From Plans to Concrete Solutions for Greener, Safer and more Inclusive Cities

Cities that Listen to their Citizens can Implement Change more Effectively

The aim of the event was to exchange knowledge, experience and examples of good practice on how to plan and implement sustainable and climate-resilient solutions in the fields of mobility and public space. Particular emphasis was placed on citizen participation, as meaningful change happens when the voice of the community is heard, understood and taken into account.

The programme was opened by Varaždin Mayor Neven Bosilj, who presented the city’s ongoing sustainable urban mobility projects. Varaždin was not only the host city, but the example of a city approaching mobility and public space through the implementation of real projects and measures.

From Political Courage to Community Engagement

Panel discussion, “Political Courage” explored the importance of determination, long-term vision and willingness to engage in dialogue in achieving sustainable urban transformation. The panel was introduced by Vita Kontić-Bezjak from the City of Ljubljana, who highlighted examples of successful change, but also the processes in which, despite significant efforts in communication and citizen engagement, the outcomes differed from what had initially been planned.

The second panel, “Citizens: The Key to Positive Transformation”, was introduced by Petra Grgasović from Erkon. She emphasised that citizens are not inherently uninterested in participation. They become actively involved when they recognise that an issue affects their everyday lives, identity and sense of belonging to the community.

From Digital Tools to Solutions on the Ground

The first day concluded with a tour of sustainable mobility good practices in Varaždin. Participants saw how ideas related to sustainable mobility, safer movement and higher-quality public space are translated into concrete solutions in the urban environment – from planning to the everyday use of city streets.

Urban Mobility Academy for Climate-Resilient Cities

The second day of the programme focus was on behavioural change, communication, stakeholder cooperation, the use of digital tools and the development of communication plans for climate-resilient transport and spatial solutions.

The day began with a dynamic Fireside Chat that highlighted the importance of efficiency, fairness and sustainability in urban transformation. The need for early public involvement, the use of trusted local „heroes“ and clear communication in building citizens’ support were also stressed.

One of the folowing presentation teached us that people do not choose how they travel solely on the basis of available infrastructure. Their choices are also shaped by habits, emotions, social norms and perceptions of safety.

„Encouraging more sustainable mobility requires an understanding of citizens’ everyday needs and the gradual introduction of change through clear communication and the creation of high-quality alternatives.“

Lidija Pavić-Rogošić, ODRAZ

Digital Tools and Data for Better Planning

A workshop on multilevel communication as a key to creating synergies for successful project implementation was led by Mila Pantelić from GIZ. Participants were then introduced to tools that connect professional data, local knowledge and users’ experience of public space: Copernicus data,the Citizen Dialogue Kit, and City Layers.

A particularly valuable part of the programme was fieldwork using the City Layers digital tool. Through a web application, participants marked potentially dangerous locations, places they liked and areas they believed should be improved in Varaždin city center.

„This approach demonstrated how planning can become simpler, more engaging and more inclusive. Digital tools can help ensure that citizens’ voices are incorporated earlier in the planning process and enable professionals and decision-makers to gain a better understanding of how public spaces are actually used.“

Lovro Končar Gamulin, City Layers

Sustainable Mobility Starts With People

The event in Varaždin confirmed that sustainable mobility is not only a transport issue. It is also about quality of life, safety, accessibility, trust, communication and the way cities plan their future:

• involve citizens early and meaningfully
• explain changes in clear and accessible language
• connect technical solutions with real everyday needs
• cities should create conditions in which public transport, walking and cycling become more natural, faster and more attractive choices.

The regional event “From Planning to Practice: Mobility, Public Spaces and Citizens’ Voices” demonstrated the importance of cooperation between cities, experts, civil society organisations and citizens. It is through this kind of cooperation that plans can be transformed into practice – greener streets, safer mobility, higher-quality public spaces and cities that are more resilient to climate change.