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CEMR’s commitment to gender equality and talent for local governments showcased at Smart City Expo World Congress

  • The Talent Hub for Cities and Regions and the study Women in Politics will be presented tomorrow at the Smart City Expo World Congress
  • CEMR will gather local leaders from across Europe in Barcelona to set priorities for the new EU cycle

Barcelona, 5–7 November 2024 – The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) will hold its Strategic Retreat in Barcelona, coinciding with the renowned Smart City Expo World Congress. This three-day gathering will bring together leaders from across Europe to set priorities for the years ahead, focusing on building inclusive, democratic, and resilient communities. 

CEMR President Gunn Marit Helgesen stated: “Gathering in Barcelona during these difficult days for Valencia and many other communities hit by Dana is particularly important for us. The challenges we face, especially in accelerating climate adaptation, require local governments to attract and nurture the best talents. This retreat will enable us to share a vision for the future, ensuring that our communities are equipped to tackle these challenges head-on.” 

A key highlight of the retreat will be the presentation of the Talent Hub for Cities and Regions, (Tuesday 5 November, 10.45, Orange Agora), an innovative initiative launched by CEMR in collaboration with Eurocities and UCLG. The Talent Hub aims to attract, develop, and retain top talent in the fields of territorial development and diplomacy, reinforcing Local and Regional Governments’ capacities to tackle today’s complex challenges. 

Additionally, CEMR will introduce its latest study, Women in Politics (Tuesday 5 November, 16.45, Green Room), a pivotal exploration of gender equality in political representation across Europe. This study sheds light on progress and gaps, providing actionable insights for local leaders committed to advancing gender equality. 

The Strategic Retreat promises to be an inspiring forum where CEMR members and partners can reflect on key challenges and opportunities, charting a path towards a more equitable and prosperous future for Europe’s communities. 

For more information, please contact: 

Meritxell Parramon Vilà – Head of Communications – +32 473 21 00 66
communications@ccre-cemr.org