“Research Alliances for Climate-Neutral, Sustainable and Equitable Urban Communities” conference
Drawing a strategic roadmap for urban sustainability, through a multi-level governance comparison, oriented towards the search for shared action lines on which to channel common synergies.
This was the message promoted during the conference ‘RESEARCH ALLIANCES FOR CLIMATE-NEUTRAL, SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE URBAN COMMUNITIES’, held in Rome from 26 to 28 February and organised by ENEA.
The event brought together experts from academia, government, industry and civil society to foster interdisciplinary exchanges and identify feasible solutions to support urban development according to the energy transition stream. Through workshops, panels and case studies, the many attendees (over one hundred) had the valuable opportunity to examine and explore successful models, explore emerging technologies and identify opportunities to scale localised solutions.
Talks on circular economy, regenerative agriculture, smart cities and the integration of renewable energies offered practical insights to inspire new research and partnerships, stimulating debate among professionals. A valuable opportunity to discuss how to make urban communities sustainable through models that balance economic growth, environmental management and human wellbeing.
In particular, the morning session on 26 February provided an overview of emerging European trends in climate neutrality, aimed at promoting informed discussion and collaboration on the latest developments in policy, innovation and financing.
In addition, the afternoon session hosted two thematic workshops. The first, led by partners of the DUT Partnership, focused on advancing research and strategic roadmaps for urban sustainability. The objective was the refinement of the DUT Roadmap, a key strategic document guiding the Driving Urban Transitions Partnership towards climate-neutral cities. The second thematic workshop enabled participants to gain knowledge on the problem of activating multi-level governance for urban transition, as well as the role of Ambassadors, a figure proposed by the Capacities project to facilitate a bottom-up approach where governmental endorsement is not possible. Paola Clerici Maestosi, (Driving Urban Transition Partnership PED Pathway vice-chair) of the Department of Energy Technologies and Renewable Sources, whose task force for the internationalisation of the ICER Division she coordinates, points out that: ‘designing a strategic roadmap for urban sustainability means creating connections between research, governance and innovation, so that cities can face future challenges with concrete tools. The conference ‘RESEARCH ALLIANCES FOR CLIMATE-NEUTRAL, SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE URBAN COMMUNITIES’ was a key step in this direction, bringing together numerous research networks to foster dialogue and knowledge sharing. The objective was not only to map existing initiatives, but to transform them into a knowledge community capable of generating synergies and solutions for more sustainable, inclusive and resilient cities.
In a context where climate change and urban growth pose unprecedented challenges, it becomes essential to strengthen the collaboration between institutions, businesses, civil society and academia. Only through a multi-level governance approach and co-creation processes will it be possible to build concrete pathways for urban transition, valorising local experiences and integrating them into global strategies. The event marked a starting point for a shared long-term commitment so that European cities can become engines of innovation and sustainability, while guaranteeing equity and wellbeing for all citizens’.
ENEA has been involved in urban issues since 2010, through its participation in the Urban Europe JPI, which later merged into the establishment of the DUT Parterniship, currently scheduled to end in 2030.
The success and appreciation of the conference demonstrated the value of networking that brings together expertise and know-how. Each professional made their experiences available, participating in the construction of a framework focused on a shared goal.
In an era dominated by climate change, social inequalities and urban transitions, innovative and collaborative responses are more urgent than ever. These challenges require technological solutions and different perspectives to create a sustainable future. The issues are global, transcend borders and require integrated approaches that address economic, environmental and social dimensions.
Article curated by Rosa Labellarte.
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