Networks and cities' news

Housing Challenges in Shrinking Cities

For the first time in European history, a dedicated Housing Commissioner has been appointed to the European Commission, reflecting a growing recognition of housing as a critical issue across the continent. While much attention is focused on the housing crisis in rapidly growing cities, the challenges faced by shrinking cities often remain underexplored.

Written by Liat Rogel - URBACT Expert
Edited & published by Krešimir Grubić

From Plans to Impact: How Collaboration Drives Urban Transformation in U.R. IMPACT

Webinar #5: Mobility Management and its use for schools - Recording is now available!

What is The Loss and Damage Fund ?

In a milestone achievement at COP29, the Loss and Damage Fund has been fully operationalised, marking a significant victory for developing nations, particularly small island states, least developed countries, and African nations. This aligns with the priorities of Azerbaijan’s President, Mr Ilham Aliyev, who has championed addressing the devastating impacts of climate change during Azerbaijan's COP29 Presidency.

Engaging stakeholders for success: Building effective URBACT Local Groups

Human Rights framework meets URBACT - a Masterclass on the Human Rights-Based Approach in local reception and integration policies

In September, WELDI partners attended a Masterclass by Human Rights expert Estel.la Pereja on the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) in the area of migrant reception and integration. Developed by the United Nations, the HRBA is a key methodology for the WELDI network’s objective to protect human rights through local action. The HRBA sees public authorities as duty bearers that have to ensure that human rights are protected for their whole population. While this duty also applies to states or regional authorities, there has been a specific attention to the role of local actors under the label of “localising human rights”, a concept that stresses their importance in translating rights into concrete policies, and thereby re-invigorating human rights through local practice. 

WELDI now publishes a guidance note on applying the HRBA in local integration policies (see end of this article).