How can we work together with citizens to build resilient communities and better address the climate crisis? Representatives of the CitiObs, Empower-Citizens and CLIMAS projects from the private sector, as well as research organisations and policy makers, will share their experiences and lessons learned in co-designing and applying inclusive and participatory approaches to air pollution, climate change and disaster preparedness. We will showcase real-world examples and tools developed in the projects, highlighting how citizen-generated data complements official sources and how citizen insights and collaboration with authorities can result in more inclusive policies. Join us!
- Climate and environment | Governance and Public administration | Health | Research and Innovation | Social inclusion and Equality | Sustainable | Urban | Youth and citizens engagement
- Code: 14WS252449
- Square Brussels, 313-315
Speakers
Moderator
Practical information
- When
-
Tue 14/10/2025, 15:30 - 16:30 CET
- Where
- Square Brussels, 313-315
- Type of partnership
- Partnership
- Format
- Workshop
- Theme
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Cities building tomorrow
- Language
- English
Partners
NILU
Eurocities
Reporting
Session summary
In the face of mounting climate and natural hazards, engaging citizens is no longer a choice - it's a necessity. From air pollution to extreme weather, cities and regions across Europe are grappling with urgent issues that demand inclusive and effective solutions. Three European projects - CitiObs, CLIMAS, and Empower-Citizens - joined forces to demonstrate how citizen science, participatory methods, and collaborative innovation can help shape a more resilient and sustainable urban future.
At the 2025 European Week of Regions and Cities, these three initiatives hosted a collaborative session titled "Co-Creating Resilient Cities: Citizens, Data & Participatory Action". The event brought together voices from the private sector, research organisations, and policy-making institutions, offering a rich exchange of knowledge, tools, and practices. It explored how local authorities can collaborate with citizens and civil society to co-design climate action and preparedness strategies. From Citizen Observatories using low-cost sensors to monitor air quality (CitiObs), to climate assemblies shaping national, regional, and urban adaptation plans (CLIMAS), to inclusive co-creation practices for disaster preparedness (Empower-Citizens), the session highlighted concrete examples of what happens when citizens become active agents of change.
The session attracted over 100 participants and was moderated by Masha Smirnova (Eurocities), with contributions from Sonia Matera (Deep Blue), Pablo Garcia Arcos (GENCAT), and Hester Volten (RIVM). Their combined expertise in research, governance, and community engagement provided a holistic perspective on how to integrate citizen insights into policymaking. More than a knowledge-sharing session, this event was a call to action — inviting city leaders, planners, researchers, and engaged citizens to rethink how we tackle climate and natural hazards through collaboration, transparency, and inclusivity.
Quotes
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In these heavily polarized times, it seems that citizen science is an excellent way to give a voice to the silent majority. A voice for the people that believe in science and that are open to the possibility that the answer may not be so simple.
Citizen participation in preparedness planning is key to building resilient communities and effective emergency responses. Progress begins when we listen actively and translate community knowledge into actionable strategies.
Additional links
https://www.climas-project.eu/
https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/projects/empower-citizens
