The theme is closely linked to the "Leipzig Charter", adopted May 2007 by the European ministers responsible for urban development and territorial cohesion. The key message is that cities are to be seen as corner stones for the development of well being and a sustainable Europe. In order to achieve sustainable cities integrated approaches of urban development are indispensable. It requires new approaches of local governance and management. Democratic participation in policy making and entrepreneurship of citizens is an important constituent element. Practicing it means stimulating and facilitating modern citizenship. Sustainable integrated approaches no less include arranging public private partnerships in policy development and implementation.

The EUROCITIES conference in line with these important notions will focus on the challenge facing cities to pay due attention to the innovation of local governance as crucial dimension of sustainable urban development. Elaborating the "Leipzig Charter" the intention is now to develop new practices of local governance in order to transform the stated abstract political notions to something practically relevant and tangible for local citizens. What does it really mean for them?

The conversion of the Leipzig charter into practical situations will be brought to life in visits and discussions about good practices in several districts of The Hague. Four of the five workshops will be held at a significant location in a city district. These workshops will focus on the following four themes: work, environment/health, living and welfare. The workshop “innovations in governance” will be held at the central location.

The exchange of practical experiences from participating cities during workshops and speed networking sessions will be integrated in the EUROCITIES The Hague Declaration on “Innovations in Governance”. This Declaration will be presented at the AGM. The Declaration will also outline how EUROCITIES intends to systematically work on the further implementation of the Leipzig Charter, in particular the innovation of local governance in practice.

During the conclusion we can learn from the different subgroups and share thoughts towards a more structural project in the context of EUROCITIES to synthesize existing expertise and knowledge into general principles, methods and a ‘toolbox’ for modern local governance. How this idea can be given shape (participating cities, organisation etc.) following the conference will be one of the topics of discussion at the conclusion of the workshop.

The programme can be viewed here. There is a day-to day listing.

Click here to register.

Click here for more information on the locations.