As cities expand, demand for mobility continues to rise. However, with most cities still relying heavily on cars as the critical means of transportation, the logical effects of growing cities are increased pressure on roads, decreasing street safety, intensified disputes over public space, as well as more congestion, emissions and air pollution. With quality of living deteriorating, especially for vulnerable groups, we also see negative effects on democratic processes, posing an even more severe threat to cities. But even though we know the solution, change is happening too slow. This session aims to explore and debate concrete initiatives to foster collective action at ground level aiming to transform the streets, re-signify spaces and places by co-designing and co-implementing changes in urban space with citizens and key stakeholders. This discussion will include some key points on the just transition path that we need to adopt in order to leave no one behind.

Organiser:

• Giannis Karaseitanidis, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS)

Moderator:

• Evangelia Latsa, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems ICCS

Speakers:

• Anna Antonakopoulou, ICCS
• Erszebet Foldesi, MBE
• Vanesa Holve, ICLEI Europe
• Alan Raposo, International Federation of Pedestrians-research (IFP-r)