Event Insights and Schedule: Eurocities Awards 2024
Join us for an immersive exploration of urban innovation at the Eurocities Awards 2024 in Cluj-Napoca. Dive into our detailed program of events, designed to inspire, inform, and engage. From thought-provoking keynotes to interactive workshops and the celebratory awards ceremony, discover what makes this event a cornerstone for future-focused urban development.
Embark on Your Cluj-Napoca Adventure: A Eurocities 2024 Travel Guide
Welcome to Cluj-Napoca, the vibrant heart of Transylvania, where tradition and innovation interlace to create a dynamic urban tapestry. As you prepare to join us for Eurocities 2024, we’re here to ensure your journey to Cluj-Napoca is as smooth and enjoyable as the city itself. Below, you’ll find comprehensive guidance to navigate your way to this cultural gem, no matter where you’re traveling from.
By Plane: Gateway to the Heart of Transylvania
Cluj International Airport (CLJ), located a mere 8 km from the city center, serves as your direct portal to Cluj-Napoca. As the second busiest airport in Romania, it offers a wide array of both national and international flights, connecting over 20 countries across Europe and beyond. Leading airlines including Tarom, Lufthansa, Wizz Air, and Ryanair, among others, provide frequent services to major destinations, ensuring your arrival to Cluj-Napoca is as effortless as it is exciting.
Upon landing, you’ll find convenient transportation options ready to take you to the heart of the city. Whether you prefer the efficiency of a bus service or the comfort of a taxi, you’ll find yourself in the city center in roughly 20 minutes, for less than €5. For more detailed flight information and schedules, visit Cluj International Airport’s official website or their social media platforms.
By Train: Scenic Routes to Innovation
The Cluj-Napoca Train Station is your entry point if you’re arriving by rail. Offering extensive connections to major Romanian cities, as well as international services to Budapest, Hungary, and Vienna, Austria, traveling by train presents a scenic and relaxing alternative. Direct services by OBB’s Transilvania train, launched in December 2019, make the journey from Vienna to Cluj-Napoca a seamless experience, combining comfort with the allure of traversing beautiful landscapes.
For the most up-to-date train schedules and ticket information, please visit the Romanian Railways’ official website.
By Car/Bus: Roads Leading to Innovation
Traveling to Cluj-Napoca by car or bus offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of Romania. Positioned at the crossroads of four European routes and easily accessible via the Transylvania Highway, the journey to Cluj-Napoca is as memorable as the destination itself. For those seeking adventure, the Transfăgărășan road, dubbed the “best road in the world” by the Top Gear team, offers a journey through stunning mountain scenery, historic sites, and natural wonders.
Upon arrival, the city offers ample parking spaces, allowing you to explore its streets and landmarks with ease.
Making Cluj-Napoca Your Home Away From Home
Cluj-Napoca boasts a wide selection of accommodations, ranging from luxurious hotels to cozy guesthouses, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay during your visit. Partner hotels for Eurocities 2024, including Grand Hotel Italia and Radisson Blu Hotel, offer special rates for attendees, blending comfort with convenience.
To access these preferential rates, please follow the respective booking instructions for each hotel, ensuring you mention the event code “Eurocities2024“. Should you encounter any issues or have specific requirements, hotel reservation teams are ready to assist you to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
We eagerly await your arrival in Cluj-Napoca, where a rich cultural experience and a warm community welcome you to the Eurocities 2024 conference. Get ready to be inspired, share solutions, and celebrate the spirit of innovation that thrives in the heart of Transylvania.
Day 1: May 29, 2024
1a. Registration
Time: 12:00 – 18:00 PM
Location: Grand Hotel Italia
Details: Kick off Eurocities 2024 by registering and picking up your conference materials.
2a. Speednetworking round 1
Time: 14:00 – 14:45 PM
Location: Grand Hotel Italia
Details: Connect with peers in quick, focused networking sessions.
3a. Newcomer session
Time: 15:00 – 15:45 PM
Location: Grand Hotel Italia
Details: An orientation session for first-time attendees.
4a. National city networks meeting (on invitation)
Time: 15:00 – 16:30 PM
Location: Grand Hotel Italia
Details: A strategic gathering for national city network representatives. Invitation only.
5a. Speednetworking round 2
Time: 16:00 – 16:45 PM
Location: Grand Hotel Italia
Details: A second chance to make quick, impactful connections with fellow attendees.
6a. Eurocities session for Romanian cities
Time: 16:00 – 17:00 PM
Location: Centre for Urban Culture Casino
Details: Focusing on the urban challenges and opportunities in Romanian cities.
7a. Welcome Dinner
Time: From 19:00 PM
Location: Radisson Blu Hotel
Details: Enjoy the official welcome dinner, marking the start of our shared journey at Eurocities 2024.
Day 2: May 30, 2024
1b. Registration
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Grand Hotel Italia
Details: Continue your Eurocities 2024 journey with us.
2b. Official Opening
Time: 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Location: Grand Hotel Italia
Details: Featuring Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca; Burkhard Jung, Mayor of Leipzig and President of Eurocities; André Sobczak, Secretary General of Eurocities; Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Co-president, the Club of Rome.
3b. Coffee Break
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 AM
Location: Grand Hotel Italia
Details: A brief interlude to network and refresh.
4b. Focus Session
Time: 10:30 – 12:00 PM
Location: Grand Hotel Italia
Details: Engage in deep dives on topics like green infrastructure, smart cities, and community engagement.
5b. Lunch
Time: 12:15 – 13:45 PM
Location: Grand Hotel Italia
Details: Enjoy a catered lunch with fellow attendees.
6b. Afternoon Plenary
Time: 14:00 – 17:30 PM
Location: Grand Hotel Italia
Details: Sessions include Skills for the Green and Digital Transformation, Facing the Democratic Challenge – Defying Populism, Climate Neutral and Resilient Cities.
7b. Coffee Break
Time: 15:30 – 16:00 PM
Location: Grand Hotel Italia
Details: Take a moment to relax and mingle.
8b. Gala Dinner & Eurocities Awards Ceremony
Time: 19:00 – 22:00 PM
Location: Radisson Blu Hotel
Details: Celebrate the achievements of pioneering cities across Europe.
9b. Transfer to City Centre
Time: 22:00 – 22:30 PM
Location: City Center
Details: Join us as we move to the city center for continued festivities.
10b. Optional: Informal Afterparty
Time: From 23:00 PM
Location: City Center
Details: Wind down the day with an informal gathering.
Day 3: May 31, 2024
1c. General Assembly
Time: 9:30 – 10:30 AM
Location: Grand Hotel Italia
Details: Join the concluding assembly of Eurocities 2024, featuring insights and reflections.
2c. Coffee Break
Time: 10:30 – 11:00 AM
Location: Grand Hotel Italia
Details: Enjoy a final networking opportunity over coffee.
3c. Panel Debate
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Grand Hotel Italia
Details: Engage with experts discussing climate action, digital transformation, and social inclusion.
4c. Closing Plenary
Time: 12:00 – 12:30 PM
Location: Grand Hotel Italia
Details: Reflect on the event’s outcomes and the path forward for European cities.
5c. Lunch
Time: 12:30 – 13:30 PM
Location: Grand Hotel Italia
Details: Gather for a farewell lunch, marking the end of our shared journey.
6c. Cluj-Napoca Site Visits
Time: 14:00 – 17:00 PM
Location: Various Locations in Cluj-Napoca
Details: Explore Cluj-Napoca through guided site visits, showcasing the city’s innovations and heritage.
7c. Women Leaders Circle
Time: 8:15 – 9:30 AM
Location: Grand Hotel Italia
Details: An empowering session dedicated to women’s leadership in urban development.
Visionaries Shaping the Future: Meet the Speakers of Eurocities 2024
At the heart of Eurocities 2024 in Cluj-Napoca, a constellation of distinguished leaders and innovators gather, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and foresight to the forefront of urban evolution.
Our speakers are not just voices; they are the driving forces behind transformative changes, advocating for greener, more innovative, and resilient cities across Europe.
From the corridors of power in their respective cities to the global stage of Eurocities, they share a common vision—a sustainable and inclusive future for all. Join us as we delve into the minds of these remarkable individuals:
Emil Boc – Mayor of Cluj-Napoca & Host of Eurocities Annual Conference
- Background: Mayor of Cluj-Napoca, a major city in Romania, known for its size and economic development. Holds degrees in Law, History, Philosophy, and a Ph.D. in Political Science and Political Philosophy.
- Career: Served as Prime Minister of Romania from 2008 to 2012, navigating through significant economic challenges. Currently in his fifth term as Mayor, emphasizing democratization, modernization, and the integration of Romania into the European Union and NATO.
- Contributions: Known for his work in public office and academia, focusing on political science and philosophy. Received recognition for fostering innovation and awarded for creating a strong innovation landscape by the European Commission in 2017.
- Roles: Active in the European Committee of the Regions, contributing to regional development and policy-making within the EU.
Burkhard Jung – Mayor of Leipzig & President of Eurocities
- Background: Mayor of Leipzig since 2006, re-elected by citizens and has served as Eurocities Vice-President. Involved in numerous boards and associations, including vice-president of the Association of German Cities.
- Contributions: Advocated for Ukrainian cities during the Russian war, and has been vocal about cities’ interests in relation to the EU budget, migration, and gender equality.
André Sobczak – Secretary General of Eurocities
- Background: With a 20-year career in management and academia, Sobczak has served in significant roles related to European Affairs, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Employment within the Nantes Metropolitan Area.
- Contributions: Worked on various initiatives like #NegoTraining and ‘Fairwork’, aimed at improving working conditions and promoting gender equality. Known for his efforts to integrate economic development with social and environmental goals.
Kyriacos Kakouris – Vice-President of the European Investment Bank
- Background: Brings over 33 years of professional experience in the Ministry of Finance in Cyprus, focusing on project financing and collaboration with international financial institutions.
- Contributions: Played a key role in the financial management of central government projects and represented Cyprus in various international financial institutions.
Erion Veliaj – Mayor of Tirana
- Background: Serving as Mayor since 2015, with a prior career in Parliament and as Minister of Social Welfare and Youth. Founded the civic organization “MJAFT” before entering politics.
- Education: Holds a Master’s degree in European Integration and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science.
- Contributions: Known for his leadership in urban development, and his work in social and youth welfare.
Ovidiu Cîmpean – State Secretary, Ministry of Investments and European Projects
- Role: Driving Romania’s efforts towards sustainable development and overseeing European-funded projects.
- Contributions: Coordinates the Mirror Mission Cities Hub Romania, aiming to support Romanian cities in becoming smart and climate-neutral by 2030.
These speaker profiles provide insights into their backgrounds, careers, and contributions to urban development, sustainability, and governance. Their participation in the Eurocities 2024 event underscores the conference’s focus on collaboration, innovation, and resilience in European cities.
Join Us
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversations shaping the future of European cities. For the full list of workshops, panelists, and session details, click here.
Stay tuned for updates and live coverage of the Eurocities Awards 2024.
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