Networks and cities' news

DIGI-INCLUSION 4th TRANSNATIONAL MEETING IN IASI (ROMANIA)

On the 23rd, 24th, and 25th of September, the fourth transnational meeting of the DIGI-INCLUSION network was held in Iasi (Romania) and was attended by delegations from all network partners. 

The meeting was also attended by a politician from each project partner involved because this transnational meeting have had a significant milestone; the signature of the Political Declaration on Digital Rights. 

Digi-Inclusion network members sign a Political Declaration on Digital Rights in Iasi (Romania)

On September 24th of 2024, all the partners of the Digi-Inclusion network (Urbact IV) signed a Political Declaration on digital rights to boost digital inclusion in their territories. 

Breaking stereotypes: The triumph of a disability inclusion

In this article we would like to delve into a success story led by our DIGI-INCLUSION Network Partner, the Municipality of Torres Vedras (Portugal), who were also responsible for hosting the  Transnational Partner Meeting during last April. 

More specifically, we would like to emphasise the role of Leonel Alves, who, during the Transnational Meeting in Torres Vedras, shared with the partnership his story about having a disability and being digitally included. During the meeting he was accompanied by Fernando Martins, teacher in the Secondary School Henriques Nogueira.

The Digi-Inclusion Network Journal is now live!

Watch our Lead Expert Ian Graham introducing this first instalment of the new Video Journal, which you can keep watching as we update it with insights and ideas and examples from the network and project partners over the next 18 months.

Unlocking Urban Potential: The Crucial Role of National URBACT Points

In the dynamic landscape of urban development initiatives, the significance of National URBACT Points (NUP) cannot be overstated. Recent events, such as the participation of Mollet de Vallès in the II Spanish Urban Forum, shed light on the pivotal role these NUPs play. Acting as intermediaries for knowledge exchange, collaboration facilitation, and strategic guidance, NUPs are the linchpins ensuring the success and sustainability across diverse administrative landscapes, serving as beacons of support, fostering cohesion among municipalities and steering them towards impactful urban transformations. 

More and more often, NUPs are organizing meetings that are gathering different URBACT project partners: 

• Lepida (Italy): 18/12/2023 (online) 
  
  

• Mollet (Spain): 17/10/2023 (in-person) & 1/12/2023 (online)  
  
  

• Gdansk (Poland): 7-8/12/2023 (in-person)  
  
  

• Jelgava (Latvia): 25/10/2023 (online)
   

• Iasi (Romania): 7/11/2023  
  
  

• Zenica Doboj-Canton (B&H): 03/03/2023 

It’s worth mentioning, Spain National URBACT Point is the only NUP that has celebrated two meetings; one online and other face-to-face, acting as invaluable catalysts for synergy and progress and nurturing a vibrant ecosystem of urban innovators and policymakers for Spanish municipalities. 

Bridging the Digital Divide: Insights from the "Digitali senza Frontiere" Pilot Course

In today's interconnected world, digital literacy is not just a skill but a fundamental requirement for participation in society. However, access to digital resources and the ability to utilize them effectively remains uneven, with certain demographics facing significant barriers. Addressing this issue, our DIGI-INCLUSION network italian partner, Lepida, organized a pilot course named "Digitali senza Frontiere: A Guide to Inclusive Digital Literacy" was conducted, marking a significant step towards bridging the digital divide, particularly in the Apennine region.

Led by Alessandro Borri from Centro Provinciale per l’Istruzione Adulti Montagna, the pilot course shed light on the stark reality of the digital divide, emphasizing gender inequalities in access to online services. Collaborators Mariangela Di Carolo and Fernanda Lozano Garcia of Bolab association highlighted the importance of empowering migrant women through co-designed pathways for acquiring computer skills.

The pilot, conducted within the framework of the DIGI-INCLUSION network activities and Festival of the Cultura Tecnica, was a comprehensive program aimed at bridging the digital divide for women enrolled in adult education, particularly in the Apennine region. Scheduled to kick off in October 2023, the program outlined five modules divided into six sessions each, catering to approximately 15 participants.

Taking place between October 17th and 27th, 2023, the pilot course represented a successful model for future initiatives. Organized by Lepida and their collaborative partners, the course showcased its effectiveness in promoting inclusive digital literacy.