The 10th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns took place in Aalborg, Denmark from October 1 to 3, 2024. Organised by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, this event marked the 30th anniversary of the Aalborg Charter and the 20th anniversary of the Aalborg Commitments. The conference gathered over 1000 participants, including local and regional government leaders, policymakers, researchers, businesses, and civil society, all focused on advancing sustainability in European urban areas.
Key themes addressed at the conference included the implementation of Local Green Deals as practical applications of the EU Green Deal, the necessity for shared governance, the importance of integrated finance, and the drive for a socially inclusive and cohesive transition towards climate neutrality. The event featured plenaries, deep-dive sessions, workshops, exhibits, and networking opportunities, providing a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and shape transformative urban policies.
Aalborg2024 catalyzed reflection on three decades of progress since the first conference, resulting in the launch of the Aalborg Conditions—calling for new EU and national policies to accelerate climate neutrality, foster competitiveness, and support clean industries and jobs. The conference reinforced the pivotal role of local governments in leading Europe’s sustainable urban transformation.