IMAGE: ICLEI Europe

Associazione Amici del Nidiaci in Oltrarno Onlus, Florence (Italy) was honoured today with a special mention by the jury of the 2018 Transformative Action Award for their work on the inclusion and integration of immigrant families in their local community. The special mention came in advance of the award ceremony, which will take place on 15 November in Brussels (Belgium).

 

The Europe-wide sustainability award, co-organised by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, the Basque Country, and the City of Aalborg (Denmark), rewards ongoing or concluded Transformative Actions that use the 15 pathways outlined in the Basque Declaration to bring about socio-cultural, socio-economic, and technological transformation of societies.

 

From a strong field of 40 entrants, the jury, which is comprised of representatives of the Committee of the Regions, the European Investment Bank, ICLEI Europe, UNESCO Etxea and the City of Aalborg (Denmark), has decided to reward Associazione Amici del Nidiaci with a special mention in appreciation of their project, which uses sustainability to help integrate migrants into their local community.

 

“Associazione Amici del Nidiaci deserves special recognition for their transformative action which focuses on the integration and inclusion of immigrant families in their local community,” said Cor Lamers. “I congratulate them for their inspiring action which shows that through diversity, our communities grow stronger and more sustainable.”

 

His words were echoed by fellow jury member, Wolfgang Teubner, who said: "Associazione Amici del Nidiaci's Transformative Action presents an inspiring, sustainable solution to a social challenge cities are now commonly facing. Their action creates real local value and impact, reflecting that our responsibility does not end at national borders.''

 

The winner of the 2018 Transformative Action Award will be revealed at an award ceremony on 15 November at the European Committee of the Regions. The ceremony receives additional support from the European Investment Bank.

 

The shortlisted candidates for the 2018 award include: the City of Bologna (Italy), for entering into collaborative pacts with their citizens to increase civic engagement and regenerate urban commons; the City of Ghent (Belgium), for seeking to transform the city’s local food system through participative governance models; and the City of Tirana (Albania), for increasing urban green space around the city, to counteract urban sprawl.

 

For more information and to learn more about the work of Associazione Amici del Nidiaci, click here.

 

 

 

Cities involved:

 

• Firenze
• Associazione Amici del Nidiaci