After the first SDG workshop, in line with the cascade and capacity building pursued by the LADDER project, two more workshops have taken place, following up on topics related to SDGs, awareness raising and empowerment of local stakeholders. The National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB) and Union of Rural Communes of the Republic of Poland (URC P) – LADDER partners – have implemented the workshops.

NAMRB implemented its workshop in Albena, Bulgaria on 15th October. The event saw the presentation of the SDGs and dealt specifically with SDG 7 – Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, SDG 9 – Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation, SDG 13 – Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

The municipalities of Gabrovo, Chepelare, Kardzhali and Bratsigovo shared their good practices for sustainable development with the participants. One good practice that was presented is the practice of “zero” energy consumption buildings, or the equipment of municipal buildings with photovoltaics to supply them with green energy. Eventually, Mrs. Petya Valova presented the project “Common future through development education”, which is supported by LADDER’s Re-granting Scheme. She underlined the importance of the healthy live and well-being of all and the sustainable management of forests (SDG 3 and 15). The exchange of specific methodologies and practices was considered by all participants as the most powerful instrument for reaching every common cause. The promotion of SDGs combined with methods of implementation proved to be the way forward.

The SDG workshop coordinated by URC Poland took place in Rawa Mazowiecka, Poland. For the synergy effect it was combined with the Congress of Rural Municipalities of the Republic of Poland on 19th and 20th October 2017. This way the workshop reached a wider public and mayors from rural areas, experts, top Polish politicians, presidents of municipal councils were present. The workshop presented the results and activities carried out in Poland so far by LADDER and DEAR: trainings (EU, national, local level), development of a board game, focus group, job shadowing activity and the LADDER Tool Fair (May 2017). A point of discussion was the potential follow up of initiatives in rural communities, but also about the way the DEAR method can be an effective way of complementary development in rural communities and building social capital. A very successful event in the frame of this national Congress of Rural Municipalities.

More SDG workshops are going to be implemented by LADDER partners, all with the same goal: raise awareness and spread the message of the 17 SDGs. Stay tuned to know more!

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