We are thrilled to invite you to the upcoming ESPON Seminar on “small and medium-sized cities drivers of sustainable development and urban-rural cooperation”, which will take place on the 15th and 16th of November 2023 in Cuenca, Spain! Organized in collaboration with the Spanish Presidency of the EU Council, this seminar is a an event you don't want to miss!

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Event overview: The seminar aims to shed light on the challenges and opportunities faced by small and medium-sized cities across Europe. These cities play a crucial role in addressing various aspects of territorial cohesion and harmonious development within the ever-changing landscape of the European territory.

The ESPON seminar brings together some of the most prominent organizations and researchers in Europe. Through different presentations and plenary sessions, you will have an opportunity to:

• Explore the role of small and medium-sized cities as intermediaries to build public policies to fight against depopulation and bring socio-territorial cohesion.
• Debate on the implementation of the “do not harm to EU cohesion” principle, to raise awareness of demographic challenges and growing urban-rural imbalances.
• Exchange and network around key policy issues for innovation, economic transition and tech transformation.
• Engage and discuss the needs of the territories to ensure every citizen is given an opportunity and has access to public services.
• Uncover governance prospects Identify challenges and opportunities within the framework of multilevel and multi-stakeholder governance.
• Empower every citizen Foster sustainable growth and competitiveness while considering the importance of young and old people and their role as city change makers.
• Define conclusions on how small and medium-sized cities will contribute to build a New Territorial Contract to achieve
• Crafting a shared vision: Contribute to shaping a powerful conclusion that outlines the vital role of small and medium-sized cities in constructing the New Territorial Contract, fostering active, inclusive and functional territories.

Audience: The seminar is designed for European, regional, and local policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and experts. It offers a platform for engaging discussions, sharing insights, and exploring innovative approaches to tackle the challenges of territorial cohesion in Europe.

Join us for insightful discussions and debates that will not only enhance your understanding of the challenges at hand but also contribute to shaping a more cohesive, sustainable, and prosperous European future.

Registration: Register now to secure your spot at this impactful seminar. Stay tuned for the detailed event agenda, coming soon!

Together, let's pave the way for a more connected, resilient, and inclusive Europe through the transformative power of small and medium-sized cities. We look forward to your participation in this dynamic and thought-provoking event!