CSG Baseline and Network Roadmap
In the CSG Baseline and Network Roadmap document, you will find three key chapters. The first chapter describes the network challenge and policy context, including an overview of how the EU is dealing with holistic sustainability framed through the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It then presents the daft conceptual framework for Sustainability Governance that guides the network, designed around four pillars: Policy Development, Multi-actor governance, Organisational development and Multilevel governance.
The second chapter includes a description of the current ways in which the nine partner cities address the pillars, and their key challenges to be addressed through the network journey.
Chapter three provides a synthesis of the network’s baseline, and presents the methodology for how to strengthen Sustainability Governance through the network activities and steps included in the roadmap.
Download the CSG Baseline Document
CSG Field Notes – 1st edition, Q1 2024
In the first quarter of 2024, we kicked-started the partners’ local work through an online workshop explaining the action planning process and URBACT method. We then met in València, where focus was on designing multi-actor governance, learning from their impressive work on developing multi-stakeholder governance of their EU Climate missions. We also got a first introduction to Storytelling as a method to engage colleagues and stakeholders emotionally in sustainability transitions. The partner cities worked with their local groups to start defining the concrete ambitions for the action plans to be developed at local level.
Download the CSG Field Notes – 1st edition
CSG Field Notes – 2nd edition, Q2 2024
In the second quarter of 2024, we followed the Network Roadmap and organised our first public webinar together with UN-Habitat and the URBACT secretariat. The focus was on multi-level governance, exploring how cities with 'boots on the ground' can link up to global efforts promoted by the UN and others. In June, we met in Mannheim where Mayors and other leaders were invited for a one-day Storytelling workshop and a roundtable discussion. Online check-ins were held with each partner to better understand where we are at in terms of local actions and ambitions for the whole network.
You can read the highlights from these conversations in this edition of the Field notes.
Enjoy!
CSG Field Notes – 3rd edition, Q3 2024
During the third quarter of 2024, CSG continued to strengthen sustainability governance through learning and collaboration. A key highlight was the July webinar on integrated action planning, where partners explored the intervention logic framework to define strategic and operational objectives for their local plans.
In September, Braga hosted a transnational meeting, showcasing its commitment to the 2030 UN Agenda. Activities included multi-stakeholder engagement exercises, discussions on gender equality with Umeå, and a panel on the future role of cities in sustainable development. The meeting emphasized collaboration, leadership, and embedding sustainability into governance structures.
Additionally, partners engaged with the URBACT Local Groups, capturing insights from their local sustainability actions. A unique session explored storytelling as a tool for change, drawing inspiration from Hollywood to drive stakeholder engagement in governance processes.
CSG Field Notes – 4th edition, Q4 2024
The fourth quarter of 2024 was a period of reflection and strategic planning for CSG. Espoo introduced its eco-ambassador programme, showcasing how city employees can champion sustainability within their workplaces. Meanwhile, the mid-term review of CSG’s work assessed progress on Integrated Action Plans, highlighting the value of peer learning and local implementation.
In November, a workshop on governance styles, led by Prof. Louis Meulemann, provided cities with a self-assessment tool to evaluate their governance frameworks. Insights from Tallinn, Valencia, Gabrovo, Mannheim, and Espoo underscored the importance of flexibility, collaboration, and overcoming silos in sustainability governance.
The quarter also featured local innovation efforts, such as Gabrovo’s Innovation Camp, which developed practical solutions aligned with the SDGs, and Košice’s new focus on sustainability in education. Additionally, Braga and Tallinn were recognized with URBACT Good Practice Awards, solidifying their roles as urban sustainability pioneers.
Looking ahead, CSG is preparing for its next transnational meeting in Košice and a webinar on sustainability communication to kick-start 2025.