Guimarães at Valencia Cities Climate Week
The delegation took part in the Cities Mission Conference, the European Urban Resilience Forum and the Annual Forum of Energy Cities.
Guimarães strengthened its position in the European sustainability arena at Valencia Cities Climate Week. Between 25 and 28 June, the delegation from Guimarães took part in various events, including the Cities Mission Conference, the European Urban Resilience Forum and the Annual Forum of Energy Cities, with the aim of learning and sharing good practices in the context of developing a greener and more sustainable future. The various initiatives took place in the Spanish city of Valencia, which will hold the title of European Green Capital until the end of 2024.
On the first day, representatives from Guimarães took part in the Cities Mission Conference 2024, organised by NetZeroCities, where they had the opportunity to present the municipality’s progress in sustainability matters. As well as taking part in various workshops, the team emphasised the importance of local investment in environmental research and education and the Mission Label. On this point, it should be noted that Guimarães received this certificate from the European Commission in March, thanks to its commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2030, which was included in the Climate Contract submitted.
The second day was marked by the 35th anniversary of the Annual Forum of Energy Cities and the “Cities Heat Detox” campaign, organised by the Convenant of Mayors – Europe. Carlos Ribeiro, executive director of Laboratório da Paisagem, and Isabel Loureiro, coordinator of the Guimarães 2030 Mission Structure, were speakers at a workshop organised by NetZeroCities on citizen involvement in the sustainable transition, highlighting industry’s commitment to the Guimarães Climate Pact. The team also had the opportunity to share the municipality’s good practices in waste management and the circular economy at a workshop organised by Energy Cities.
The celebrations of the Annual Forum of Energy Cities lasted until the third and final day of Valencia Cities Climate Week, during which the delegation from Guimarães took part in the general assembly and the meeting of the network of winning cities and finalists for the European Green Capital and the European Green Leaf award. The team also gave two outstanding presentations at the Energy Cities “Let’s make it work” session and at the European Urban Resilience Forum’s “Unlocking Finance for Smart Resilient Cities” workshop.
It should be noted that Guimarães’ presence at Valencia Cities Climate Week is another step on the road to becoming European Green Capital in 2026. In this sense, and in addition to the changes already achieved in the territory in terms of sustainability, with a positive impact on the future, the municipality has continued to work together with the population and local stakeholders to achieve climate neutrality and ensure environmental protection in the territory.