The visit programme included meetings at the Faculty of Economics and Sociology of the University of Lodz, a visit to the City of Lodz Office and discussions with representatives of municipal institutions and civic dialogue bodies (including the Łódzka Rada Działalności Pożytku Publicznego [Lodz Council for Public Benefit Activities]). A joint study visit to the city centre and Księży Młyn [Priest's Mill] – an example of post-industrial site revitalisation, which is one of the key areas of interest for cities associated with the UNIC Alliance, was another important element.
Meetings devoted to civic participation and modern tools for urban co-management constituted a special focus of the programme. The Cork delegation learned about solutions implemented in Lodz, such as the Eco-Budget, and presented best practices within the Irish resident engagement system. Discussions were held with both representatives of the City Hall and members of the Łódzka Rada Działalności Pożytku Publicznego. The presentation and discussion at the Łódzka Rada Działalności Pożytku Publicznego meeting focused on best practices, including the Irish NGO Public Participation Network (PPN), which engages residents in joint actions for the benefit of cities (including climate change adaptation).
The visit also had an educational and project-based dimension. The guests from Cork participated in workshops with students of Spatial Management and EcoCity study programmes on public participation and communication in urban adaptation to climate change, as well as working sessions devoted to the development of joint research and initiatives on urban adaptation to climate change, public participation and the just transition of post-industrial cities.
The meeting in Lodz confirmed that the UNIC Alliance is not just a formal network of academic cooperation, but a real platform for the exchange of knowledge, experiences and best practices between universities and cities. Joint activities enable the testing of innovative solutions in local conditions, strengthen the competencies of students and academics, and foster better connections between research and the needs of local governments and communities.
The cooperation between the University of Lodz and University College Cork within UNIC opens up further opportunities for the development of joint research, teaching and implementation projects and strengthens international position of Lodz as a city actively seeking modern, participatory responses to climate and social challenges.
The project is implemented by:
- Maria Olbert – Eco City student
- Jakub Majewski – Eco City student
- Niamh Guiry – doctoral student at the University College Cork
- Dr Ewa Boryczka – project supervisor from the University of Lodz
- Dr Dug Cubie – project supervisor from the University College Cork
- Agata Burlińska – Deputy Director of the Office of Urban Activity of the City of Lodz Office (project partner)
