22-05-2007

A consensus is emerging on which should be the appropriate short- and long-term responses to this complexity, namely the adoption of an area based, integrated approach to urban regeneration. Despite this consensus, it appears that there are insufficient skills in the community to address the challenge successfully, presumably because the challenge has increased in scope so fast compared to institutions’ ability to respond. The experience emerging from 16 years of Urban Regeneration practice through the EU URBAN and UPPs programmes have highlighted the need for developing the skills of actors from a variety of sectors and levels in relation to sustainable place making.

Indeed, the Draft Leipzig Charter on Sustainable European Cities refers specifically to the issue of “institutional capacity” as a key factor in developing a balanced approach.

Economic and social regeneration requires new paradigm principles and frameworks. This means in part a greater focus on participation, social integration, empowerment, capacity building, social and human capital. Such a paradigm focus requires a range of new or “additional skills/experiences” for actors on the ground.

This conference will bring together a number of initiatives being undertaken across the EU to address this skills gap. Speakers from the Council of Europe, OECD, Academy for Sustainable Communities(UK), and Scottish Centre for Regeneration-Communities Scotland will be making contributions and in addition, QeC-ERAN will launch the results of a unique skills and training audit undertaken of over 200 actors involved in Urban Regeneration. The aim of the day is to take forward the EU agenda on this key issue.

If you wish to participate in this key event then please register by sending the attached registration form by 11 May to the QeC-ERAN Secretariat.

Brussels, Belgium