From Oct. 21-28, Ayia Napa, Cyprus, hosted the second international meeting of the SEED Communities project, bringing together delegations from Cyprus, Italy, Malta, Hungary, Portugal and Lithuania. The focus of this meeting was ‘Sustainability and hard-to-reach groups: good practices and discussions from the grassroots level’.
A platform for knowledge exchange on sustainability and inclusion
The main objective of this second meeting was to explore effective ways to engage hard-to-reach groups in sustainability efforts, fostering a spirit of collaboration and sharing of best practices among participating countries. The working week included seminars, workshops and debates, giving delegates the opportunity to explore different approaches that have been successful in making sustainable development more accessible and inclusive at the community level.
Participants shared insights into the challenges and successes of their local projects, highlighting how innovative initiatives can bring citizens, particularly those from marginalised or isolated backgrounds, to the centre of sustainability efforts.
This exchange proved valuable, highlighting adaptable strategies that respond to the unique needs and circumstances of each community involved.
Signature of the Joint Declaration of SEED Communities
One of the most significant outcomes of the event was the signing of the Joint Declaration. This declaration represents a commitment by all participating organisations to continue to cooperate in sustainable and inclusive development initiatives. The partnership committed to several key areas for future collaboration, including sustainable and inclusive development, cultural exchange, tourism, education and youth initiatives, and local governance.
Looking to the future
The Ayia Napa meeting strengthened ties between the participating delegations, solidifying a shared vision for a more inclusive and sustainable future. The knowledge and inspiration gained from this meeting will fuel new initiatives, enhancing transnational collaboration and enabling local communities to shape their own sustainable futures.
This second international meeting laid a solid foundation for future action, providing a platform for community leaders, policy makers and citizens to bring about real change and promote sustainability across Europe.
