At the Eurocities Conference, a dynamic panel debate brought together esteemed urban leaders to discuss the pressing challenges and innovative strategies shaping the future of cities.
The panel featured Eileen O’Sullivan, Deputy Mayor for Citizens, Digital Affairs, and International Relations in Frankfurt; Juhana Vartiainen, Mayor of Helsinki; and Mathias De Clercq, Mayor of Ghent. Moderated by André Sobczak, the session delved into topics ranging from youth engagement and trust in public institutions to broader themes of urban governance, innovation, and collaboration.
Eileen O’Sullivan on Youth Engagement and Trust
Eileen O’Sullivan emphasized the importance of building future-oriented urban policies that resonate with younger generations. She highlighted the noticeable decline in electoral participation among young adults in Frankfurt, reflecting a broader issue of declining trust in public institutions.
“I think unfortunately, I have to say yes and I think this is not necessarily a Frankfurt-specific issue but rather one that probably many of you know, and face and are familiar with. We have one of the lowest rates of participation with the 18 to 24-year-olds in our elections, at least the last time we had our elections in autumn 2023. That was the case.”
O’Sullivan advocated for targeted solutions to enhance youth engagement and rebuild trust, calling for collaborative efforts involving local governments, educational institutions, and community organizations.
“Develop solutions for cities also in policy making and implementation and then capacity building at local level.”
Juhana Vartiainen on Innovation and Sustainability
Juhana Vartiainen, Mayor of Helsinki, shared insights into how Helsinki is leveraging innovation and sustainable practices to address urban challenges. He discussed the city’s commitment to becoming carbon-neutral by 2035 and the importance of integrating technology into urban planning.
“Helsinki’s journey towards carbon neutrality is driven by innovative solutions and a commitment to sustainability. We are integrating technology to make our city smarter and more efficient, ensuring a better quality of life for our residents.”
Vartiainen also emphasized the role of public-private partnerships in driving these initiatives forward, highlighting successful collaborations that have accelerated Helsinki’s progress towards its environmental goals.
Mathias De Clercq on Collaborative Urban Governance
Mathias De Clercq, Mayor of Ghent, focused on the importance of collaborative governance in addressing urban challenges. He shared Ghent’s experience in fostering a participatory approach to city management, where citizens are actively involved in decision-making processes.
“In Ghent, we believe that collaborative governance is key to addressing our urban challenges. By involving citizens in the decision-making process, we create a sense of ownership and ensure that our policies reflect the needs and aspirations of our community.”
De Clercq also discussed the city’s initiatives to enhance digital infrastructure and promote innovation, positioning Ghent as a forward-thinking and inclusive city.
The panel debate at the Eurocities Conference showcased the diverse strategies and innovative approaches being implemented by urban leaders across Europe. Eileen O’Sullivan’s focus on youth engagement, Juhana Vartiainen’s emphasis on sustainability and innovation, and Mathias De Clercq’s advocacy for collaborative governance provided a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted efforts required to shape the cities of the future.
We at FutureHubs.eu express our profound gratitude for having such dedicated and visionary leaders in our city councils. Their commitment and innovative approaches are shaping the future of our urban landscapes, ensuring they are vibrant, inclusive, and resilient.