NetZeroCities is excited to announce its participation in the 10th anniversary of the European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns (ESCT), taking place from October 1-3 in Aalborg, Denmark. This year’s event marks a significant milestone, as it returns to the city where it all began 30 years ago.

Since its inception in 1994, the ESCT has been a driving force in challenging local governments across Europe to shape a future that is sustainable, resilient, and just. Aalborg has played a pivotal role in this journey, hosting the conference twice before and giving birth to landmark initiatives like the Aalborg Charter (1994) and the Aalborg Commitments (2004). These initiatives have been recognised as critical milestones in the pursuit of local sustainability across Europe.

This year’s conference, building on the legacy of past editions, including the Mannheim Message of 2020, promises to be even more impactful. Participants will engage in discussions aimed at driving systemic change and implementing key policy shifts necessary for Europe’s transformation toward sustainability. The conference will tackle crucial topics such as enhancing bottom-up governance, integrating private and public finance more effectively, and ensuring a more inclusive and cohesive transition to sustainable urban living.

Two key sessions not to be missed include:

  • “Climate City Contracts and Investment Plans as Instruments for Climate Action Financing,” scheduled for Tuesday, October 1, from 14:00 to 15:30. This session will delve into innovative financial instruments and strategies to support climate action at the city level.
  • “Local, Regional, and National Governments Together for Climate-Neutral Cities,” taking place on Wednesday, October 2, from 11:00 to 12:30. This session will focus on collaborative efforts across government levels to achieve climate neutrality in urban areas.

The event will feature plenary sessions, workshops, exhibitions, and networking opportunities, alongside cultural activities and a celebration dinner to mark the conference’s 30-year journey.

NetZeroCities will be actively involved in these discussions, bringing our expertise and insights into achieving climate neutrality in cities. Our presence at the ESCT underscores our commitment to collaborating with like-minded stakeholders to accelerate the transition to sustainable urban environments across Europe.

Join us and participants from various sectors, including local and regional governments, European institutions, businesses, and civil society, as we collectively work towards transformational change.  Register now to secure your spot at this landmark event!