This session is organised by P10, the network of largest rural municipalities in the Netherlands, in the framework of the European Week of Cities and Regions (9-12 October, Brussels, Belgium). It invites participants to discuss the emancipation of rural areas in regional and urban policy. Ursula van der Leyen stated ‘Rural areas are the fabric of our society and the heartbeat of our economy’. Meaningful engagement of rural areas is necessary in order to allow them to play their important role in the great transition challenges that Europe is facing. Especially the challenges with regard to climate, energy, housing, agriculture, nature and biodiversity have a strong place-based and rural component. Eventually, the puzzle must be put together in specific locations with the people in the area. Engaging rural actors in policy processes has the potential to contribute to strengthen cohesion, build on the strong rural social capital and avoid further polarization in advancing the transition agendas. The moderator and speakers in this interactive session have collaborated in the SHERPA project to develop and test the social innovation this requires.
More information will follow.