In the face of mounting climate and natural hazards, engaging citizens is no longer a choice - it's a necessity. From air pollution to extreme weather, cities and regions across Europe are grappling with urgent issues that demand inclusive and effective solutions. Three European projects - CitiObs, CLIMAS, and Empower-Citizens - are coming together to demonstrate how citizen science, participatory methods, and collaborative innovation can help shape a more resilient and sustainable urban future.
At the 2025 European Week of Regions and Cities, these three initiatives will join forces in a collaborative session titled "Co-Creating Resilient Cities: Citizens, Data & Participatory Action," taking place on Tuesday, October 14th from 17:00 to 18:00 CET at Square Brussels. The event (Code: 14WS252449) will bring together voices from the private sector, research organisations, and policy-making institutions, offering a rich exchange of knowledge, tools, and practices.
The session will explore how local authorities can collaborate with citizens and civil society to co-design climate action and preparedness strategies. From Citizen Observatories using low-cost sensors to monitor air quality (CitiObs), to climate assemblies shaping national, regional and urban adaptation plans (CLIMAS), to inclusive co-creation practices for disaster preparedness (Empower-Citizens), the event will highlight concrete examples of what happens when citizens become active agents of change.
Rather than a traditional panel, the session will unfold through dynamic interaction. Participants will engage with live polls to reflect on the challenges faced in their regions. Speakers will present cases that illustrate how citizen-generated data can complement official sources, improve monitoring, and strengthen the legitimacy of local policies. Practical toolkits - such as CLIPP (Citizen & Authority Learning and Improving Preparedness Plans), the Participation Dynamics Toolkit, and the Climate Assembly Portal - will be demonstrated and made available to cities and regions interested in adopting these approaches.
The session will be moderated by Masha Smirnova (Eurocities), with contributions from Sonia Matera (Deep Blue), Pablo Garcia Arcos (GENCAT), and Nuria Castell (NILU). Their collective experience spans research, governance, and community engagement, ensuring a holistic perspective on how to integrate citizen insights into policymaking.
Ultimately, this event is more than a knowledge-sharing session - it's a call to action. It invites city leaders, planners, researchers, and engaged citizens to join forces in rethinking how we address climate and natural hazards through collaboration, transparency, and inclusivity.
Published jointly by the CitiObs, CLIMAS, and Empower-Citizen
