MEDINT

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As one of the first thematic networks approved MEDINT has shown the importance of local working for effective networking. This network was established with the aim of having few key exchange meetings where all partners came together but more local forum meetings in each partner city bringing together all sectors to create groups which are sustainable after the network is complete. This structure has provided a much stronger local impact with more local actors participating in the network than in other networks. The theme of integrated approach allowed the city participants to bring together key urban actors from all sectors at a local level and reported the findings of these groups at 3 key exchange meetings. MEDINT’s starting point was that the integrated approach is the best strategy to solve problems of sustainable urban development across Europe. Local Forums have been a central and driving activity of the network and produced many of the strongest results. Based on an active dialogue between inhabitants, municipality personnel, businesses, and elected representatives prior to effectively start any urban project, Local Forums were a new concept to many of the cities. Its success in the MEDINT experiment has underlined the essential need for interchanges between inhabitants and municipalities, but also the need for exchanges between all levels of actors – public and private sectors, citizens, voluntary sector – to guarantee the future development of European cities. The results of the local forums were brought together into a final report on the Integrated Approach in Mediterranean Local Development.

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