UNDER DISCUSSION

Regions and cities have been the first responders to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, coping with the immediate impact on their health systems, and enforcing lockdowns while sustaining families and local businesses. In its economic recovery plan, the European Commission has recognized the instrumental role of regions for a sustainable recovery. Now more than ever, local and national authorities should join forces towards achieving a more resilient global society. With 2030 a decade away, regions should take a lead on implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on ensuring healthy lives and wellbeing, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and equality within and among countries.

Key questions include:

• What is the role of regions in attaining SDGs and how can they make sure that these are not taking the back seat in the current health crisis?
• What tools and key partnerships can be identified to strengthen resilience of regions and communities?
• What role do regions play in the framework of the Conference on the Future of Europe aimed at giving European citizens and localities a greater say on how the European Union could better work for them?

Aziza Akhmouch, Head of the OECD Division for Cities, Urban Policies and Sustainable Development

Magnus Bertnsson, President of the Assembly of European Regions (AER)

Raffaele Cattaneo, Minister for Environment and Climate of Lombardy (IT); member of the Regions 4 Steering Committee 

Damià Calvet, Minister of Territory and sustainability of the Government of Catalonia, representative of UCLG-Global Taskforce

Wallis Goelen, Senior Expert, European Commission Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy

Moderation by Dharmendra Kanani, Director of Insights, Friends of Europe

We are partnering with Friends of Europe for this event and, as such, are offering a limited amount of virtual spaces– on a first come, first serve basis – allowing you to pose your questions and interact directly with the speaker as in any of our events. You will be visible directly on the screen too.

Alternatively, you may also watch the event via livestream and submit your question, tweeting @europeanregions @FriendsofEurope using #FoEDebate. The best written questions will be asked to the panellists.

>> Register for or decline the online event here

>> Watch the live-stream here