Debates, workshops, conferences, presentations and networking sessions, all with the aim of developing new skills and creating networks. VSF took part in the 10th European Congress of Local Governments (ECLG) in Mikołajki, Poland, organized by Foundation Institute for Eastern Studies, a VSF partner.
The event served as a platform for dialogue, cooperation and exchange of “best practices,” bringing together local leaders and stakeholders engaged in local community development. The Congress, with the theme “Global Challenges – Local Solutions,” was also a space to develop joint solutions to address global challenges reflected at the local level. This year’s theme highlights the direction of the discussions and debates.
VSF Director General Alessandro Costa participated in the panel “Future Proof City – Can Cities Stand Up to Climate Change and Disasters?” To address future challenges, such as climate change, it is crucial to design sustainable, resilient cities and collaborate across sectors and local authorities. The panel discussion was moderated by Daniel Czyzewski, Media Campaign Manager, “Poland by Nature” (Poland) and featured Linda Ozola, Deputy Mayor of Riga (Latvia); Lilla Judit Bartuszek, Founder and Project Manager “National Association of Liveable Settlements” (Hungary); Remigijus Šimašius, Vice Chair of the “Economic and Financial Committee,” Vilnius (Lithuania); and Andrzej Szalek, Advisor to the Board in Toyota Central Europe (Poland).
Costa presented the case of Venice, emphasizing the role of MOSE as an infrastructure today that can protect the city and the entire lagoon system from the effects of rising seas.
Dialoguing with other experts, Costa added, “For the planet, there is no ‘plan B.’ Capacity building is an essential factor: this means preparing new generations of politicians and administrators, optimizing the use of incentives in the sustainable transition, and encouraging the exchange of experiences.”
Also present in Poland was Luca Farina, VSF project manager for the Innovation and Hydrogen areas. During the panel “Innovation as a Catalyst for Strengthening Local Communities,” he presented the study “From the Lagoon to the Moon. Exploring the Future of the Space Industry in Veneto,” carried out in collaboration with partner BCG, which explored Veneto’s potential in the space economy. An example of how this sector can impact the development of an area. In the context of the growing relevance of the space economy internationally, the strategic reflections of the study can be a tool for local stakeholders. Indeed, according to estimates, by 2040 the sector could generate up to 4.5 billion in regional GDP impact and more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs.
