The Green Cities consortium developed the a Training Framework under the EU-Funded Project Youth Participation for Developing Sustainable Green Cities (reference number: 2022-1-DE04-KA220-YOU-000085135). L4Y Learning for Youth GmbH is leading the project alongside partners Citizens in Power, Toplum Gönüllüleri Vakfı, Kean, Walktogether, and Kaán Károly Környezetvédelmi Egyesület.
This blog post offers an overview of what the consortium developed to complete the training framework. However, you can read the full report (in English) with a description of the activities that led to the final training framework here.
To keep up to date with the project news, follow our YouTube Channel, as well as the project’s social media pages X and Instagram. Additonally, you can also join our Discord community.
Training Framework: A Five-Step Approach
The Training Framework was created following the implementation of five distinct activities, each contributing uniquely to the overarching goal. Here’s a brief overview:
- R1:A1 – Mapping Smart City Best Practices: Firstly, we’ve compiled 24 environmentally sound practices from various smart cities, offering a comprehensive view of sustainability solutions. You can explore this in our previous blog post
- R1:A2 – Needs Assessment through Creative Thinking: Additionally, by conducting in-depth interviews with young people and environmental experts, we’ve gained valuable insights into the training needs across different countries. The consortium interviewed 120 young people and 12 experts.
- R1:A3 – Preliminary Module Structure: Subsequently, we’ve developed a draft curriculum structure based on feedback from earlier activities.
- R1:A4 – Feedback from Proto-Personas and Municipalities: Moreover, the draft curriculum was further refined through discussions with young adults, municipal staff, and experts.
- R1:A5 – Comprehensive Training Framework Report: Moreover, the draft curriculum was further refined through discussions with young adults, municipal staff, and experts.
Hence, we have thoroughly explored the intricacies of smart city development while preparing this Training Framework. We meticulously planned every step, from understanding the needs of our target audience to finalizing a robust curriculum. As a result, the report not only serves as a testament to our collective efforts but also offers valuable insights and learnings. Ultimately, it will guide those who use it in creating more sustainable and innovative urban environments.
Green Cities Training Framework: Report and Findings
This report offers a comprehensive overview of the endeavors undertaken during the development of Result 1 – Training Framework. Moreover, a series of well-organized activities marked this phase of the project and were crucial in creating a training module that is not only educational but also highly pertinent to the needs of contemporary urban environments.
Furthermore, the execution of these activities has laid a solid foundation for a training curriculum that is tailored to impart crucial knowledge about Smart City 3.0 concepts, sustainability, and innovative urban planning. Therefore, by closely examining and understanding the needs of young people and professionals in urban development, we have been able to craft a training structure that meets and exceeds the quality and expectations of our project’s beneficiaries.
Throughout this process, the insights and recommendations of experts and stakeholders involved have been invaluable. Consequently, these interactions have brought to light several key points:
- Firstly, there is a pressing need for targeted training and awareness initiatives in smart city planning and sustainable urban development.
- Additionally, urban planners and environmental experts face challenges, particularly in raising awareness of smart city concepts and sustainable practices among the general population.
- Moreover, the eagerness of diverse demographic groups to engage in learning about sustainable urban development and their role in shaping smart cities has been notable.Finally, crucial topics must be included in the training curriculum to ensure a comprehensive understanding of smart city development.
Green Cities Training Framework
| Units | Chapters | Duration |
| Unit 1: Introduction to Smart City 3.0 | 1.1. Smart area concepts (general smart city knowledge) – The concept, development and history of smart cities, 1.2. European Union legal environment in brief, SDGs 1.3. Challenges of the urban environment 1.4. Smart city strategic planning and management 1.5. Urban design | 7 hours |
| Unit 2: Thematic Subsystems and Pillars | 2.1. Smart environment 2.2. Smart governance (public services) 2.3. Smart economy 2.4. Smart human resources – Citizen engagement 2.5. Smart transport 2.6. Smart living conditions 2.7. Climate impacts, environmental protection, water management | 10 hours |
| Unit 3: Technology usage as a solution | 3.1. Concepts and tools of digitalisation (general digitalisation knowledge) 3.2. Digital infrastructure, Geoinformatics 3.3. Advanced technologies of smart cities 3.4. Cyber security 3.5. AI as the new key elements in future smart cities | 10 hours |
| Unit 4: Good examples worldwide | 4.1. Good examples outside Europe 4.2. Good examples from Europe 4.3. Good examples in the partner countries 4.4. Case studies | 3 hours |
Conclusion
In summary, the Green Cities Training Framework stands as a testament to our commitment to advancing sustainable urban development. Furthermore, it promises to be a key instrument in equipping current and future generations with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate and shape the smart cities of tomorrow. As a result, the consortium is confident that this framework will significantly add value to educational content about the topic of smart cities.
Be a part of the Green Cities Project’s online community by joining us on our Discord server.
