About D.A.L

More than half of the world’s population lives in cities. By 2050, this will have increased to two thirds, and as more people move to cities for a better life, millions of young people are growing up in environments that struggle to meet their needs. Despite increased commitments made by global and local actors in line with Sustainable Development Goal 11, the majority of the world’s urban development fails to address the problems caused by inadequate infrastructure, urban poverty, and social exclusion. EUROSTAT data also singles out SDG 13 ‘Climate Action’ as one of the areas in need of more and faster progress. Looking at the indicators for SDG 13, the main reason for EU’s moderate advance is the need to reduce energy consumption in all its forms. An integrated approach, such as the one proposed under the mission, can contribute to mitigating this challenge where energy consumption is at its highest: urban areas.
(https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/sdi/key-findings) In cities, we often find the best of culture, healthcare, education, and opportunity, but many of these fast-growing environments are experiencing increasing and deepening inequalities. For example, cities only occupy 2 percent of the world’s total land but stand for 70 % of the global economy, 70 % of the global waste, and 70 % of greenhouse gas emissions. While this poses some challenges, one clear opportunity is to further include young people’s voices in decisionmaking processes. As a generation that to a large extent is engaged in digital spaces and are important drivers of social, economic, and political change, their active involvement is key for successful and sustainable, inclusive transformation of cities. A holistic and transformative mission for Smart Green Cities based on citizen participation especially youth and social inclusiveness, can contribute and help EU progress towards multiple SDGs. General for Research & innovation 2020 Clean Planet mission boards one of the two proposal to the European Commission for a mission on climate-neutral and smart cities is ''promoting a systemic change and transformation of cities, including via the adoption of the ‘by and for the citizens’ way of thinking and working '' .The Mission proposes a multi-level co-creation process through the introduction of a Climate City Contract. The purpose is to: Coordinate stakeholders and empower citizens in the city around a common climate goal. DREAM – ACT –LEAD Eramus+ project aims to catalyse stakeholders and drive policy change through inclusive engagement and advocacy. The initiative collaborates with young people , municipalities and/or governorships , policymakers, to nurture wellbeing and opportunity for all. The change will be driven by local-level programming and implementation together with young people.We believe that future cities will be planned in an inclusive manner, involving all citizens.