The Region of Attica is creating an innovative platform of content, actions and extroversion in order to bring closer ideas, initiatives and people who envision a modern and sustainable Basin.The official presentation of the dialogue platform «Athens Talks», as it will be called, was made by the Governor of Attica Nikos Hardalias in a central hotel in Athens, in the presence of stakeholders and representatives of the press.
The design will emphasise sustainability, innovation and inclusion to create a collaborative ecosystem that engages all stakeholders in a process of meaningful dialogue and joint action. Through conferences, workshops, digital content and online consultation, this tool aspires to function as a living organism that evolves with the needs of society.
«This is an initiative that we aspire to become an institution»
As Nikos Chardalias, Governor of Attica, stressed during the event, «Athens Talks« is a new policy tool, an innovative initiative that we hope will become an institution, bringing closer and closer the Attica we envision. The operation of this platform serves the broader philosophy of our administration. It highlights our priorities, encourages synergies and promotes partnerships. It will highlight and promote specific plans and programmes, with clear timelines and secured resources, projects and initiatives that are implemented with the sole aim of moving Attica forward.
We propose a new model of metropolitanism in the operation of the Region as a necessary condition to solve problems created by the overlapping of responsibilities and competences, so that we can ultimately produce measurable work that will bring positive results to our neighbourhoods. Our first and only concern is to be useful to our fellow citizens.
Athens Talks is a tool that fosters transparency, inclusiveness and dialogue. It comes to join forces, promote synergies and prepare us in time for the challenges of the future. It is a way to talk, listen and shape the future of the Basin«.
The first action: a forum at the SNFCC for the presentation of 280+1 projects that will change Attica
«Athens Talks» launches the first cycle of actions on Tuesday 3 December with an innovative event at the iconic space of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre in Kallithea. During the event, Attica Region Governor Nikos Chardalias will present the 280+1 projects, with a total budget of 2.1 billion euros, which will upgrade the quality of life throughout the basin. These are projects in 9+1 categories that touch every aspect of citizens' daily life, using resources from 19 different sources.
In fact, as Mr.Chardalias noted, the 165 projects, i.e. almost 60% of the total planning, concern three critical areas that focus on: people, security and the well-being of citizens. Specifically, 54 relate to direct flood protection interventions, 64 to the enhancement of greenery and urban infrastructure, while 47 are implemented to strengthen welfare and social structures.
At «Athens Talks», leading ministers, representatives of international organizations, European officials and renowned professionals will analyse and discuss issues related to soft urban development, climate change, the management of public spaces, resilience in a constantly changing landscape and the promotion of our natural and cultural heritage, through the following 4 thematic sections:
- Sustainable development strategies in European metropolitan capitals.
- Tourism as a driver of economic growth.
- Urban governance policies and preparation for crisis management.
- Investing in culture to ensure a sustainable future: 19+1 new projects in Attica.
