Building Resilient Communities: Highlights from the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2024
The European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) Annual Forum 2024, held on October 30-31 in Visby, Gotland, convened around 650 participants from 20 countries to address critical themes of sustainability, resilience, and security.
Hosted by the Swedish Government and the Nordic Council of Ministers, the forum featured nearly 30 workshops, seminars, and panel discussions covering topics such as regional competitiveness, emergency preparedness, sustainable transport systems, and energy security. In focus of the forum was the impact of the war in Ukraine on the EU and the Baltic Sea Region, with discussions emphasizing the need for enhanced cooperation and support. Additionally, the forum addressed the EU’s post-2027 agenda and the forthcoming update of the EUSBSR Action Plan, set to be finalized in 2025.
Read more: https://eusbsr.eu/annual-forum-2024-sustainability-resilience-and-security/
Engagement Day and Roundtable Discussions
An important introductory event of the Annual Forum 2024 was the roundtable on stakeholder engagement for the EUSBSR Action Plan update. Organized by BSSSC, CPMR-BSC, and UBC, it convened Policy Area Coordinators, VASAB, and local and regional actors to emphasize inclusive, bottom-up approaches. VASAB introduced with PA Spatial Planning work and shared the achievements in maritime spatial planning, as well as highlighted the challenges of cooperation with local and regional stakeholders. Expressed support for strengthening cooperation, informed about a new initiative to establish a forum for land-based spatial planners of all governance levels and invited to join forces.
. Discussions highlighted the need for better stakeholder involvement through reference groups, youth engagement, and ensuring local voices shape policies. Ideas included structured input mechanisms, leveraging digital tools to broaden participation, and fostering transparency. Emphasis was placed on aligning local needs with broader objectives, enhancing political ownership, and facilitating regular dialogues between regions and Policy Area coordinators. The session underscored the critical roles of cities, municipalities, and youth in advancing resilience, sustainability, and collaboration across the Baltic Sea Region.
Designing Liveable Cities: Practical Approaches and Regional Perspectives
As part of the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2024, VASAB, in collaboration with the Liveability project and the Union of Baltic Cities (UBC), co-organized the seminar “Designing Liveable Cities.” This event explored how cities can innovate their operations, foster collaboration, and engage citizens to enhance liveability, aligning with the aim and principles of the VASAB Vision 2040.
Charles Landry, a renowned expert on urban creativity and social innovation, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of public interest design in fostering resilient and community-focused cities. Complementing his insights, Andrea Cederquist, leader of the Liveability project, presented the Liveability Design Approach, highlighting its focus on inclusivity, adaptability, and well-being in urban transformation.
Case studies provided practical examples of these concepts in action. Marta Kotello, an architect from Riga, showcased how Grīziņkalns neighbourhood association in collaboration with the municipality are strengthening resilience and adaptability in the city. Kateryna Baulina from Kyiv shared the challenges and successes of rebuilding urban environments under extraordinary circumstances, emphasizing the importance of community-based approaches and resilient design.
VASAB / PA Spatial Planning Stand at the Networking Village
At the Networking Village, the VASAB stand offered visitors a deep dive into the ambitions and insights of the VASAB Vision 2040, emphasizing its role in shaping the future of the Baltic Sea Region. Visitors were introduced to land-based and maritime spatial planning topicalities as well as informed about and invited to upcoming PA Spatial Planning relevant events. Throughout the event, dedicated timeslots featured engaging discussions with representatives from Interreg BSR projects contributing to PA Spatial Planning such as SUMPs for BSR, Baltic Sea2Land, and We Make Transition! These sessions provided opportunities to learn about their progress, innovative solutions, and contributions to sustainable development.
The VASAB and HELCOM stands, situated side by side, underscored the close collaboration of PA Spatial Planning co-coordinators, further enriching the networking experience. Attendees were warmly invited to explore the synergies between these initiatives and discover how they align with the shared goals of the Baltic Sea Region.
VASAB’s Ongoing Commitment to Regional Development
As the Baltic Sea Region navigates complex challenges and transformative changes, the forum emphasized the importance of collective action and a shared strategic vision in promoting sustainability and liveability. While the path ahead involves significant work to address these shifts, it also presents opportunities to reimagine regional cooperation and urban development. VASAB’s participation demonstrated its steadfast commitment to fostering collaboration, ensuring resilience, and shaping a prosperous future for the region.
See presentations from session Designing Liveable Cities: Practical Approaches and Regional Perspectives and a few pictures from the event below.
