Networks and cities' news

Gender aspects in planning urban green spaces

For us humans, gender largely determines how we use public space and to what extent we appropriate it. Yet it is a lagging issue in design. Public spaces are supposed to connect us, but we see a clear divide from our early years, which is really only based on assumptions rather than needs. BiodiverCity’s ad-hoc expert, Marieke Muilwijk explains that gender sensitive urban planning methods are not about feminism, but about doing things better.

Reflecting on the Alghero Meeting: Inspiration and Connection for C4TALENT Partners

A video recap catching the atmosphere of the event.

Vilanova i la Geltrú Hosts Climathon to Tackle Water Conservation

A 12-hour event at the Neápolis Innovation Agency.

Empowering Youth, Revitalizing Alba Iulia: A City’s Mission Against Depopulation

Alba Iulia, Romania’s “spiritual capital,” faces a pressing issue that impacts its future. With each year, more young adults are drawn to larger urban centers or international destinations, leaving Alba Iulia’s streets quieter, schools smaller, and local businesses missing vital energy. However, this resilient city is not giving in to the challenges of depopulation and urban shrinkage. Instead, it’s tackling them head-on through bold initiatives designed to make Alba Iulia an attractive home for young people once again.

European small cities losing population: Why & what could be the magnets for their attractiveness?

THE BASELINE STUDY: developed by Tiago Ferreira, Residents of the Future network Lead expert. 

During Phase 1, the nine partners have explored their individual and shared challenges through the partners’ visits and
meetings. Now it’s time to sit back, reflect on the network challenge (as it relates to the European and local context), each partner’s starting point, as well as learning expectations, and focus on the action planning.

REMOTE-IT Online Forum: Beyond Lifestyle - Digital Transformation, Nomads, and Remote Workers

On October 30, 2024, URBACT Remote-IT Network organized its second Online Forum, focusing on the theme of digitalization. This event delved into the broader implications of digital transformation—how it affects individuals, the advantages and drawbacks of living in the digital age, and how digitalization can be leveraged to improve both personal and professional environments.

The event began with introductory remarks from the organizers, specifically Alisa Aliti Vlašić, the lead expert of the Remote-IT project, and Nataša Mirić, representative of the project’s lead partner, the Dubrovnik Development Agency (DURA). The forum was moderated by Alison Partridge, an ad hoc expert for Remote-IT, whose expertise encompasses technology, inclusive enterprise, entrepreneurship, and economic development in both the UK and European cities. Since 2009, Alison has served as Lead Expert for five different URBACT Action Planning and Transfer Networks, including TechTown and TechRevolution, both led by Barnsley. She is also one of the founding members of the TechPlace community and has led capacity-building programs in digital transitions.

The first part of the forum introduced the speakers: Haydee Sheombar, a researcher at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, and Mark-Emil Talivere, an Innovation Expert from the City of Tallinn.