Kick-off meeting URBAN-NEXUS in Sofia, Bulgaria

URBAN-NEXUS to promote integrated, sustainable urban development

Cities are hives of economic and social activity, yet they face big societal challenges. To face these challenges, it has become urgent to collaborate. URBAN-NEXUS promotes integrated, sustainable urban development. URBAN-NEXUS will increase awareness and exchange of knowledge, identify innovative new solutions to sustainability problems and, ultimately, promote long lasting partnerships between various stakeholders. Input from various stakeholders is crucial within this approach.

Climate change, health & quality of life, and land use

The activities during the kick-off meeting focused on identifying the key challenges that European cities face, as well as the essential building blocks for partnership building and information sharing. The meeting was set in the east of the Sofia city centre, hosted by the Architects Union Building. The first day was dedicated to identifying the challenges that European cities face within the themes of climate change, health & quality of life and land use. After presenting their initial ideas, sessions of rotating group discussions helped the organisers to better refine these themes. It became clear that the interconnectedness of the themes is an important asset for the project, but this needs to be managed with care as well. The late afternoon and evening were used for social activities. The Municipality of Sofia offered a guiding tour to one of the new underground stations, where modern developments go hand in hand with efforts to protect cultural heritage dating back to Roman times. 

Input from city practitioners

The focus shifted towards the necessary elements for partnerships. Mr. Johan van Zoest (urban ecologist) provided input, hinting at the necessity of having a common ‘dot on the horizon’ that bind the partners and stakeholders together. Another important element is the integration of as much stakeholders as possible, from different backgrounds and origins. This cannot be done by simply organising a meeting. An elaborate set of tools needs to be developed to allow everyone to speak freely. Practical examples are beneficial to provoke discussion, and allow input from city practitioners. Overall, the meeting was very productive. The partners agreed on several critical follow-up actions: the next step will be the production of a synthesis report on adaptation to climate change. This will form the overture for the first in a series of Dialogue Cafés meant to exchange ideas and bring stakeholders together.