URBAN CHALLENGES – SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
‘EUROCITIES 2009 Stockholm’: combining economic growth with strong environmental measures
‘EUROCITIES 2009 Stockholm’ will take place at a time when Europe will be suffering from the effects of the financial crisis. The conference will bring together political leaders and experts to exchange on how to combine economic growth and effective measures against climate change. We aim to present ways in which sustainable solutions can serve as engines for economic growth for all components of society: people, business, science and culture.
The role of Europe’s cities
Europe’s cities have a pivotal role to play in creating and implementing innovation. Cities can deliver sustainable development that will lead to both short-term stimulation and longer-term restructuring of the EU’s economy. Innovative and sustainable projects at the city level will take advantage of local capacity to train workers, adapt infrastructure and support businesses and have a huge potential to both create jobs and achieve energy targets more quickly.
The Stockholm Appeal
Although awareness regarding climate change has increased, until recently world leaders have been slow in their response. Following on from the work done through the EUROCITIES Climate Change Declaration and our ongoing activities within the network, EUROCITIES, together with the US Conference of Mayors, will make a joint approach to global decision-makers as they prepare for the UN climate change conference COP 15 in Copenhagen in December 2009. The Swedish Presidency of the European Union has set as its ambition to work actively for such a deal to be reached, and a representative of the Presidency will receive our joint statement during the conference.
European Green Capital 2010
Stockholm, the host of this year’s EUROCITIES conference, is the first city to have been selected as a European Green Capital for 2010. During ‘EUROCITIES 2009 Stockholm’ we want to show participants what Stockholm has done to merit this title, and its future plans to counteract climate change. Participants will be taken to neighbourhoods in Stockholm that showcase practical examples, such as organic recycling, clean vehicles, sustainable design and fashion. We will also, among other things, see examples of urban regeneration in a suburban area and visit our centre for ICT and cleantech business. We hope that these nine deep dives will serve as inspiration for discussions on how other cities have tackled similar issues.
The strength of EUROCITIES
The EUROCITIES network is most effective when we draw on our strengths, expertise, legitimacy towards decision-makers and resourcefulness. Giving EUROCITIES members an arena where practical experiences can be exchanged and discussed, we look forward to stimulating and interactive discussions that will help city governments profile their pioneering role in achieving smart green growth.