European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns Series

ESCT
ACTIVITY INFORMATION
What we are doing

The European Conference on Sustainable Cities & Towns tackles the issue of sustainable urban development amid global urbanisation challenges. It serves as a crucial platform for stakeholders to collaborate, share knowledge, and advance local sustainability efforts, marking milestones for progress and achievements in Europe. Participation in the ESCT enhances local and regional governments' capacity for effective governance and decision-making towards sustainability goals. By endorsing the ground-breaking documents produced as a result of each conference (taking place every 3-4 years), most significantly the Aalborg Charter (1994), the Aalborg Commitments (2004), and more recently the Basque Declaration (2016) and the Mannheim Message (2020), governments set clear goals, measure progress, and collaborate across sectors and borders to align local actions with broader sustainability objectives.

Read more Read less
What we are achieving

ICLEI provides a platform for inspiration, action and the commitment to take sustainability to the next level, employing a participatory approach, engaging stakeholders through workshops, panel discussions, networking events, and knowledge-sharing sessions. They facilitate dialogue, exchange best practices, and showcase innovative solutions to address the challenges of sustainable urban development. ICLEI leverages its extensive network and expertise to curate a diverse programme that fosters collaboration, inspires action, and drives transformative change. ICLEI addresses the hard and most pressing topics currently facing urban development, this year focusing on shared governance, integrated finance and cohesive transition. By fostering partnerships and facilitating action-oriented discussions, ICLEI's efforts contribute to the advancement of sustainable development goals, creating more livable, inclusive, and resilient communities.

Read more Read less
Related ICLEI Pathways
  • Circular development
  • Equitable development
  • Nature-based development
  • Resilient development
  • Zero emission development
Related SDGs
Partners

Aalborg Municipality, Basque Government, City of Mannheim