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Shaping the future – the renewal of the UBC Strategy
Shaping the future – the renewal of the UBC Strategy 2022–2030
by Esther Kreutz| esther.kreutz@ubc.net
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As we all know, 2021 marks the 30th anniversary of our network. The world has changed immensely in the past 30 years and even more, it seems, in the past 12 months of the current global pandemic. A good time to look back, reflect and build on our experiences to continue developing an active and agile organization, meeting the needs of our member cities in the future.
In the end of 2021 also our current UBC strategy expires and calls for an update and renewal in the light of the current situation in this world, reflecting the reality for our member cities and our region and to look ahead to the next years to come: what kind of network do we want to be in 2030? What is our purpose today and in the future? How can we work together more efficiently – inside and outside of the organization? And how can we be flexible, adaptive and yes, also resilient in times of change as an organization?
To answer these questions and to work on a renewal of the strategy, the Executive Board decided in October 2020 to install a task force, including representatives from all commissions, task forces and working groups, the General Secretariat, the presidium as well as some national coordinators, representing member cities.
The task force works with and follows closely the development of the UBC Sustainability Action Programme and the UBC Gender Equality strategy, to ensure the streamlining of our efforts for the whole organization.
After benchmarking other city networks in Europe and creating a basis through existing documents and surveys, we have so far been carrying out two interactive online workshops. With the use of collaborative tools, we discussed and developed an updated vision and mission for the network and discussed focus and directions, proposed new ways of working and cooperation – internally and externally. The work is ongoing still and there will be an open consultation process for all member cities of the network before the strategy will be presented and adopted at the XVI General conference in October this year.
With any questions or remarks to the strategy work, please get in touch!
