International Champion Cities Summit Will Be Organized in Vilnius

Vilnius, Lithuania's capital, will celebrate its 700th anniversary in 2023 and will organize the International Champion Cities Summit

To kick off the festive year, Vilnius will be hosting mayors from European and other cities around the world as well as other experts at an international conference, Champion Cities Summit 2023: Champions Think Bold. It will be held on January 24th, 2023, just one day before the official anniversary.

“The 700th anniversary of Vilnius is important not only to Lithuania but the entire region of Europe, where cities are united in their support for democratic values, human rights, equal opportunities, innovation, and, most importantly, the fight for freedom, which Ukraine is currently fighting,” said Remigijus Šimašius, Mayor of Vilnius. “Many people talk about global challenges, and yet only real bold actions will bring change. Therefore, the summit will focus on leaders and how to learn from them, at the same time strengthening international partnerships and dialogue, sharing knowledge and best practices.”

This summit will provide a forum for city leaders to exchange their knowledge on urbanism and green cities as well as intelligent mobility, diversity, education, and intelligent mobility. To strengthen international partnerships, encourage bold ideas, urban visions, and engage constructive dialogues.

This event will launch the festive week in collaboration with Eurocities. Eurocities is a network that includes over 200 cities across 38 countries. The summit's first section will include a showcase of presentations where leaders can share their exceptional good practices and success stories regarding their cities transformations in regard to climate change, youth participation programs, education, diversity, and other issues.

Participants will be invited to the conference to discuss ways to help Ukraine, including rebuilding infrastructure and helping war refugees. Vitali Klitschko (Mayor of Kyiv) is expected to join the discussion.

Vilnius will also celebrate the anniversary year by hosting the Vilnius Light Festival, which takes place on January 25th. Interactive installations from international and Lithuanian artists will light up the city. Unique light designs will bring life to the Old Town, the center of the city, squares and parks, bridges, as well as churches, parks, bridges and other public spaces. Participants at the summit will be invited to visit Vilnius and enjoy the festival. They'll also learn how Vilnius has transformed its urban spaces and implemented environmentally-friendly practices.

 

Source: traveldailynews.com