Sustainable Cities Platform launches sixth edition of the Transformative Action Award
Local and regional authorities and civil society organisations spearheading the implementation of Local Green Deals or advancing the sustainable urban transformation in Europe are encouraged to apply for the chance to win 10,000 EUR.
The 2022 edition of the Transformative Action Award marks the sixth year of the Europe-wide sustainability award organised by ICLEI Europe and the City of Aalborg (Denmark), with support from the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
The award recognises ongoing or concluded Transformative Actions that aim to achieve the socio-cultural, socio-economic and technological transformation of societies and further the local implementation of the European Green Deal.
“As the governance level closest to citizens, local governments are a key factor in realising the lofty ambitions of the European Green Deal. Without local actors’ - including civil society organisations – grass-roots approach, it will be next to impossible to achieve a Europe that is sustainable, climate-neutral and resilient,” says Lasse Frimand Jensen, Member of Aalborg City Council and ICLEI Regional Executive Committee Member.
Meanwhile, Wolfgang Teubner, Regional Director, ICLEI Europe, provides insight into what the Transformative Action Award jury will be looking for in 2022:
“For this year’s edition of the Transformative Action Award, we are looking for actions that will not only catalyse sustainable urban transformations at the local level, but we are hoping to see actions that go above and beyond the usual scope of implementation. Particularly, by making business, stakeholders, civil society initiatives and others responsible and accountable actors in line with the local sustainability and climate strategies. Local governments are in a unique position to build bridges between sectors and align political ambitions with the nine policy areas of the European Green Deal. A strong applicant will demonstrate their action’s commitment to achieving this type of transformation.”
The award is open to any local or regional authority, or civil society organisation located in an EU Member State, EEA country or EU candidate or accession country that has endorsed the Mannheim Message. In honour of the European Year of Youth, applicants whose actions showcase a strong focus on youth are encouraged to apply.
The applicant must be responsible for the implementation of the Transformative Action and the Action must have been in place for at least three months, but no longer than five years, at the time of submission. All applications must be submitted in English. The application deadline is 14 October 2022.
Alongside previous winners such as La Titaranya SCCL, Katowice (Poland), Lousada (Portugal) and Ghent (Belgium), the 2022 winner will be widely recognised as a leader of the sustainable urban transformation in Europe. The winner will also receive 10,000 EUR to help initiate further actions in their city or region.
To endorse the Mannheim Message and submit a Transformative Action to the competition, visit the Sustainable Cities Platform.
Background:
The Transformative Action Award is organised by ICLEI Europe and the City of Aalborg (Denmark); it is supported by the European Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank.
The European Sustainable Cities Platform was launched in 2016, following the 8th European Conference on Sustainable Cities & Towns in the Basque Country. Supported by the City of Aalborg (Denmark) and ICLEI Europe, the platform focuses on the uptake of the Mannheim Message and the promotion of Local Green Deals.
The Mannheim Message was finalised by European Mayors on 21 September 2020. The Message was formally presented to the European Commission on 1 October 2020 as part of the 9th European Conference on Sustainable Cities & Towns, organised by ICLEI Europe and the City of Mannheim (Germany). It builds on the transformative actions catalysed by the Basque Declaration (2016) and is a collective response to the European Green Deal.
Local Green Deals are going far beyond the usual ‘action planning’ approach: together with local businesses, stakeholder organisations and civil society initiatives, local governments agree to initiatives supporting their city’s sustainability goals. Local governments are in a unique position to translate and implement the ambitions of the EU Green Deal as they are the governance level closest to citizens and their work is implemented in a single defined spatial area.
Pictures from the Award:
(Credits: ICLEI Europe)
Press contacts:
Meritxell Díaz
Media and Outreach coordinator - ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability
meritxell.diaz@iclei.org
Schuyler Cowan
Media and Outreach officer - ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability
schuyler.cowan@iclei.org
About ICLEI Europe
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network of more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Active in 125 countries, we influence sustainability policy and drive local action for low emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient and circular development. ICLEI Europe provides members in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and West Asia with a voice on European and international stages, a platform to connect with peers, and tools to drive positive environmental, economic and social change. ICLEI Europe works closely with an extended network of local and regional governments and partners on a broad range of topics.
