UP2030 participated in Placemaking Week Europe 2024 in Rotterdam, contributing to the panel discussion "Co-designing Climate-Resilient and Inclusive Neighbourhoods." The session, organized with the involvement of Resilient Cities Network (R-Cities), showcased global and European initiatives to create sustainable, inclusive urban spaces. R-Cities highlighted its international work on building climate-resilient neighborhoods, while UP2030 presented its ongoing efforts in integrating nature-based solutions and community-driven urban planning.

Key themes included:

• Citizen Engagement: Prioritizing the inclusion of marginalized communities in the design of healthier, greener urban environments.
• European Initiatives: UP2030’s work was showcased alongside other key projects such as ReGreeneration Europe and LIFE Critical, emphasizing the importance of nature-based solutions in urban planning.

Case studies from various cities were discussed, including:

• Bradford, UK: Focusing on incorporating nature in urban design.
• Thessaloniki, Greece: Highlighting efforts to build community-driven, resilient urban environments.
• Dordrecht, Netherlands: Examining the role of community involvement in climate adaptation.
• Quezon City, Philippines: Presented by Resilient Cities Network, showcasing how local communities contribute to sustainable urban ecosystems.

The session highlighted the value of tools like citizen science and collaborative urban planning approaches in empowering communities to shape their neighborhoods in response to climate challenges.

Stay tuned for further updates on UP2030's involvement in these international dialogues on sustainable urban development.