INSIGHTS FROM THE 1ST WORKSHOP OF JUSTCLIMATE PROJECT
The inaugural workshop of the JUSTClimate Project marked a significant milestone in the journey towards a sustainable and climate-resilient future for Szombathely. Held on the 7th of May, the first workshop convened the Transition Team alongside key stakeholders from the community, setting the stage for collaborative action and meaningful engagement.
The occasion was held with the participation of ABUD’s Junior Consultant Luca Veress and Innovation Manager Balázs Kápli. The primary objective of the workshop was threefold:
(1) get to know the stakeholders and to form three working groups;
(2) map the activities associated with the stakeholders that contribute to the GHG emissions of the city – the end result will be a GHG inventory for the Climate City Contract;
(3) talk about the current and future problems the organizations are experiencing caused by the GHG emissions – and after this, start to set out for a vision for the future.
One of the key tasks of the workshop was to map the activities that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions within the realms of the municipality. Participants also talked about the current and future challenges caused by GHG emissions (mainly, climate change). Conversations ranged from identifying outdated technologies to discussing the impacts of rising energy costs and the need for greater public awareness. Through these exchanges, participants sought to not only understand the current landscape but also envision transformative pathways forward.
These working groups represent a vital mechanism for channeling diverse expertise and perspectives towards a common goal. The engagement and enthusiasm exhibited by stakeholders underscored the collective commitment to addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change. Looking ahead, the momentum generated by the 1st workshop sets the stage for further progress. The upcoming workshop, scheduled for mid-June, will delve into climate-neutral best practices from cities and organizations, offering valuable insights and inspiration for action.
About JUSTClimate project
At its core, JUSTClimate represents a commitment to democratizing climate governance and fostering inclusive, participatory decision-making. Inspired by the success of innovation ateliers in the ATELIER project, JUSTClimate aims to establish a transition arena in Szombathely—a collaborative platform where stakeholders from all sectors converge to co-create solutions for decarbonization.
Central to the project’s approach is the integration of network governance and reflective co-monitoring, ensuring that the transition towards sustainability is just and equitable. Through climate policy workshops, co-innovation sessions, and the establishment of a citizen observatory, JUSTClimate seeks to empower local citizens, NGOs, industry players, and academic institutions to collectively shape the future of their city.
Photos © Kata Lutor, Municipality of Szombathely
