European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns 11th conference

What it is

The European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns (ESCT) is a conference series on local sustainability run by ICLEI Europe together with a host city. It is held every three to four years and each edition is meant to mark a milestone. The first, in Aalborg in 1994, is where European mayors approved the Aalborg Charter. Ten editions have taken place since: Lisbon (1996), Hannover (2000), Aalborg+10 (2004), Seville (2007), Dunkerque (2010), Geneva (2013), the Basque Country (2016), Mannheim (2020) and Aalborg again in 2024, according to ICLEI Europe.

What came out of past editions

Several editions have produced a political text that cities can endorse. The 2004 conference produced the Aalborg Commitments, ten shared sustainability pledges with goal setting and progress measurement. The Basque Declaration followed in 2016.

The ninth conference, hosted online by Mannheim from 30 September to 2 October 2020, drew more than 800 participants. Its outcome, the Mannheim Message, was presented to the European Commission on 1 October 2020 and calls for local authorities to be key partners in the European Green Deal through Local Green Deals.

The tenth, Aalborg2024, ran on 1-3 October 2024, 30 years after the Charter. It brought together nearly 500 participants from 163 cities and 33 countries, including 30 mayors and deputy mayors, and launched the Aalborg Conditions, which ask national governments and the EU for three shifts: shared governance, integrated finance and a socially fair transition.

Who goes and how to take part

The audience is mainly local and regional governments, joined by European and international institutions, researchers, business and civil society. Cities can also take part by hosting: ICLEI ran an open call for bids for the 11th conference, with a bidding package covering requirements and budget. The deadline was 16 February 2026.

Why it matters for cities

The conference texts are addressed mainly to local and European leaders and set out what cities ask of national governments and the EU. Both the Mannheim Message and the Aalborg Conditions remain open for endorsement, so a city can sign up to them without having attended.

Going, or following from home

The 11th conference is tentatively planned for 2027. No host city, dates or registration details had been announced when we checked, so for now the practical step is to follow ICLEI Europe for the announcement.