Coimbra's selection represents international recognition of the city's transformation strategy and an opportunity to strengthen its European standing as a hub for knowledge, innovation, health, and sustainability. Participation will allow for skill enhancement, new cooperation partnerships, and the mobilization of tools to accelerate key projects impacting citizens' quality of life.
The initiative, led by Bloomberg Philanthropies with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and developed by LSE Cities in collaboration with the Hertie School in Berlin, seeks to provide mayors and city leaders with knowledge and tools to modernize services and improve citizens' lives. This second edition brings the program's total to mayors and municipal officials from 25 European countries, representing cities with over 33 million inhabitants.
Coimbra presented two strategic priorities: transforming the territory through an integrated model of inclusive urban planning and sustainable mobility, linking housing, mobility, public space, urban regeneration, and environmental sustainability. The goal is to leverage sustainable mobility as a driver for urban transformation, fostering a more human, connected, and accessible city.
The second priority focuses on establishing the GoCoimbra Agency as a platform for economic coordination and investment attraction. The strategy aims to connect universities, businesses, research centers, investors, and public policies, valuing knowledge as an economic asset and strengthening high-value sectors such as health, biotechnology, digital technologies, aeronautics, and green technologies.
Over nine months, Ana Abrunhosa and the municipal team will receive training, access to experts, and tools to enhance leadership, data utilization, and the implementation of results-oriented public policies. Participation is viewed as a chance to adopt international best practices and foster a culture of innovation within the municipal administration.
Integration into this European network of local governments enhances Coimbra's international profile, consolidating its position at the intersection of knowledge, innovation, health, technology, and territorial development. Engagement with other cities and specialists could foster new strategic partnerships and boost the attraction of investment, talent, and European projects.
Other Portuguese cities participating in this edition include Porto, Matosinhos, and Guimarães. The program commenced with an in-person meeting of participating mayors in London.
