URBAN POLICIES IMPLEMENTATION AND CREATION DISCUSSED IN KIELCE

The 2019’s Urban Policy Congress

Entrepreneurs, government officials, local government representatives, academic community and residents - these are just some of those involved in the project of 14 to 16 November held in Kielce. The Urban Policy Congress, Poland’s largest event devoted to the creation and implementation of urban policies.

The opening session was attended by: the Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Investment and Development - Małgorzata Jarosińska - Jedynak.  the Secretary of State at the Ministry of the Environment - Sławomir Mazurek, Mayor of Kielce - Bogdan Wenta and Director of the Institute of Cities and Regions - Wojciech Jarczewski.

- Indicators show that more than 50% of the world’s population lives in cities, and the number of cities in the world will exceed 70% in some 10-20 years. The in-cities changes dynamics taking increasingly reflected in the urban policies development directions - this happens all around the world. I know that today's meeting is an opportunity to discuss the future of urban policy in Poland, at local, regional, international and European level. I believe that the meeting might be starting point for the development of policies which reflect the ever-changing trends in urban development. this may encompass national and global dimension -  said the  Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Investment and Development - Małgorzata Jarosińska - Jedynak.

- Welcome to Kielce. Thank you for the opportunity to co-organize and partner this event at Targi Kielce facilities.  I am glad that the Congress focuses on urban space issues, with the perspective of sustainable development goals, modern technologies, transport and environment. How to utilise the urban area for residents, for business and for tourism - emphasized  the City of Kielce Mayor - Bogdan Wenta.

The the first day of the congress’ agenda is very diverse. The main stage is the home for the  National Cities Competition held under the banner of the  "City Vision" - ideas to organise space and the way these ideas are implemented.  The event participants learn about a new budget perspective and local development management.  The main stage is also the arena for the  Night of bummers - this is where the bravest city officials and activists share what has been far from a success and what lessons they learned from it - this is shared with the participants.

The main thematic sessions encompass:  transport and mobility, space shaping, housing, environment  and  adaptation to climate change. Another block of accompanying events focuses upon  urban inspirations  and  best practices presentations. This is the presentation arena for the Polish cities which show how they deal with important urban-policy related issues.  This is a perfect space to share experiences.

The debate on the idea of the right to own the city and on the cities’  problems and needs serves as an introduction to the  Congress of City Movements.

The event there also includes the seminar on  "Urban Lab as a pilot tool to improve the quality of urban residents’ life quality in accordance with the smart city idea".  The speakers present the project, the world's examples of urban laboratories and a strategic approach to the smart city notion. The need for systemic transformation of cities in order for them to become smart cities will also be addressed.

The event is organized by the  Institute of Urban and Regional Development  in conjunction with the  Ministry of Investment and Development.

(MCh)