EUROCITIES
With over 135 member-cities from all over Europe, the EUROCITIES network serves as a ready made network of partners for transnational projects, and up to date policy service, ensuring that we are able to influence policy at the right time and with a strong voice.
Our joint membership of the network with Newcastle City Council enables us to shape emerging European policy as it impacts on cities and urban areas.
In line with our key focus areas, we will seek to concentrate our focus on the following Eurocities Forums:
• Environment
• Culture
• Economic Development
Newcastle City Council leads our partnership work with the Social Affairs Forum, and we will continue to work with NCC on sharing information and exchange of experience from the network.
In 2010 Gateshead and Newcastle will also host the Eurocities Cooperation Platform, and we will explore the options for becoming members of the Eurocities Executive Committee and for hosting an Annual general meeting in the 2010-13 period.
www.eurocities.eu|
URBACT II: RUnUP
Gateshead is currently Lead Partner in an URBACT II programme thematic network – RunUP ‘Role of Universities for Economic Development in Urban Poles’. The project looks at how the relationship between universities, public and private sector organisations can be strengthened to boost innovation and economic development in small and medium sized cities. As lead partner Gateshead are coordinating the work of 8 other European Cities from Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Poland, Sweden, Portugal and Greece.
www.urbact.eu/runup
Learning and Cultural Exchanges
Sharing learning internationally brings many benefits both for individuals taking part and in the exchange of experiences and good practice they provide on return from exchanges by sharing expertise and good practice learned. Schools based activity in particular provides the opportunity for life-changing activities that can release creative potential and break down barriers and myths.
Learning exchanges currently taking place include:
-TIPD – Teachers International Professional Development
-School exchanges
-Lifelong learning exchanges