Local and regional authorities and civil society organisations spearheading the implementation of Local Green Deals or advancing the sustainable urban transformation in Europe are encouraged to apply for the chance to win €10,000.
The 2022 edition of the Transformative Action Award was launched recently as part of the ICLEI World Congress during a session on localising the European Green Deal. The launch marks the sixth year of the Europe-wide sustainability award organised by ICLEI Europe and the City of Aalborg (Denmark), with support from the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
The award recognises ongoing or concluded Transformative Actions that aim to achieve the socio-cultural, socio-economic and technological transformation of societies and further the local implementation of the European Green Deal.
“As the governance level closest to citizens, local governments are a key factor in realising the lofty ambitions of the European Green Deal. Without local actors’ – including civil society organisations – grass-roots approach, it will be next to impossible to achieve a Europe that is sustainable, climate-neutral and resilient,” says Lasse Frimand Jensen, Member of Aalborg City Council and ICLEI Regional Executive Committee Member.
Meanwhile, Wolfgang Teubner, Regional Director, ICLEI Europe, provides insight into what the Transformative Action Award jury will be looking for in 2022.
“For this year’s edition of the Transformative Action Award, we are looking for actions that will not only catalyse sustainable urban transformations at the local level, but we are hoping to see actions that go above and beyond the usual scope of implementation. Particularly, by making business, stakeholders, civil society initiatives and others responsible and accountable actors in line with the local sustainability and climate strategies. Local governments are in a unique position to build bridges between sectors and align political ambitions with the nine policy areas of the European Green Deal. A strong applicant will demonstrate their action’s commitment to achieving this type of transformation.”
The award is open to any local or regional authority, or civil society organisation located in an EU Member State, EEA country or EU candidate or accession country that has endorsed the Mannheim Message. In honour of the European Year of Youth, applicants whose actions showcase a strong focus on youth are encouraged to apply.
Alongside previous winners such as La Titaranya SCCL, Katowice (Poland), Lousada (Portugal) and Ghent (Belgium), the 2022 winner will be widely recognised as a leader of the sustainable urban transformation in Europe.
The application deadline is 14 October 2022. To endorse the Mannheim Message and submit a Transformative Action to the competition, visit the Sustainable Cities Platform.
