Bridging structures and breaking silos: how can administrations foster cooperation for an effective implementation of local adaptation solutions?
17. June 11:15 - 12:30
Room 3
Coordinating effective climate adaptation and mainstreaming climate-resilient approaches has always been a complex task, often indicated as one of the main barriers hindering faster implementation of climate action. This session brings together governments across EU Member States to discuss how to make resilience an integrated part of urban administration and break silos in the process. This session will offer an opportunity to learn from and with local, regional, national governments and EU institutions what works vs. does not work regarding governance and coordination across levels, sectors, and countries, while identifying practical ways to overcome persistent barriers.
Partners and government representatives from Adaptation Mission projects REGILIENCE+ and AdaptationHubs will bring their expertise and experiences on multi-level governance and coordination challenges. The first part of the panel will focus on how to promote coordinated and effective action across all governance levels and sectors, bridging policy silos and structures. Panellists will reflect on overcoming barriers of lack of coordination and political will and will share lessons from their administrations. The discussion will highlight governance approaches, partnerships and solutions that can sustain climate resilience efforts even when political attention and resources are under pressure.
The panel discussion will be followed by an open discussion in small groups on governance enablers to ease breaking silos and mainstreaming adaptation. Each table will be host by one of the panellists, in order to have the possibility to deepen the discussion and share further solutions to bridge structures and break silos for more effective climate adaptation.
Speakers
Director General, Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities
Elisa Rivera, Director General, Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities
Rivera has a degree in Environmental Sciences and a Master's degree in Energy Law, and belongs to the High Level Civil Administrators of the State.
She worked for the European Commission as a leading national expert at the European Environment Agency and as an advisor in the Cabinet of the Minister for the Ecological Transition. She has also been a member of the Management Board of the EEA and coordinator of the User Forum of Copernicus. Prior to joining the General State Administration, she worked at the Council of Europe.
Policy Officer - Adaptation Mission Secretariat, European Commission
Dr. Sophie Berger, Policy Officer - Adaptation Mission Secretariat, European Commission
Sophie Berger is a Policy Officer at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation. She is part of the Secretariat of the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, a joint initiative of DG Climate Action and DG Research & Innovation that supports regions and local authorities in accelerating climate resilience and adaptation efforts across Europe.
Sophie holds a PhD in climate science and previously worked with Working Group I of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), contributing to scientific assessments of climate change. Her work focuses on bridging climate science, policy and implementation to support effective adaptation action at regional and local levels.
Executive consultant, Vejle Municipality
Jonas Lundgreen Dall, Executive consultant, Vejle Municipality
Jonas Lundgreen Dall is executive consultant to the Board of Directors of Vejle Municipality. He has background in political science with a specialty in public leadership, focusing on visionary leadership, strategy execution and organizational development. One of Jonas’ main tasks is to support the politicians and senior executives at Vejle Municipality in driving the long term focus on our vision, values and resilience by facilitating discussions on strategy, organizational development, and leadership. Back in 2022, Jonas was part of the team that designed the process leading to the current vision of the City Council, including the integration of our resilience strategy.
Head of Climate Department, North-West Croatia Regional Energy and Climate Agency
Miljenko Sedlar, Head of Climate Department, North-West Croatia Regional Energy and Climate Agency
Miljenko Sedlar is a climate resilience expert and Head of the Climate Department at REGEA, specializing in adaptation strategies, risk assessments, and innovative financing for climate action. With a background in ecological engineering, he has extensive experience across industry and public administration, including leading EU-funded projects in the City of Zagreb. Since 2018, he has driven climate initiatives at REGEA. Miljenko actively contributes to EU, national, regional, and local climate policies, serves on European Commission working groups, and is a member of the advisory board of the UK National Adaptation Hub and the coordinator of the Adaptation Hubs project. He promotes a holistic, systemic approach to resilience and transformational adaptation, integrating science, policy, and practice.
Architect, General Directorate of Territorial Planning and Architecture. CAR Murcia
MarÍa JosÉ Silvente Martinez, Architect, General Directorate of Territorial Planning and Architecture. CAR Murcia
She is an architect, holds a Master's Degree in Sustainable Architecture and Urban Planning, and is an expert in Geographic Information Systems for Urban and Territorial Analysis.
She currently works as a management technician in the Architecture Department of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia, where she promotes the sustainable architecture and construction strategy. She combines this role with her work as a professor in the urban planning department at the School of Architecture of the Polytechnic University of Cartagena. Previously, she was part of the team developing the territorial information system for the Region of Murcia.
Moderators
Senior Expert, Institute for European Energy and Climate Policy
Jen Heemann, Senior Expert, Institute for European Energy and Climate Policy
Jen Heemann explores how group dynamics and relationships shape creativity, collaboration, and learning for climate resilience. Leading EU-funded projects and engagement activities, she designs and facilitates inclusive discussions that foster diverse perspectives and open, honest exchange. Her work focuses on innovative conversational approaches that enable transformative learning and effective collaboration.
Jen is the Project Coordinator of REGILIENCE+ Adaptation Solutions for Regional Climate Resilience, a flagship initiative of the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change. She also leads peer learning and collaboration efforts in the AdaptationHubs and FairFuture projects. Jen holds an MSc in Urban Management and Development from Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Manager for Programs and Grants, Resilient Cities Network
Federico Aili, Manager for Programs and Grants, Resilient Cities Network
Federico Aili is an urban planner and currently serves as Manager for Programs and Grants at the Resilient Cities Network. He holds a degree in Geography and a master’s degree in urban planning from the Politecnico di Milano, as well as a master’s degree in urban management and development from Erasmus University of Rotterdam, where he specialized in urban environment, sustainability, and climate change. In 2018, Federico started his career at the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP) and later joined the ISOCARP Institute, working mainly on EU-funded projects focused on nature-based solutions. Since 2021, he has been part of the Resilient Cities Network, where he works on a range of climate resilience and adaptation projects in Europe. Federico is passionate about advancing sustainable urban development and supporting cities in becoming more resilient and inclusive.