The Call for Partners for the “Water Sensitive City” and “Building Decarbonisation” Thematic Partnerships is now open!
The two Partnerships will bring together different stakeholders from the public and private sectors, urban authorities, academia, non-governmental organisations, to define and implement innovative actions that address the urgent challenges of urban water management and building decarbonisation.
About the Urban Agenda for the EU
The Urban Agenda for the EU (UAEU) is a multilevel and multistakeholder working method and institutional innovation to address the urban dimension of EU policies. It promotes cooperation between Member States, cities, the European Commission, and other stakeholders, by forming Thematic Partnerships on critical urban challenges. The overall objective is to integrate urban considerations into EU policies, ensuring better regulation, funding, and knowledge for cities across Europe.
The UAEU has previously launched 18 Thematic Partnerships, which focus on various urban issues. The recent Gijon Agreement (2023) has prioritised the themes of "Water Sensitive City" and "Building Decarbonisation."
The thematic focuses of the new Partnerships
Water Sensitive City
The “Water Sensitive City” Partnership will shift the approach to urban water management by viewing water not as a challenge but as a valuable resource. The thematic scope of Water Sensitive City needs to address the complex interplay between water resources, water quality, urban infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and societal needs within urban areas. By adopting a holistic perspective, the partnership will seek to simplify access to the water-sensitive city concept, serving as a central hub for cities and their supporters.
This Partnership requires members with expertise in water sensitive design, including nature-based solutions, land use, and climate change adaptation. It will also draw on perspectives from sectors such as water management, nature conservation, urban planning, and circular economy. Familiarity with regulations, policy areas, stakeholder engagement, social equity concepts, effective communication strategies, and innovative funding strategies is essential.
Building Decarbonisation
The “Building Decarbonisation” Partnership will focus on the interaction of integrated renovation programmes and local heating and cooling plans that advance cities’ social, economic, and environmental goals. For integrated renovation programmes and local heating and cooling plans to be a success, district and neighbourhood approaches to renovation are essential. The Partnership will include all types of buildings within integrated renovation programmes, but with a focus on improving the housing stock through collaboration with spatially related non-residential and public buildings.
The Thematic Partnership requires members with proven expertise in building decarbonisation. This could include expertise related to policymaking, research, funding projects or programmes, and active participation in international, EU and national networks or programmes in the renovation of buildings.
Why become a partner
Joining these partnerships offers a unique opportunity to drive innovation, policy reform, and practical solutions that will benefit both the environment and communities. Thematic Partnerships facilitate multi-level cooperation, enabling cities of all sizes, Member States, civil society, and research institutions to jointly drive transformative change. They provide a platform for knowledge exchange, policy development, and advocacy for better regulation, funding, and collaboration.
During the lifespan of the Partnership, members will agree on key topics of interest as well as on a set of common actions that will be defined in an Action Plan. This Action Plan is the key output of the Partnership and will outline a clear roadmap for the implementation of each action (steps, activities, timing, resources, responsible partners).
Have a look at this short video and find out how current partners experience their involvement in the Urban Agenda for the EU.
How to apply
Cities of all sizes, regions, Member States, Partner States, and other relevant stakeholders interested in joining the "Water Sensitive City" and "Building Decarbonisation" partnerships can apply by submitting the appropriate application. The application deadline is scheduled for 2 October 2024 at 14:00 CEST:
Apply to become a partner of the Thematic Partnership on "Water Sensitive City"
Apply to become a partner of the Thematic Partnership on "Building Decarbonisation"
These partnerships present an invaluable opportunity to be at the forefront of shaping sustainable urban development in Europe. By participating, stakeholders can contribute to meaningful change that aligns with broader environmental and social goals.
EUI support for Thematic Partnerships
The partnerships will receive support from the EUI Secretariat, which offers daily assistance in planning, managing, and monitoring activities. This includes access to external experts who can provide specialised knowledge to help develop action plans. Additionally, financial support is available for small and medium-sized cities to participate in meetings and capacity-building activities.