Sustainable territorial and local development

The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) hosted the "Harnessing Skills in Rural Areas" event to address the pressing need for digitalisation and sustainable development in rural regions. This event aimed to shift the paradigm, considering rural areas not as isolated territories but as integral components of a broader continuum linked to urban centres. It underscored the pivotal role of Local and Regional Governments in elevating the needs of rural areas in the political agenda. During the event, CEMR also announced the launch of the Impact Community for Territorial Cohesion.

The "Harnessing Skills in Rural Areas" event brought together diverse stakeholders interested in rural development. It occurred within the context of the Rural Pact, an initiative launched in 2021 by the European Commission as part of its Long-Term Vision for the EU's rural areas. The Rural Pact is a collaborative framework, that fosters cooperation among public authorities, civil society, businesses, academia, and citizens at the European, national, regional, and local levels.