On 21 March 2024, 77 cities from Europe and beyond gathered online for the first Implementation Lab of the European Commission’s Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC). This day-long event focused on discussing the progress made by cities on their Local Green Deals (LGDs).
Dana Eleftheriadou, Head of Cities and Proximity Team, DG GROW, European Commission, welcomed the participants and provided insights on the current policy context and growing role of cities in this EU elections’ year. Additionally, she announced the addition of 13 new cities to the ICC program.
During the event, the ICC Communications Ambassadors were also introduced, and the North-West Ireland City Region was selected to act as an ICC Communication Ambassador, highlighting its commitment to promoting the Intelligent Cities Challenge objectives. The Communications Ambassadors will use their strong communications skills, to bolster and push forward the initiative's communication and make a powerful impact.
During the Local Green Deals session, participating cities received information on the next steps in their LGDs training. This next step was a deep dive in funding, the Lab showcased a clear structure for cities to follow when they decide where to find their funding and gave inspiring examples of other cities’ projects.
What is a Communications Ambassador?
Within the Intelligent Cities Challenge, a Communications Ambassador is a city with strong communication skills keen on advocating about the Intelligent Cities Challenge, the benefits of their participation and achievements. The Communications Ambassadors are also cities who communicate regularly on the ICC and who are using a variety of support to promote their initiatives to their citizens, business representatives, partners, and any other involved bodies.
Ireland North-West City Region in the ICC
The North-West City Region stands among 64 cities and city regions across Europe participating in the European Commission's Intelligent Cities Challenge 2.0 initiative.
As part of the Intelligent Cities Challenge 2.0, the North-West City Region is committed to playing a pivotal role in achieving the goals of the European Commission's initiative. The focus of the new initiative is on green and digital transition and building Local Green Deals to create concrete actions for change in public-private partnerships between businesses, the local authorities and communities. Multiple Local Green Deals are being developed in the City Region in areas such as energy districts and the bio-economy.
What’s next?
Following on from the Lab, an online networking session for all ICC core and mentor cities will take place on 18 April 2024 to connect the diverse city network.