At the end of March 2026, the Department of Technology and Society at LTH, together with K2 – The Swedish Knowledge Centre for Collective Mobility, and with support from the Unit for External Engagement and Development at LTH, successfully concluded the on-site module in Lund as part of the Swedish Institute–funded capacity development programme “Developing a Sustainable Transport System from a Rights-Based Perspective.”
Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, and participant of the programme, Mr Serhiy Derkach.
The week combined academic input with practical learning. The Ukrainian transport professionals visited Malmö and Helsingborg to observe Swedish approaches to urban mobility, public transport, and local governance, complemented by discussions with local politicians from Lund, Malmö and Helsingborg.
Deputy Mayor of the City of Lund, Mr Rasmus Törnblom, welcoming the delegation to Lund.
A key focus was participants’ individual projects, developed throughout the programme and addressing rights-based and sustainable transport solutions in Ukraine. These range from national policy work on e-mobility and charging infrastructure to local initiatives such as circular and solar-powered public transport concepts. During a dedicated working day in Lund, participants received feedback from Swedish mentors representing Trafikverket, Region Skåne, Trivector, City of Malmö, and Lund Municipality, alongside Ukrainian mentors within the Executive Mentorship Programme as well as other prominent experts from LTH.
A parallel Executive Mentorship Programme strengthens long-term outcomes by equipping Ukrainian mentors with enhanced mentoring skills. Mentors participate in the full programme alongside tailored sessions focused on capacity building.
Beyond formal sessions, the week balanced open discussion, reflection, and more creative workshops, creating space for both critical exchange and idea development. Swedish case studies were particularly appreciated, offering concrete examples of long-term planning and integrated solutions in practice. Discussions provided a grounded perspective on implementation, with participants highlighting the time, consistency, and institutional trust required to achieve similar developments in Ukraine. Rather than discouraging, this reinforced the importance of resilience and gradual progress.
A strong outcome of the week was the emergence of a new professional network, with participants building connections that will support continued collaboration beyond the programme. Overall, the module strengthened both knowledge and motivation to contribute to meaningful transformation in Ukraine.
One participant reflected: “The on-site module highlighted the importance of a systemic approach, knowledge exchange, and international collaboration for implementing sustainable transport solutions.”
Strengthening International Partnerships in Railway Transport
In the same week, LTH had the pleasure of hosting a delegation from Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways). This visit, coordinated by the Unit for Projects and Development, built on a previous delegation visit in November 2025 and aimed to deepen collaboration through knowledge exchange and shared learning.
The delegation visited Trafikverksskolan, where they gained insight into Swedish training methodologies and explored opportunities for future cooperation in education and skills development. Researchers from the Division of Transport and Roads at LTH, also presented their ongoing research and provided an overview of the Swedish railway system. Despite differences in context, discussions revealed many shared challenges and opportunities, reinforcing the value of continued collaboration.
The visit also included a study trip to Copenhagen, where participants explored the metro system, visited the control centre at Metroselskabet, and engaged in discussions with Banedanmark. These exchanges further highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing complex transport challenges.
The delegation from Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways) together with LTH representatives.
Looking Ahead: Dissemination and Continued Engagement
The next major milestone for the programme “Developing a Sustainable Transport System from a Rights-Based Perspective” is the final dissemination conference, which will take place in Kyiv on 27–28 May 2026. The conference will provide a platform for participants to present their project outcomes, receive feedback from experts and stakeholders, and engage with a broader network of professionals.
As the programme approaches its conclusion, it is clear that it has not only supported individual project development, but also contributed to strengthening professional networks and institutional links between Sweden and Ukraine in the field of sustainable transport.
Pictures by: Johan Persson.
Read about previous activities in the scope of the programme here.
On 3–5 November 2025, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister for the Development of Communities and Territories, Serhiy Derkach, visited Lund and the Faculty of Engineering (LTH) at Lund University. The visit took place within the Swedish Institute–funded capacity development programme Developing a Sustainable Transport System from a Rights-Based Perspective, financed under the SI Ukraine Cooperation Programme. Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure, Andreas Carlson, also participated during the visit.
Coordinated by LTH’s Unit for External Engagement and Development, the visit highlighted the growing collaboration between LTH and the Ukrainian ministry and supported joint planning of next steps and broader cooperation. The delegation took part in study visits to the Lund University School of Aviation, meetings with Volvo Trucks, Scania, Saab ATM, and Trafikverksskolan, a training centre administered by the Swedish Transport Administration.
Key outcomes included the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Swedish Transport Administration and Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways), industry meetings with Scania and Volvo, and a demonstration by Saab. The delegation also visited the Lund University School of Aviation and learned about LUPREP (Centre for Preparedness and Resilience), a Lund University cross-faculty initiative focusing on total defence and resilience.
Discussions at LTH focused on future cooperation, including continued capacity development and plans for a competence centre in Ukraine inspired by K2. LTH and the ministry have since developed Terms of Reference for the centre, which are soon being presented to potential partners in Stockholm, Sweden.
Background and programme development
The collaboration began in 2023, when Aliaksei Laureshyn, Head of the Transport and Roads Division at the Department of Technology and Society (LTH), lectured in a Vision Zero course organised by the Swedish Transport Administration, which included Ukrainian participants.
Strong engagement from Ukrainian officials and their interest in the scientific foundations of Swedish road safety approaches led to further dialogue with LTH. In late 2023, Deputy Minister Derkach met with Aliaksei Laureshyn and Jessica Hansson from the Unit for External Engagement and Development at LTH. This meeting laid the foundation for a joint application to the SI’s Ukraine Cooperation Programme in spring 2024. Funding was granted later that year, and the programme launched its first training activities in June 2025.
Programme focus and participants
The programme runs during 2025–2026 and is implemented by the Department of Technology and Society at LTH, in partnership with K2 – the National Knowledge Centre for Collective Mobility and Ukraine’s Ministry for Communities and Territorial Development, with support from the Unit for External Engagement and Development at LTH.
The programme targets Ukrainian public officials and decision-makers working with transport planning, policy development, mobility, and accessibility. The aim is to strengthen institutional capacity and support Ukraine’s alignment with EU regulations and standards as part of its EU integration process.
It emphasises the links between transport systems and fundamental human rights, including health, safety, equality, and sustainability. Focus areas include road infrastructure, transport planning, public transport, active mobility, road safety, and human rights in transport.
Looking ahead
The visit created opportunities for mutual learning and dialogue around shared challenges and development priorities.
Programme participants of Developing a Sustainable Transport System from a Rights-Based Perspective, including the Deputy Minister, will return to Lund for further training activities on 23–27 March 2026. The partners also plan to hold the programme’s final dissemination conference in Kyiv in May 2026, which also aims serve as a starting point for new joint initiatives and long-term cooperation.
Over the past year, the Rights-Based Climate Adaptation in Armenia and Georgia programme has brought together public sector professionals from both countries to strengthen climate adaptation through human rights and gender equality perspectives. Supported by the Swedish Institute, the programme is a collaboration between the Division of Risk Management and Societal Safety at LTH, Lund University, the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Lund University Commissioned Education (LUCE), and the Unit for External Engagement and Development at LTH.
The programme builds on a key message from the Paris Agreement: climate action must respect and promote human rights, health, gender equality, and the needs of vulnerable groups. The focus has been on translating this commitment into practical public sector action.
Learning across sectors and borders
Because climate change cuts across sectors, the programme brought together professionals working in climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, sustainable development, human rights, and gender equality.
Through three on-site workshops, self-directed learning, and online exchanges, participants worked with the Framework for Integrating Rights and Equality (FIRE) to develop practical tools for use in their own institutional contexts.
A key output has been the development of Country Profiles, identifying priority areas where rights-based climate adaptation can reduce exposure and vulnerability. These were presented at final events with ministries and other stakeholders to support further implementation.
Programme journey
The programme ran from May 2024 to September 2025, combining online learning with in-person collaboration.
Applications were open between February and April 2024, followed by a digital introduction phase in May. In September 2024, participants met in Tbilisi to identify national priority areas. Online modules (September 2024 – January 2025) led to draft Country Profiles presented in Yerevan.
Between January and August 2025, participants finalised Country Profiles and action plans, including SMART indicators, alongside a programme event in Georgia. The programme concluded in September 2025 with stakeholder meetings in Yerevan and Tbilisi, bringing together representatives from government, academia, the private sector, and international organisations to discuss implementation and future financing.
This blended learning approach enabled participants to combine conceptual learning with direct application in their professional contexts.
From learning to impact
As one participant reflected:
“The programme successfully combined conceptual clarity with practical applicability, significantly enhancing participants’ capacity to approach climate adaptation from a rights-based perspective.”
Upon completion, the programme has strengthened participants’ ability to apply rights-based approaches to climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction in their daily work, while also enabling them to share knowledge and influence practices within their organisations.
At the organisational level, the development of Country Profiles and action plans has created concrete entry points for implementation, policy development, and future funding opportunities. The programme has also strengthened awareness of how human rights and gender equality can be systematically integrated into climate adaptation work, supported by continued capacity development using the FIRE methodology.
At the broader level, the programme contributes to ongoing national efforts to integrate human rights into climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction. By supporting more inclusive decision-making processes, improved access to information, and stronger protection against climate-related risks, the programme contributes to building more resilient societies.
The reports published by the Raoul Wallenberg Institute here are not endpoints, but serve as springboards for continued collaboration, policy development, and implementation.
Looking ahead
Public sector organisations are increasingly required to address complex challenges with limited resources, making cross-sector collaboration essential. By strengthening capacity to integrate rights and equality into climate adaptation, programmes like this contribute to more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient societies.
As climate impacts intensify, ensuring adaptation measures are equitable and rights-based is essential for achieving long-term sustainable development.
Pictures taken by Seryozha Arakelyan/RA Ministry of Environment, and Lund University.
We are thrilled to present two of our driven participants from the capacity-building programme New Welfare Services – Sustainable Service Design as a Driver for Regional Development. In the video below, they share their achievements and insights, reflecting how the programme has transformed their approach to service delivery.
As government officials in the Lake Victoria region of Africa, they have embraced the concept of service delivery as a powerful tool for regional development. Their stories highlight the potential of service design in fostering sustainable change.
We invite you to watch the video and be inspired by their journey!
Lilian Kobugabe Rwomushana, participant in the programme on New Welfare Services speaks in front of the group.
“It has given me a different perspective, especially on service delivery,” says Lilian Kobugabe Rwomushana about her experiences in the capacity-building programme New Welfare Services – Sustainable Service Design as a Driver for Regional Development. Filmed during the last day of the programme in Entebbe, Uganda, she reflects, along with others, on how the programme has been.” Watch the film below!
The programme aimed at empowering professionals from the African countries surrounding Lake Victoria and emphasized sustainable services and service design as pivotal tools for regional development. Our participants included representatives from various public sector entities, such as national ministries, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and the Lake Victoria Basin Commission.
We invite you to watch this short film featuring insights from Professor Christer Eldh, participant Lilian Kobugabe Rwomushana, and participant Nicholas Kafeero, who share their experiences and the impact of the programme.
Bernadett Kiss and Björn Wickenberg, lecturers in the programme “Innovation in Governance for Urban Nature-based Solutions”. Photo: Johan Persson.
In the face of accelerating urbanization, tightening carbon emission constraints, and increasing extreme weather events, addressing global challenges requires a paradigm shift in governance. The complexity and uncertainty of these issues call for collective action, ongoing dialogue, and collaboration among all stakeholders to find the best possible solutions. The professional training ‘Innovation in Governance for Urban Nature-based Solutions’ from Lund University aims to enhance the capacity of individuals and organizations to innovate and adapt.
The programme specifically targets professionals in public administrations in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, focusing on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) innovations to meet future challenges embodied by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Strengthening participants’ transformative leadership skills for innovation and sustainable urban governance in these regions is at the core of the programme.
Emphasizes shared responsibility and accountability
Transformative leadership is a relational process that builds up leadership skills within and between individuals and organizations to form a community of change-makers who collaboratively address complex sustainability challenges. It requires transparent communication, trust-building, alignment of interests and accountability, and a shared learning experience. As Bernadett Kiss concludes, “Our goal is to create a community of leaders who are equipped to address the pressing issues of our time with innovation, resilience, and a commitment to sustainable change.”
Within the transformative leadership modules of the programme, participants work together in diverse groups to design common visions and work toward negotiated and shared goals. The process emphasizes shared responsibility and accountability, with the commitment to do everything to achieve the vision.
“Transformative leadership involves not only jointly working toward a vision but also the commitment to do everything to achieve that vision. It only works if everybody is authentically engaged and takes responsibility for their respective role,” Bernadett Kiss notes.
“Transformative leadership is a collective and participatory approach. It focuses on identifying the needed change, creating a narrative to guide the change, and inspiring collective, creative, and committed action to execute the desired change”, explains lecturer Bernadett Kiss. Photo: Johan Persson.
Empowering participants to challenge existing structures and views
The programme’s workshops are practice-oriented, enriched with role-playing and simulations, and grounded in the Inner Development Goals (IDGs), as well as the work of esteemed researchers on transformational leadership.
“We conclude our workshops with reflection sessions, where we often hear feedback from participants that this is how the world should be, even though it’s not their current reality. Bridging the gap between course and reality involves transformative skill-building, empowering participants to challenge existing structures and views, stand up for their values, and take decisive actions,” Bernadett Kiss adds.
“Sustainable change is hard to achieve without the unique and diverse skills of each individual in their teams,” says Björn Wickenberg, another lecturer in the programme, also researcher at IIIEE, Lund University. “Individuals must challenge and transform their ways of being and thinking, relating and collaborating, as well as acting and leading.”
“The overall goal of transformative leadership within an organization is to develop teams that are intrinsically motivated to collaborate toward a sustainable transformation for the benefit of all stakeholders,” Björn Wickenberg emphasizes. Photo: Johan Persson.
Goal to inspire motivation and commitment among stakeholders
The process of transformation involves a shift in mindset, behaviour, systems, and culture to create sustainable outcomes that align with the evolving needs and aspirations of individuals, organizations, and communities. It requires a new type of leadership that can articulate a compelling vision for the future, inspire motivation and commitment among stakeholders, and navigate through uncertainty and resistance.
“Transformative leadership delves into underlying beliefs, values, and norms to effect lasting change. It’s about being open to experimenting and learning, and continuously improving, and having the courage to confront obstacles and setbacks along the way,” Björn Wickenberg explains.
Films where participants reflect on transformative leadership and their own role in the future
About the programme
“Innovation in Governance for Urban Nature-based solutions” is coordinated by IIIEE in collaboration with guest teachers from various departments at Lund University and in partnership with international organizations. It is delivered with the support of LUCE, the department at Lund University focusing on professional development and capacity development programmes.
Bernadett Kiss, teacher in the programme, speaks in front of the participants. Photo: Johan Persson.
At the end of April, we had the pleasure of welcoming our current participants in the programme “Innovation in Governance for Urban Nature-based Solutions” to a packed week in Lund and Malmö.
The participants, hailing from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Ukraine, are urban practioners directly involved in change-making processes and city planning. During their yearlong studies at Lund University they have had the opportunity to further develop their skills and capacities when it comes to facilitating long-term transformations toward sustainability.
Lots of laughter was heard during a first ice-breaker exercise. Photo: Johan Persson.Photo: Johan PerssonOla Mattisson from Lund University School of Economics and Management was there the first day to talk about how to make a good pitch. Photo: Johan PerssonAlexandra Hertz from LUCE introduces the participants to Sweden and Lund University. Photo: Johan Persson.
Another day at the beginning of the week, the participants had a workshop together with guest lecturer Renata Varga, who introduced them to agile teamworking. This was something that triggered a lot of reflection and discussion and seemed to be useful.
In the background Renata Varga, holding a session for the participants on agile teamworking. Photo: Emma HolmFrom the agile session. Photo: Emma HolmFrom the agile session. Photo: Emma HolmFrom the agile session. Photo: Emma Holm
Strengthening participants’ transformative leadership skills for innovation and sustainable urban governance in larger cities and towns in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Ukraine is at the core of the programme. So, the next day it was time for a reflection session on transformational leadership. A leadership that not only addresses surface-level issues, but also delves into underlying beliefs, values and norms to effect lasting change.
From the reflection session on transformational leadership. Photo: Emma HolmFrom the reflection session on transformational leadership. Photo: Emma HolmFrom the reflection session on transformational leadership. Photo: Emma Holm
In the afternoon they went on a study visit to the Western Harbour in Malmö, where lots of inspiration was taken when it comes to urban nature-based solutions. Other happenings during the week were a guest lecture at Malmö University with Mathilda Rosengren, Postdoc, Institute for Urban Research and a study visit to Augustenborg EcoCity and the Green Roof Institute. Also, they got a guest lecture about the Brunnshög project with Eva Dalman, project leader at Lund municipality and a field trip at Brunnshög, with Ib Rosvall, community planner at Lund municipality.
All those study visits demanded some reflection, so on Thursday afternoon a reflection session was held at Bricks in Lund, which included a lot of group activities.
Photo: Emma HolmPhoto: Emma HolmPhoto: Emma HolmPhoto: Emma HolmPhoto: Emma HolmPhoto: Emma Holm
Last, but not least, it was time for the big day of the participants’ change project presentations and discussions on the way forward. It was truly inspiring to listen to them all! Now we are looking forward to following their continued work and wish them the best of luck.
Photo: Emma HolmPhoto: Emma HolmPhoto: Johan Persson
A collage from one of the teams' change project, where the purpose is to enhance the capacity of local actors in co-designing inclusive public spaces and services.
Last week marked the culmination of another successful year for the “Innovation and Co-design for Sustainable, Resilient and Inclusive Public Spaces and Services (CIPSS)” programme.
Participants from Indonesia, North Macedonia and Turkey came together for the digital final conference, sharing remarkable insights from their change projects aimed at fostering more inclusive and accessible cities and municipalities. These initiatives have been instrumental in supporting vulnerable groups and communities, including Roma children, elders with Alzheimer’s, and disadvantaged women.
Johanna Alkan Olsson, programme director, reflects, “It’s truly inspiring to witness the tangible impact of these projects. Strengthening city officials and stakeholders to create spaces where individuals in need receive support and empowerment from their communities lies at the heart of our mission.”
One participant, Burcu Önenç from Turkey, shares some feedback received from a woman after the implementation of his group’s change project. “I feel better, more valuable, safer, and more visible in the city.” Her words encapsulate the profound difference these initiatives are making in people’s lives.
From North Macedonia, another participant highlights the intergenerational collaboration that took place through her group’s change project: “It was incredible to witness young school children and the elderly from the Red Cross working together in Galichica National Park. By fostering a love for nature and environmental awareness, we’re not only making the park more accessible but also laying the groundwork for sustainable initiatives that will benefit generations to come.”
Young school children working together with the elderly in National Park Galichica in North Macedonia.
Looking ahead, participants are eager to leverage the network forged during the CIPSS programme to continue developing impactful projects.
Together with CIPSS Indonesia mentors Sylvia Yazid and Unang Mulkhan, they initially visited three CIPSS participant cities: Pekanbaru, Yogyakarta, and Denpasar. Their purpose was to meet the participants and learn about their change projects within the programme, as well as engage with mayors, local politicians, and other stakeholders.
Gift exchange in Pekanbaru with the head of public space department.Gift exchange with the head of the social department in Yogyakarta. The head was an alumnus of the second batch of CIPSS.
Between February 23rd and 25th, participants from the three cities, along with programme mentors, teachers, and team coaches, convened in Ubud (Bali) for a midterm workshop. The workshop aimed to discuss the progress of the teams’ change projects and prepare for the upcoming final conference in April, which will include participants from Turkey and North Macedonia.
The Pekanbaru team focuses on creating inclusive public spaces. They are redesigning an urban park to be more accessible to disabled, elderly, and child-friendly users, integrating it as a digital learning point for climate change.
Visiting park in Pekanbaru.
The Yogyakarta team is dedicated to disability rights and public services. Their project involves creating a platform to enhance work opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Yogyakarta team explaining their change project on the rights of persons with disabilities.Yogyakarta team presents their change project during the midterm workshop.
The Denpasar team is working on inclusive public transportation, with a specific emphasis on persons with disabilities. They are co-designing bus stops to improve accessibility for disabled individuals.
Denpasar team explains their ongoing change project to the other teams in Indonesia.Visiting public transport stops in Denpasar with the Denpasar team.
“The midterm workshop in Ubud proved to be inspiring and encouraging. Despite significant financial, political, and cultural challenges, individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, languages, disciplines, ages, and genders are passionately contributing to more sustainable and rights-based urban development, with a focus on vulnerable groups. It was evident that urban citizens (right-holders) are increasingly demanding involvement in decision-making processes and co-designing public services and spaces, rather than waiting for “good politicians” to act on their behalf”, says Ilhami Alkan Olsson.
Caroline Mwebaze works with the Uganda Government in the Ministry of Water and Environment as a Senior Hydrologist in the Directorate of Water Resources Management.
This programme focuses on sustainable services for the East Africa Great Lakes Region and aims at highlighting sustainable service design and management as a tool for regional development. It is provided by the department of Service Studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences at Lund University and Entebbe International University in Uganda, with support from the department for commissioned education at Lund University. Meet Caroline Mwebaze, a Senior Hydrologist from the Ministry of Water and Environment in Uganda, currently enrolled in the programme.
Interview with Caroline Mwebaze
Please tell me a little bit about your workplace, the Ministry of Water and Environment in Uganda. What’s the overall goal of the organization, and what do you do in your department?
“Uganda’s natural resource base is one of the richest and most diverse in Africa. People’s livelihoods are inextricably linked to sound natural resource management and both water and land are basic resources for virtually all socio-economic activities. Because of the significance of agriculture to rural livelihoods, water and land are the most important assets for many households. The role of the Ministry of Water and Environment is to ensure ‘Sound management and sustainable utilisation of Water and Environment resources for the betterment of the population of Uganda.’ The Ministry’s mandate is to promote rational and sustainable utilisation, development and effective management of water and environment resources for socio-economic development of the country.
The Directorate of Water Resources Management (DWRM) where I work is responsible for managing and developing water resources of the country in an integrated and sustainable manner for availability of water of adequate quantity and quality for all social and economic needs”.
What attracted you to apply to our programme?
“Uganda is located in a Trans-boundary water system, with the river Nile both as an upstream and downstream state. 98% of the country area is within the Nile Basin and about 70% of the country’s renewable water resources are externally generated. The complexity of managing transboundary water resources, in this context, therefore becomes critical and the need for strengthening regional collaboration is a matter of necessity. The aspects of this programme, that target enhancing regional development, therefore attracted my attention. My career goal is to contribute to improving community livelihoods through maximising benefit from sustainable management of our shared water and environment resources”.
Please describe the relevance of the programme when it comes to your work and what you want to accomplish.
“With rapid population growth and improving living standards, the pressure on Uganda’s water resources is increasing and per capita availability is reducing day by day. Spatial and temporal variability in precipitation is another challenge and the country faces increasing occurrences of floods, landslides and droughts. DWRM undertakes specific area water resources quantity and quality monitoring, develops plans and regulates allocation to different uses to ensure its ability to adequately meet all current and future needs. Further effort is put on helping different stakeholders to comply with the regulations on water use and development to eliminate over exploitation and conflict. This programme has awakened a new perspective to our work to ensure compliance in water use in form of abstraction, waste discharge and to prevent degradation and water related hazards. In this, we are serving the people of Uganda as our clients and the scientific results which are the basis for decisions on water/ecosystem management and development need to be packaged for the client to easily understand and attach value at their different levels in a way that relates well with their ecosystem (life, situations, activities, and needs). DWRM becomes more relevant to such communities and the ultimate goal will be achieved.”
What challenges do you hope to be able to act on after completing the programme?
“Scientific results remain abstract to the lowest level stakeholders, yet they have a big role in the protection of our water resources and sensitive ecosystems because they derive their livelihoods directly from them. I hope to develop a tool that will be used to package scientific results in a way that strengthens the service offering of DWRM from the client’s point of view. The tool will enhance inclusiveness and position communities to demand cooperate action from each other and their leaders from appreciation that the common value they get from protecting ecosystems is much more than their individual benefits. It will focus on our responsibility for their well-being as clients and DWRM as the service provider and custodian of the common good that has to ensure client satisfaction and continued patronage/commitment to protect the water resources and associated ecosystems through value co-creation.”
How do you benefit from the network you are now a part of?
“This programme presents a platform to share approaches, strategies and ideas that address the general water resources management challenge, which is a responsibility of everyone at all levels. Through this network, practical experiences are shared and ways to navigate around complex aspects of sustainable service design are discussed. The programme brings together players from different fields and countries in the region that facilitates learning from the regional successes and challenges. The aspects of possible collaboration are also made easy”.
What are the greatest insights that you brought with you from the programme, so far?
“Appreciation that a public organization or institution like DWRM should view the general public as clients with its service targeting to satisfy their needs. Prior to my involvement in the New Welfare Services programme, I viewed myself as a manager and regulator seeking compliance from the people without necessarily considering their ecosystem or satisfaction from the service of my institution. The programme has changed my perspective from presenting our organization to the public to presenting the public to the organisation, with a focus on satisfying their needs through providing valued service. This approach could be the game changer to achieve adoption by stakeholders and trigger social action against ecosystem degradation”.
At last, how do you see the future in The Great Lakes region? What is your vision?
“The pressure on the Great Lakes region’s water and related resources still remains a big challenge. The frequent recurrence of extreme weather events (floods and droughts) and increasingly erratic rainfall are a big challenge to the management of the region’s water resources. This notwithstanding, platforms like this provided by Lund University and the Swedish Institute, go a long way to tackle the challenge. Together with everybody on the hydrological path, I envisage improved community livelihoods and enhanced resilience to climate change impacts through shared benefits from services and products made available by sustainable management of our water resources”.
Amidst the urban challenges of our time, the imperative for innovative solutions has never been more pressing. The recent two-day live session in our programme ‘Innovation in Governance for Urban Nature-based Solutions’ brought together a dynamic cohort eager to explore the transformative potential of Nature-based Solutions (NBS). Against the backdrop of an urban landscape grappling with environmental and socio-economic complexities, this capacity-building programme seeks to empower public administrations to lead change and innovation.
In our live session, held on 20-21 November, we were joined by guest lecturer Dora Almassy, who is active in the Urban Nature Atlas project. With its collection of over 1000 case studies, the project is considered to be the most comprehensive database of urban nature-based solutions to date. This makes it a highly relevant and valuable resource for participants in the NBS programme.
During the session the participants engaged in insightful conversations on various topics, including which challenges can be addressed through NBS, the different methods of implementation through governance arrangements and the role that stakeholders hold in this process. The Urban Nature Atlas was used to give real life examples of NBS innovation in practice and the participants got to explore and analyse examples of Nature-based Solutions that they themselves had chosen prior to the session.
A key aspect of the live session was the importance of Nature-based Solutions addressing multiple sorts of challenges, both environmental and socioeconomic as well as the value of creative solutions in the implementation process. One example that the participants got to discuss was Hamburg’s Green Roof Strategy where the objective was not to create green roofs but instead create a long-term strategy with the goal of enabling and motivating different actors to implement green roofs by themselves. This was achieved through creating new legislation, offering consultation and implementing subsidies to cover up to 60% of installation costs.
When discussing the role of stakeholders, one participant concluded that: “A difficult aspect of NBS is involving communities in our home countries, and therefore it is inspiring and fascinating to hear of examples where projects have succeeded in this aspect, particularly when it comes to communities with challenging target groups such as elderly”.
The participants all seem to have completed the live session feeling more inspired than before, and ready to soon be taking on their own NBS projects.
About the programme
The purpose of the twelve-month programme “Innovation in Governance for Urban Nature-based Solutions” is to strengthen the capacity for innovation and sustainable governance among public administrations that govern major cities. In particular, building capacity in the areas of transformational ability and leadership, and innovation in management.
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