Closing remarks for #EURESFO24

26 June 17:45 - 18:00

Location: Sala José Iturbi

The closing session wraps up a day of dynamic exchanges at the Valencia Cities Climate Week, where three major events occur simultaneously: the concluding day of the Cities Mission Conference, and the opening day of both the Energy Cities Annual Forum and EURESFO. This concurrent scheduling not only celebrates each individual initiative but also fosters synergies that enhance the collective impact on urban sustainability. The shared venue in Valencia facilitates cross-pollination of ideas and initiatives, enabling attendees to engage deeply with diverse perspectives and approaches to resilience and climate neutrality.


The rich discussions and insights from the day's events are synthesised highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts among cities and regions. The session features reflections from key speakers representing the three events, each bringing unique perspectives on how collaboration can drive forward ambitious climate goals. By drawing together the threads of multilevel governance, transformative urban strategies, and the leveraging of local strengths, the plenary aims to inspire continued commitment to a resilient and climate-neutral future.

Speakers

Patrick Child

Deputy Director-General, DG Environment & Mission Manager, 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission, European Commission

Patrick Child, Deputy Director-General, DG Environment & Mission Manager, 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission, European Commission
Wolfgang Teubner

Regional Director Europe & Managing Director, ICLEI Europe

Wolfgang Teubner, Regional Director Europe & Managing Director, ICLEI Europe

Wolfgang Teubner is responsible for the strategic and economic development of the ICLEI in Europe. He has more than 25 years of professional experience working with local governments on sustainable urban development, climate adaptation and mitigation, Local Agenda21, waste management, as well as sustainable urban transport policies. During his career he has been involved in more than 150 European and international projects, including several research activities. In the period between 1994 and 1999 he coordinated the ICLEI‘s European Cities for Climate Protection Campaign and ICLEI‘s European Local Agenda 21 Guidance and Training Programme. From the start in 1994 he has been involved in the European Sustainable Cities and Towns Campaign and has participated in the drafting of the Aalborg Charta as well as the Aalborg Commitments and the 2016 Basque Declaration. Between 1999 and 2004 he has represented the Local Government sector on the European Environment and Health Committee and has been a speaker at many high-level international events including the European Council of Ministers.

Teresa Ribera

Minister for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (Spain)

Teresa Ribera, Minister for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (Spain)
Eckart Würzner

Mayor, City of Heidelberg

Eckart Würzner, Mayor, City of Heidelberg