cities of Opportunities: Connecting Culture and Innovation,’ and called for united action to ensure a better future for cities and towns.

The outcome, known as the Abu Dhabi Declared Actions, includes commitments from international organizations, national, local and regional governments, the private sector, civil society, academia and others for the next two years and beyond to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agreed by world leaders in 2015.

https://wuf.unhabitat.org/sites/default/files/2020-02/WUF10_final_declared_actions.pdf

Katowice to host 11th World Urban Forum in 2022

An independent election panel composed of four UN organisations, including the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), picked Katowice to host the 11th World Urban Forum (WUF) in 2022.

WUF conferences are the world’s largest biannual event organised under the auspices of the UN to promote and review urban development policies.

https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/katowice-to-host-11th-world-urban-forum-in-2022

City leaders agreed to boost sustainable digitalisation

Cooperation between different political levels to upscale digital solutions is crucial. It is the only way to boost digital transformation in EU cities and communities. The EU, member states, regions and cities are increasingly aligned in their bid for a sustainable and citizen-centred approach to guaranteeing smart and lively communities and cities. How can we harness the full potential of this convergence?

http://www.eurocities.eu/eurocities/news/Join-Boost-Sustain-Over-60-national-regional-and-city-leaders-agreed-to-boost-sustainable-digitalisation-WSPO-BLRNT5

The 15 Fastest-Growing Cities in the World

The world's 15 fastest-growing cities - based on UN population estimates - are all in Africa.

Among the fastest-growing cities are three cities located in Tanzania.

Bujumbura, Burundi is forecast to grow fastest in the next 15 years.

The world population is expected to grow to 8.6 billion in 2030, and African metro areas are leading this growth.

https://www.urbangateway.org/news/these-are-15-fastest-growing-cities-world

Urban Transitions 2020

The objective of the Urban Transitions 2020 is to promote healthy urban development by bringing together different sectors and disciplines (e.g. urban and transport planning, architecture, green space management, environmental exposure assessment, environmental epidemiology, physical activity, climate change, and public health and governance) working within cities and presenting the state of the art research and providing solutions to and future healthy visions of our cities.

https://www.elsevier.com/events/conferences/urban-transitions/about

Local and regional governments speak to the World Urban Forum

Over 500 participants gathered at the World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments, convened by the Global Taskforce facilitated by UCLG, on Saturday, 8th February in Abu Dhabi. Structured around three moments, 50 speakers, ranging from local and regional governments, national governments, and other stakeholders, exchanged perspectives, provided practices and examples, and laid out recommendations to the World Urban Forum in the dialogues that took place.

https://www.uclg.org/en/media/news/local-and-regional-governments-speak-world-urban-forum-through-world-assembly-abu-dhabi

The Future of City Mobility

An interview with Matt Cole, conducted before his departure as the President of Cubic Transportation Systems. Interviewed by Gordon Feller, Founder of Meeting of the Minds.

Gordon Feller: One question that’s often asked by public sector executives who’re responsible for their city’s transport services: ‘how should city leaders be thinking about the future of urban transit?’

https://meetingoftheminds.org/the-future-of-city-mobility-33159

Placing Equity at the Center of the Urban Greening Agenda

The idea that equity is an important and indispensable part of sustainable development has been there from the early days. The intellectual basic for and actions taken towards sustainability are thought to be fundamentally fair and just—a world in which all have access and means to the resources needed for their wellbeing. However, as soon as we get down to the operationalization of the concept of sustainable development, these ideal visions largely disappear or become second rank to a focus on technology, green or smart solutions, and market-driven green solutions that serve for only a few. Hence, we are left with is the notion of the great importance of the concept of equity and fairness that has not much to do with the reality of sustainability interventions.

https://www.thenatureofcities.com/2020/01/18/placing-equity-at-the-center-of-urban-greening-agenda/

Innovating Cities: Cultural Heritage in Action

The ROCK Final Conference and Business Matching Event

For three years, 10 EUROCITIES members (Athens, Bologna, Cluj-Napoca, Eindhoven, Lisbon, Liverpool, Lyon, Skopje, Turin, Vilnius) participating in the EU-funded ROCK project were developing innovative solutions that demonstrate how cultural heritage can be the driving force behind the city’s overall sustainability. Supported by service providers and knowledge brokers from among project partners, the ROCK cities tested and advanced numerous tools and approaches aimed at shaping sustainable, heritage-led urban futures. At the final project conference, they will share their results, lessons learned, and best practices, while the subsequent business matching event will become a forum for promoting innovative solutions for historic urban centres.

http://www.rockproject.eu/

Setting the Automotive Agenda - Automotive Summit 2020

The automotive industry is in flux. Disrupted by technology and new market entrants, it stands at the cusp of entering a connected, shared, autonomous and electric future. For many of its major stakeholders this shift represents an existential threat.

Automakers are now faced with protecting existing business whilst preparing for seismic change. Somethings however are clear; failure to evolve products and business models will prove fatal. And, timing is everything.

Reuters Events Automotive Summit brings together CEOs, Innovators and Disruptors from across the world, as they take to the stage to set the Automotive Industry agenda for years to come.

https://www.reutersevents.com/events/automotive/

Los Angeles and London Partner as Innovator Cities

Mayor Eric Garcetti of the City of Los Angeles and London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, have partnered to make London and Los Angeles ‘Innovator Cities’ with the shared goal of addressing transportation issues. The two cities plan to work together to identify common transportation problems and develop solutions that can work anywhere in the world.

“Los Angeles is ready to test-drive new ideas, inventions, and innovations on our streets right now,” said Mayor Garcetti. “Our partnership with London is about putting the best concepts in the world onto our local roads and railways, taking steps together to reduce traffic, cut carbon emissions, and build resilient cities for the future.”

https://smartcitiesconnect.org/los-angeles-and-london-partner-as-innovator-cities/

The Allure of Resilient Districts on Higher Ground

Denial is not a resilience strategy. But when it comes to managing change — and especially climate change — we’re more likely to stick our heads in the proverbial sand, maintaining and protecting the status quo, than acknowledging and planning for the inevitable rising tides. That, too, needs to change. Along with carbon mitigation plans and investments in adaptation, cities must also address the fact that attempting to preserve their urban fabric as-is may inherently lead to increased risk over time and the possibility of catastrophic loss in the future. What if these communities begin a shift toward higher ground instead?

https://newcities.org/the-big-picture-the-case-for-higher-ground/

INTA 43 in pictures, videos and interviews

You can now find on our website the videos recorded by the international speakers at the occasion of INTA43 congress and the interviews conducted by our partner Radio Immo as well as photos of the event and some speeches.

https://inta-aivn.org/en/activities/exchange/congress/inta43-en/conclusion-medias

Internationational New Town Day 2020

We would like to invite you to the International New Town Day 2020 | Taking Back Housing! The symposium will take place on the 14th of May 2020 in Rotterdam.

During the symposium, speakers from the Netherlands and abroad will talk about the challenges of alternative housing projects, such as housing cooperatives, DIY builders, former squatters and developing architects. These projects radically challenge the conventional planning methods, which are still very much top-down, especially in New Towns. There are many obstacles to overcome, mostly in the institutional unwillingness or inability to deal with non-professionals or with a not-for-profit approach. Who and what is holding back these projects? What can be done about it?

'Taking Back Housing!' will bring together examples to clearly state the problem and to formulate ways forward. Contributions by: Maarten van Poelgeest (stimulating housing cooperatives in Amsterdam), Jacqueline Tellinga (projectleader private builders in New Town Almere), Laura Weeber (architect and advisor Urbannerdam), Marc Koehler (developing architect), Ninke Happel (Het Rotterdams Woongenootschap), Gerard Roemers (Wooncoöperatie de Warren), Piet Vollaard (City in the Making) and Han van de Wetering (Van de Wetering Atelier für Städtebau GmbH).

http://www.newtowninstitute.org/

International study identifies best urban design to reduce road injuries

A new study has identified the urban design features that help to reduce accidents and injuries on the roads of major global cities.

The study, published by “The Lancet Planetary Health”, investigated how urban design is influencing road accidents and injuries. Researchers categorised 1,632 cities world-wide into nine design types based on each city's urban design characteristics taken from a sample of maps. The categories ranged from cities with well organised road and rail networks to those where public transport hardly exists and the urban area is well spread out.

https://www.eltis.org/in-brief/news/international-study-identifies-best-urban-design-reduce-road-injuries

New report from EC: The Human-Centred City

This report “The Human-Centred City: Opportunities for citizens through research and innovation” provides a very comprehensive and detailed analysis on a policy research and innovation framework that broadens the perspective towards more holistic approaches. It aims to trigger discussions among policy makers, EU institutions, the scientific community and society at large, and inspire strategic planning and investments within Horizon Europe and its dedicated Mission on ‘Climate-neutral and Smart Cities.

https://www.urenio.org/2020/02/12/report-european-commission-human-centred-city/

SAVE THE DATE: 2020 EFUS General Assembly

Efus’ General Assembly will take place on March 26th and 27th in Riga, Latvia. This meeting, a key moment in the life of our association, will be dedicated to reviewing the activities of 2019 and discussing Efus’ strategic plan for the future. The General Assembly will also be dedicated to the preparation of our 2020 international “Security, Democracy & Cities” conference. The City of Riga will also organise a number of field visits to introduce some of its local project to other Efus members.

https://efus.eu/en/topics/%activity%/18376/

World Urban Forum speakers call for digital technology to benefit all

The launch of the Flagship Programme on People-Focused Smart Cities at WUF10 UNHabitat/Waseem Ali

Abu Dhabi, 10 February 2020 - UN-Habitat’s Executive Director, Ms Maimunah Mohd Sharif, has stated that the digital revolution should work for the benefit of everyone and not create further divisions.

She was speaking during the launch of two Flagship Programmes encouraging action around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during the World Urban Forum, the largest global Forum on the future of cities.

https://www.urbangateway.org/news/world-urban-forum-speakers-call-digital-technology-benefit-all

International study identifies best urban design to reduce road injuries

A new study has identified the urban design features that help to reduce accidents and injuries on the roads of major global cities.

Why Co-Creation matters

Why is it so important to involve citizens in the identification of mobility challenges at the neighborhood level? Four CIVITAS projects - SUNRISE, Cities4People, Metamophosis and MUV - explained it in a workshop held at INEA.

On 19 November 2019, the cluster workshop ‘Co-creating Urban Mobility in Neighbourhoods’ was held at the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA) in Brussels. The event gathered four EU-funded mobility projects working on co-creation at the neighbourhood level. Local project partners presented how the co-creation approach had impacted mobility plans in different European cities.

https://www.polisnetwork.eu/news/why-co-creation-matters/

Webinar - Integrating SUMPs into urban planning & climate work

Urban planning, climate and energy work and sustainable urban mobility planning all share the same goal: to plan and develop cities and municipalities in a sustainable, climate-friendly way.

Therefore, the integration of different strategies and approaches is of utmost importance. It prevents duplicated work in city administrations and facilitates the efficient and successful implementation of strategies.

https://www.eltis.org/resources/training/mobility-practitioners-webinar-integrating-sumps-urban-planning-climate-work

Invitation to Information Webinar for Call on Urban Migration

JPI Urban Europe is pleased to invite you to a webinar for applicants for the call Urban Migration, open for pre-proposals until 26 March 2020.

With this call, JPI Urban Europe aims to create a transdisciplinary and cross-sectoral community of researchers, practitioners and engaging migrant communities working in the field of urban migration, who can align, synthesise, consolidate, and learn from each other. Further, to develop common insights and understandings on the selected topics of the call as well as bring together already existing knowledge on migration across disciplines on national and local level.

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_j5QevBi_TAmMsverhdGWZg

SOLUTIONSplus Flagship Project Starts

On the 1st of January 2020 an international flagship project has been launched to support the global transition to sustainable mobility. In the context of the EU-funded SOLUTIONSplus project 45 partners and over 100 associated partners will work together on transformative change towards sustainable urban mobility through innovative and integrated electric mobility solutions. The team of local authorities, knowledge and finance partners, industry, networks and international organizations will help boosting the availability of public and shared electric vehicles, foster the efficiency of operations and support the integration of different types of e-mobility in urban areas that meet the needs users and local conditions in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America.

https://www.polisnetwork.eu/news/solutionsplus-flagship-project-starts/

The gender perspective in metropolitan governance

Last September we launched the Gender Keys collection, a series of short publications providing recommendations to promote gender mainstreaming in the metropolitan environment.

In the framework of Metropolis' commitment to gender equality, the Gender Keys collection offers tools and case studies implemented by members, to stop gender inequalities and improve the right to the city for all inhabitants.

https://www.metropolis.org/news/metropolitan-governance-gender-mainstreaming-perspective

The program of the Beyond Data Event 2020 is out!

The 11th edition of the Beyond Data Event 2020 will take place in ‘s- Hertogenbosch on the 19th of March. With 300 data experts expected from government, knowledge institutions and other people who are challenging the world beyond data.

This year we focus on the internal organization around data. What do you encounter on the way to become a data driven organization? With various cases in three different tracks we show examples of using data for societal issues.

https://www.beyonddataevent.com/

GO MOBILITY tradeshow

Discover the innovative mobility solutions your city needs

Electric cars and buses, self-driving vehicles and big data: these are some of the new technologies which are transforming the way we move. Be at the forefront of this shift by joining us at GO MOBILITY, the biggest tradeshow in southern Europe dedicated to meeting the challenges of new urban mobility.

GO MOBILITY is an opportunity for local leaders to find urban mobility solutions adapted to the needs of their town, city or region. Taking place on 11-12 March in in the heart of the dynamic Euro-region of Basque Country-Navarre-Aquitaine, the event is connecting policymakers and businesses around cutting-edge technologies and innovation.

http://gomobility.eus/en/

Planning for Survival Spaces in the City

Cities are rich, the countryside is poor. As we come to the end of the millennium, this simple picture is looking more crooked than it ever was in the history of humankind. Indeed, it is about to be turned completely upside down, at least as far as the absolute numbers of the poor are concerned. The received wisdom of development theory is that the poor migrate to the city and are gradually integrated - economically, socially and spatially. Having dealt with the problem of slums, we can tackle poverty itself. The author of this article demonstrates just how different reality is.

https://www.citiesalliance.org/newsroom/news/urban-news/planning-for-survival-spaces-city-how-urban-agriculture-could-be-promoted

Sustainble urban mobility must come first

Local and regional authorities and policymakers have the chance to mould and create urban spaces. Offering the best options for movement has the potential to make the biggest positive impact on people’s living conditions and influence their daily travel decisions.

https://www.eltis.org/in-brief/news/sustainble-urban-mobility-must-come-first-so-how-do-you-get-people-out-their-cars

ICLEI launches Daring Cities

Daring Cities invites urban leaders from the around the world who are pushing boundaries in their own contexts to come together in Bonn for three days of idea exchange on how to take on resilience and mitigation in the time of urgent climate crisis. Urban leaders, such as mayors, city councilors, administration, technical staff, thought leaders and researchers, business leaders, civil society decision-makers and community organizers, are invited to be a part of this productive and action-oriented event.

https://daringcities.org/

Covenant of Mayors Ceremony and European Climate Pact announcement event - Registration is open!

The European Green Deal is a new roadmap for Europe's economy and society to become climate-neutral by 2050. It aims at turning climate and environmental challenges into opportunities across all policy areas, by making the transition just and inclusive, and by improving the well-being and health of citizens and future generations.

To achieve this ambition, the European Commission will launch a European Climate Pact bringing together citizens, industry, civil society and European, national, regional and local authorities and institutions.

https://www.eumayors.eu/news-and-events/news/1745-european-covenant-of-mayors-ceremony-and-european-climate-pact-announcement-event-registration-is-open.html

The TO-nite project

The TO-nite project is an especially new type of project as it was selected in the framework of a specific “Call for Proposal” centred around the topic of ‘urban security and related innovative solutions’, under the Urban Innovative Actions (UIA).

The work carried out under the ‘Urban Agenda for the EU’ – under which Efus coordinates a thematic partnership on “Security in Public Spaces” – that has as one of its key objectives to “contribute to identifying, supporting, integrating, and improving traditional, innovative and user-friendly sources of funding for urban areas”, has contributed to this new type of funding.

https://efus.eu/en/topics/%activity%/18454/

Bastions of opportunity? Urban centers in Africa

As we head over to the World Urban Forum 10 (WUF10) in Abu Dhabi next week, we reflect on cities and towns as recognized bastions of inclusion. But they can also be sites of exclusion, if they are not managed well. And we ask – what are some of the ways in which urban spaces affect opportunity?

We recently completed a new report on inclusion in Africa. One of the things that stands out in our analysis is the importance of location. While there is considerable attention to Africa’s urban growth and advances in service delivery, there is also evidence that many areas lag behind. This is, of course, not unique to Africa; nor is it an extraordinary finding. There are “left behind regions” across the world where people have lower access to markets, services and opportunity. And the fact that place of birth is one of the most important determinants of opportunity for kids, is as true in the USA as it is in African countries.

http://blogs.worldbank.org/sustainablecities/bastions-opportunity-urban-centers-africa

Mannheim2020: Check out the programme and register now!

ICLEI Europe and the City of Mannheim are thrilled to share that registration is now open for the upcoming Mannheim2020 conference, the 9th edition of the European Conference on Sustainable Cities & Towns.

From 30 September to 2 October 2020, those who can make change happen will gather in Mannheim. Take transformation forward by joining Mayors, local government practitioners, civil society and all other urban stakeholders, businesses, national governments and European institutions at the Mannheim2020 conference.

https://conferences.sustainablecities.eu/mannheim-2020/

ICTC Conference 2020

Join us in Parramatta, Sydney as we celebrate 20 years of the International Cities, Town Centres & Communities (ICTC) Conference from 14 – 16 October 2020. The 20th Anniversary Conference is our chance to reflect on where we have come from and the future direction of our cities, town centres and communities.

Experience a jam-packed program both during conference sessions and through the streets as the city rolls out the public activation red carpet during Parramatta’s Lanes Festival.

http://ictcsociety.org/ictc2020/

The Presidential Candidates that Mayors Support

On Thursday, Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C., joined arms with Mike Bloomberg, her choice to win the primary for the Democratic Party. During a press conference to announce her endorsement, Bowser and Bloomberg pledged to fight for affordable housing, gun control, and statehood for the District. In a tweet, the campaign also announced her new role as Bloomberg’s national campaign co-chair.

https://www.citylab.com/equity/2020/02/2020-presidential-election-candidates-mayor-endorsements/605797/

How safe is walking and cycling in Europe?

New report published by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) calls for urgent action to ensure that sustainable modes of transport such as walking and cycling, are made much safer.

http://www.eurocities.eu/eurocities/news/How-safe-is-walking-and-cycling-in-Europe-WSPO-BLCD5A

Final conference of the PRACTICIES project

The PRACTICIES (Partnership Against Violent Radicalisation in Cities) project was created on this basis and in response to a European call for tenders, supported by the French government, following the terrorist attacks in the Paris region in January 2015. Coordinated by the University of Toulouse II – Le Mirail, it involves more than 25 partners from various European countries (Italy, Austria, Spain, Belgium, Greece, Portugal) as well as Tunisia, all experts in humanities, political science, information sciences or information technology.

https://efus.eu/en/topics/%activity%/18428/

EUROCITIES Mobility Forum in Madrid

'Sustainable mobility in healthy cities'

Save the date for the next mobility forum meeting in Madrid!

Join us from 15 to 17 June in the Spanish capital to discuss 'Sustainable mobility in healthy cities'.

Registration will open soon.

http://www.eurocities.eu/eurocities/news/EUROCITIES-Mobility-Forum-in-Madrid-15-17-June-2020-WSPO-BLCCVL

Europe’s local governments remain united beyond Brexit

Brexit is finally upon us.

But while the United Kingdom and the European Union may be splitting up, local and regional governments will continue to remain in partnership through CEMR.

“Britain remains in Europe and we wish the best to our friends in the UK”, said CEMR Secretary General Frédéric Vallier. “Mayors and councillors know that cooperation and partnership between local governments across Europe will prevail in the face of common challenges, in particular climate change, which knows no borders.”

https://www.ccre.org/en/actualites/view/3969

Three stories for local governments to watch in 2020

As we kick off a new decade, environment takes center stage. For the first time, the top five global threats in the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report are all environmental. Climate action failure and biodiversity loss make the top five both in terms of likelihood and level of impact.

Critical action is needed to ensure an environmentally stable future, making it a central theme not only for the year but for the decade. These environmental threats encompass diverse sectors and issues from biodiversity to climate and demand integrated action at all levels of government.

https://talkofthecities.iclei.org/3-stories-to-watch-in-2020/

Decarb Cities Conference

An increasing share of humans live in cities. This trend requires no-pollution solutions to maintain local air quality, reduce the effect of heat islands and provide the fair share of cities in the fight against climate change.

DecarbCities forum will address this challenge and will present technical and organizational solutions to cities, in particular when it comes to the replacement of existing fossil combustion technology using polluting fuels such as coal, oil and gas. The location of the conference, Vienna, is particularly suited to connect eastern and western cities, discussing which solutions are applicable to the specificities of the East European building stock.

https://www.eumayors.eu/news-and-events/events/upcoming-events/2289-decarb-cities-conference.html

What is the Future of EVs and Renewables? - Interreg SEEV4-City Closing Conference

Join the event in Oslo and learn more about enabling clean and green transportation in cities by increasing the number of electric vehicles powered by renewable energy. The conference is organised back to back with the Nordic EV Summit 2020.

Over the past several years, the Interreg SEEV4-City project (Smart, clean Energy and Electric Vehicle 4 the City) has showcased these synergies by demonstrating how electric vehicles can support the energy transition in cities with six distinct pilot projects in the North Sea Region.

https://www.eltis.org/participate/events/what-future-evs-and-renewables-interreg-seev4-city-closing-conference

Which city is going to be EU's next Sustainable Trade Champion?

The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade launches the 2nd edition of the EU Cities for Fair and Ethical Trade award

The purchasing decisions of EU citizens have a significant impact both on the environment and on the livelihoods of people in other countries. Fair and ethical trade can help us enhance responsible consumption patterns, bringing more sustainable opportunities to producers in other countries, and be a powerful tool for advancing sustainable development as reflected by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs).

https://www.eumayors.eu/news-and-events/news/1743-which-city-is-going-to-be-eu-next-sustainable-trade-champion.html

Kick-off Positive Energy Districts City Panel

European cities are key actors in achieving energy and climate targets. The Positive Energy Districts and Neighbourhoods Programme joins forces with all stakeholders, in particular through a cooperation with cities and municipalities, for making possible the large-scale implementation and replication of 100 Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) by 2025.

https://jpi-urbaneurope.eu/news/kick-off-in-the-positive-energy-districts-city-panel/

Data-Informed Government Track CityLaunch 2020

Cities are amassing enormous amounts of data as they connect more services and sensors to the internet. Building permit systems, traffic signal communication systems, smart streetlights, dockless bicycles and scooters - all of these and devices are generating a growing stream of data every day, raising some important questions:

https://www.cvent.com/events/citylaunch-2020/registration-d9a9b36583dd408d8a02a34e816ffeff.aspx?fqp=true

TRA 2020 extends Early registration deadline

The deadline to register for this year's Transport Research Arena, taking place in Helsinki on 27-30 April, has been extended. Register by 13 February to attend the conference at a lower rate.

The event provides an ample forum for the representatives from research, industry, public administration and policy-making to discuss major challenges and opportunities we are facing in transport and mobility.

http://www.traconference.eu/

Amsterdam Leads the Way on Wetland Restoration

The Dutch capital has long been a global model for flood management in a manmade landscape. Now it is seeking to break ground on how it preserves wetlands.

https://www.citylab.com/environment/2020/01/amsterdam-wetlands-biodiversity-nature-reserves-farming-land/605668/

SPROUT Open Innovation Community starts

Its goal: involving urban mobility stakeholders in the definition of innovative urban mobility policy responses

The SPROUT project proudly announces the launch of the SPROUT Open Innovation Community (OIC) on Urban Mobility Policy.

The Open Innovation Community is an online platform, open to all the stakeholders who wish to contribute to the debate on the policy requirements of emerging mobility solutions and to validate the results of the SPROUT pilot cities.

Together with its 3-layer cities engagement and its international cooperation structure, the creation of the OIC is part and parcel of the innovative participatory approach adopted by SPROUT to help cities to navigate urban mobility in transition. It has been demonstrated in the context of previous projects that an effective stakeholder involvement methodology is key to the transferability and the implementation of innovative mobility measures. For this reason, SPROUT aims to involve stakeholders at all stages of the deployment of innovative solutions in pilot cities and of the definition of urban mobility policy responses.

https://www.polisnetwork.eu/news/the-sprout-open-innovation-community-officially-kicks-off-its-activities/

2020
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Further archived news available on request from: Kate More