1st Year of UrbCitizenPower: Central Macedonia’s Perspective
The Regional Development Fund of Central Macedonia (RDFCM) has successfully completed the first year of the UrbCitizenPower project, highlighting the importance of citizen participation and promoting innovative approaches to urban development. The establishment of the Regional Stakeholders Group (RSG) has been a cornerstone in our effort to strengthen local engagement and share best practices. RDFCM also participated in the Kick Off Meeting in Kiel, in which the partners exchanged experiences to better understand the challenges facing their cities.
The first RSG meeting was held to present the project and its objectives, as well as the policy instrument that will be influenced by the end of the project. Special emphasis was placed on the New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative, which is one of the two Thematic Working Groups of the project. In this context, the first thematic NEB seminar brought together all project partners and introduced the initiative, the NEB Prizes, and how this initiative connects the European Green Deal with European citizens.
In the second semester, the second Τhematic Working Group Meeting took place, showcasing historical insights into the Bauhaus movement and the path to the current European initiative. Distinguished participants from the NEB awards presented projects and best practices from Greece, providing invaluable insights. The second RSG meeting focused on project developments and the initial meetings of the two thematic working groups. Following that, a workshop was held to explore initiatives that incorporate the principles of the NEB: sustainability, inclusivity, and aesthetics. Participants engaged in dialogical activities on how this initiative can inspire citizen mobilization and participation in local governance and sustainable urban development. The semester was completed with the 1st Urban Living Lab in Braga, where the partners were informed about municipal strategies and they presented the good practices that have been identified.
As we reflect on these initial successes, we look forward to the continued progression of the UrbCitizenPower project. Our goal is to further amplify the creative and innovative capacities of the RDFCM in collaboration with the Region of Central Macedonia, our local stakeholders, and international collaborators. Together, we aim to foster a vibrant environment that prioritizes citizen engagement in shaping sustainable urban futures.