CrAft - Creating Actionable Futures

In 2024, the Czech Child-Friendly City Association launched the first Czech adventure playground. Inspired by a concept from Denmark, this pop-up playground in Prague allowed children to build and play freely. Despite initial uncertainties, the project’s success led to an extended run. It promoted sustainability, creativity, and community, inspiring plans for future playgrounds. Read this story: https://ow.ly/fOiz50TBhMM

This is an inspiring story about how municipalities can facilitate citizens' initiatives so they contribute to new solutions, jobs, and belonging. The story follows Ragnhild Klevmoen, the network leader of Norway Unlimited. Through her work in community service, public sector innovation, and social entrepreneurship, she highlights the crucial role of local social entrepreneurs and how supportive systems can help drive social innovation and sustainable solutions to societal challenges. Read the story: https://ow.ly/QQFI50TBhA1

Kuba Depczyński is a co-founder of the Office for Post-Artistic Services, a collective of artists and activists in Poland. This collective's work bridges art and social issues, mainly through projects like Opolno-Zdrój is the Future!, where they engage with communities facing the challenges of transitioning from coal mining to sustainable futures. Read Kuba's story: https://ow.ly/80Ht50TBhfy

Apply for the Call for Twin Cities Cohort 3 as part of the EU Cities Mission! Join a customised city-to-city learning programme designed for knowledge sharing and the replication of effective solutions for achieving climate neutrality. Application deadline: 31 October 2024 Learn more: https://ow.ly/E2Vv50TJukx #MissionCities #EUMissions

Six CrAFt cities–Aachen, Bologna, Turin, Liepāja, Porto, and Umeå–have been awarded the EU Mission Label for their efforts towards climate neutrality by 2030. Congratulations! The CrAFt community is proud to see these cities take bold steps in building greener futures, with cleaner air, safer transport, and quieter, healthier environments for their citizens. Read the press release: https://ow.ly/4OFC50TICha

As European capital cities deal with rapid population growth, some towns face the opposite problem: population decline and economic downturns. Miodrag Kuč's project in Eisenhüttenstadt (Germany) and Visaginas (Lithuania) tackles these issues in two monofunctional cities dependent on heavy industries such as steel and nuclear energy. He helps residents craft a collective vision for their cities' futures through creative projects and extensive community involvement. Read Miodrag's story: https://ow.ly/k9FP50TBgwp

Cultural centre Sladovna Písek in Czech Republic transformed a former malt factory into a haven for children and adults. Offering exhibitions, theatrical experiences, and educational programmes, the centre promotes creativity, active citizenship and environmental consciousness. Under director Adam Langer, Sladovna Písek emphasises participatory processes, blending art and education to inspire young minds and foster a sense of community and environmental stewardship. Read Adam's story: https://ow.ly/CHl250SNVmt

Annick Vanhove, a renovation coach in Mechelen, Belgium, combines her expertise in renovation, team coaching, and strategic communication to assist condominium owners in driving sustainable, community-focused projects as part of her role at the Condoreno EU project. Read Annick's story: https://lnkd.in/e7_epqdc

Fastighetsägarna Sverige, a nationwide federation with 150 years of expertise, supports Sweden’s property industry through sustainable practices and community engagement. Representing 15,000 members, the organisation released a comprehensive guide on social sustainability in May 2023. This publication offers practical tools and examples for property owners to enhance their social impact, emphasising ethical business practices, community building, and responsible urban development. Read more: https://ow.ly/JKO450SNVPt

Peter Hareide, CEO of Sørsida Utvikling AS, envisions a transformed Ålesund where sustainability is integral to urban planning. He aims to attract a thousand new residents to the city centre, boost commercial activity, and create a vibrant urban atmosphere. Read Peter's story: https://ow.ly/ZjZ150SNVFF