The aim of the meeting was to exchange experiences, results and learnings (Time To Share!), enhance multi-scale dialogue, network and transfer knowledge to other cities, not only among the participants in the different URBACT Transfer Networks, but also as an open learning space to other cities that are linked to both URBACT as well as other European Sustainable Urban Development programmes, such as Urban Innovative Actions (UIA) or EDUSI.
Viladecans presented two URBACT projects, the On Board educational innovation project, which it has been running for almost three years, and the Vilawatt URBACT-UIA Transfer Mechanism Project, which it is currently spearheading.
During the first day, Sonia Domínguez, International Relations Officer for Viladecans City Council, highlighted how On Board, whose mission was to adapt and transfer the Viladecans Educational Innovation Network to other European cities, has been able to connect cities of various sizes, with different levels of competence in terms of education and different local realities and objectives, and successfully transfer the good practice. Domínguez emphasised that one of the transfer's keys to success has been not to replicate, but to adapt. The working dynamic between the partner cities, with visits, meetings and pilot projects that have made it possible to establish links and foster the commitment of the stakeholders involved, has also been a key factor.
The second day featured a speech by Jordi Mazón, Deputy Mayor for Ecological Transition for the City Council, who explained both the Vilawatt UIA (Urban Innovative Actions) project and the Vilawatt transfer process through the URBACT-UIA Transfer Mechanism. Mazón underlined the importance of the project as a driving force for the city's energy transition in the context of the 2030 strategy, which foresees, as requested by the European Union, a 40% reduction in greenhouse gases. He also highlighted how Vilawatt, which is committed to renewable energies, is particularly timely and necessary to deal with fluctuations in the price of electricity on the energy market and to respond to the current climate emergency. He also insisted on the importance of co-governance, one of the pillars on which the project has been built. He commented on the transfer process that he is currently leading in the European cities of Trikala (Greece), Seraing (Belgium) and Nagykanizsa (Hungary), and on the work stages planned, which focus on understanding, adapting and preparing for implementation. According to Mazón, there is a need to understand the characteristics, pillars and objectives of the Vilawatt project in order to adapt them to each city, and then work together with the local stakeholders to draw up an investment plan to allow the future implementation of the project in their cities.
During the parallel working sessions, Marina Jarque, from the Ciutat de Viladecans Foundation, an expert in the two URBACT projects, was able to share experiences with the cities of Pamplona, Vic and Gijón on how to manage European projects and how to explore funding opportunities.
Viladecans' intervention in this forum ended with two main ideas on European projects:
- To innovate in education, we need co-responsibility, cooperation and the involvement of all citizens' stakeholders.
- As for the energy transition, co-governance is required, as the core of the whole project is to empower the city on energy issues.
URBACT is the European exchange and learning programme that promotes sustainable urban development.
