You are invited to the first IURC-NA webinar session of 2024, focusing on international cooperation and how it can relate to the sustainable and resilient cities of the future!
Climate change and environmental deterioration have become central to cities’ urban development plans. As a result, the European Union’s IURC program facilitates the exchange of challenges and solutions internationally to accelerate the reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions and improve the quality of life in urban areas.
This first online session of 2024 will be an opportunity for cities to contribute insights and propose thematic areas they would like the program to explore, which will help define the IURC NA Thematic Networks for the following two years. Becoming part of these networks will allow cities to attend in-person events and virtual meetings where we will discuss best practices on circular economy and waste management, nature-based solutions, and sustainable urban mobility and transport, amongst others.
By joining this webinar, delegates will learn about the European Green Deal and the EU Urban Initiative, hear from city representatives about the benefits of joining the thematic networks, and become part of the international network of reference for sustainable urban development.
In the past three years, collaborations, investments, and knowledge sharing has multiplied on themes related to the circular economy (CE). Networks, knowledge-sharing hubs, and training tools are bringing to light the CE innovations and best practices in fields such as waste and water management, land-use planning, transportation, infrastructure and buildings, agriculture, and food systems.
The cities and regions that are part of the IURC NA network are well-placed to contribute to this global transformation to improve circularity by promoting and facilitating change in sectors, services, and governance. As the closest level of governance to citizens and sources of innovation, they can be pioneers in the path towards a circular economy by demonstrating new business models and implementing socio-economic initiatives that will influence the local and regional economy and the health of ecosystems, including climate-oriented solutions.
Through participation in the IURC NA networks, cities will have opportunities to further advance knowledge and skills on CE, share experiences, and adapt innovations to make CE more widespread and mainstream. This webinar will introduce key organizations and resources at the regional and national levels, as well as host a first discussion amongst participants on experiences, interests, and challenges for cities and regions to enable a transformation to a circular economy.
