» Deadline for sending stories to the Bulletin is 30 September.
Theme of the Bulletin: “A Stronger Baltic Sea Region in a Changing Geopolitical Environment”
Europe and the Baltic Sea Region are facing a fundamentally changed geopolitical environment. Russia’s war against Ukraine, growing geopolitical tensions and increasing hybrid threats against European countries have significantly changed the conditions in which cities and regions operate.
Cyberattacks, disinformation, sabotage, threats to critical infrastructure and growing dependencies in the fields of energy, technology and supply chains demonstrate that security and resilience are no longer issues for national governments alone. Cities and regions are increasingly directly affected and have an important role to play in strengthening the resilience and strategic capacity of Europe.
At the same time, these developments underline the growing importance of the Baltic Sea as a strategic European region. The Sea connects highly innovative, economically strong and internationally connected cities and regions. It has the potential to become an even stronger European hub for innovation, sustainable economic development, digital transformation, connectivity and resilience.
In this context, cities are not only places where geopolitical developments have an impact. They are also important actors in shaping the future of the region.
The UBC Smart and Prospering Cities Commission invites member cities and partners to share inspiring examples, good practices and lessons learned on how cities are responding to the changing geopolitical environment and strengthening the resilience, competitiveness and future potential of the Baltic Sea Region.
Join the knowledge exchange with your peers by submitting stories under the following themes and beyond:
- Strengthening urban and regional resilience in a changing geopolitical environment.
- Protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening digital and cyber resilience.
- Developing innovative solutions to new security, energy and technological challenges.
- Strengthening economic resilience, competitiveness and sustainable prosperity.
- Reducing strategic dependencies and strengthening local and regional innovation capacity.
- Harnessing digital transformation and new technologies for resilient and future-oriented cities.
- Strengthening cooperation between cities, universities, businesses and other partners.
- Developing the Baltic Sea Region as a strong and connected European innovation and economic region.
- Learning from the experiences of cities in Ukraine and other partners facing new security and resilience challenges.
- Moving from resilience to renewal: turning current challenges into opportunities for innovation and sustainable urban development.
The UBC Smart and Prospering Cities Commission particularly welcomes contributions that demonstrate how cities are moving beyond simply responding to crises and are actively shaping their future in a rapidly changing European environment.
The aim is to highlight practical experiences and initiatives that can inspire other Baltic Sea cities and contribute to a stronger, more resilient, innovative and prosperous Baltic Sea Region.
We cordially encourage all interested cities and partners to contribute.
For more information please contact the UBC Secretariat.