GREENgaged Citizens: European Network for Local Climate Action 

The GREEngaged Citizens meeting in Dingli, Malta (December 12–15, 2024), was a dynamic and impactful gathering that reinforced the essential role of cooperation, solidarity, and sustainability in Europe’s ecological transition. The event brought together policymakers, environmental experts, youth leaders, and civic organizations from 13 countries, fostering an exchange of best practices, policy recommendations, and innovative sustainability initiatives. Participants engaged in an intensive four-day program that blended intellectual discussions, hands-on workshops, cultural visits, and networking opportunities. The event commenced on Thursday, December 12, with the arrival and transfer of participants to their accommodation in Gzira, followed by a welcome Maltese dinner that facilitated informal networking and set the stage for collaboration. On Friday, December 13, the day began with a transfer to the Valletta Design Cluster, where the project’s objectives, expected impact, and dissemination strategies were introduced. Participants presented their backgrounds before an in-depth session on energy security, inter-municipal cooperation, and the European Green Deal, led by Mr. Tanti Shaw, Executive Secretary of Dingli. A key part of the day was the workshop on practical sustainability skills, where representatives from Portugal, Spain, Slovakia, Latvia, Greece, Slovenia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Italy, France, and Lithuania showcased successful sustainability initiatives from their municipalities, ranging from renewable energy solutions to participatory climate action programs. After a networking lunch at Nenu The Artisan Baker Restaurant, the group explored Valletta’s cultural and historical heritage through guided visits to the Co Cathedral of Saint Paul, Upper Barrakka Gardens, and the city’s Christmas markets, reinforcing the connection between cultural heritage and sustainable urban development. The day concluded with dinner and informal discussions on sustainability efforts in different European regions. On Saturday, December 14, discussions shifted to Dingli, where Mayor Raymond Schembri and Mayor Rui Ventura (Pinhel, Portugal) formally welcomed participants. Youth leader Christian Camilleri presented an overview of Dingli and Malta’s sustainability strategies, highlighting community engagement in ecological transitions. A highlight of the event was the keynote speech by Miriam Dalli, Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour, who emphasized cooperation and solidarity as key drivers of a sustainable Europe and Malta’s commitment to the European Green Deal. The morning session continued with meetings with local NGOs, including Mr. Brendan Tanti on sustainability in sports, Mr. Jeffrey Saliba on the eco-conscious approach of the Christmas Market, and the Dingli Band Club on cultural sustainability initiatives. A group visit to Dingli’s city center and lunch at Kazin Banda preceded an afternoon tour of Dingli Cliffs and Mdina, Malta’s ancient capital, providing participants with a deeper understanding of the island’s environmental and historical challenges. The day concluded with an introduction to the next meeting in Alimos, Greece (February 2025), a final evaluation session, and a farewell dinner. On Sunday, December 15, participants had breakfast, checked out, and were transferred to the Malta International Airport (MLA), marking the official conclusion of the event. It resulted in several key outcomes and tangible results, reinforcing the role of cooperation, sustainability, and community engagement in Europe’s ecological transition. The event strengthened a transnational network of policymakers, NGOs, and youth organizations, fostering new partnerships and collaborations to promote sustainability initiatives at both local and European levels. A significant output was the creation of a Handbook of Best Practices, compiling successful sustainability models from various European municipalities, including renewable energy projects, circular economy initiatives, and participatory climate action programs, serving as a reference for local governments. Participants formulated policy recommendations on energy security, participatory climate governance, and digital activism, advocating for stronger municipal cooperation and alignment with the European Green Deal. The meeting also had a strong capacity-building impact, as site visits and exchanges provided practical insights into Malta’s sustainability efforts, particularly in waste reduction, energy efficiency, and community-led environmental projects, equipping participants with replicable solutions for their own regions. Additionally, the event enhanced public awareness through media outreach, social media campaigns, and local engagement, ensuring the broader dissemination of key sustainability discussions.

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