From Advocacy to Action - 4EU+ Dissemination Event

How can Universities and Cities work together to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals? This is not a new question, for sure, but it is as topical as never before. We all talk about and work on sustainable development, especially in cities this is more than important, as most of the population lives in cities, they are the sites where most of the pollution emerges—but they are also places of resistance and action.

In a public panel discussion hosted by the 4EU+ Alliance in Heidelberg, stakeholders from the city as well as university got together to find solutions for better cooperation. Especially in cities with strong universities, collaboration between city councils and university leadership can unlock powerful synergies. Inter- and transdisciplinary research offers valuable expertise, while citizen science and public participation could act as key drivers for developing inclusive strategies. This public event on May 15, 2025 was a great opportunity, to continue our conversation and move closer from advocacy to action.