We warmly invite you to join us for the live streaming in Danish, English and French of this timely and essential discussion. 

This conference will explore the evolving expectations and needs for housing and public spaces. Across Europe, communities are being called upon to adapt to environmental and social challenges, and civil society has a key role to play in shaping this transformation. In the face of climate change, the way we design and use our cities, homes, and shared spaces must change. This is not just a question of reducing emissions, but of reimagining the way we live together – creating spaces that support both environmental goals and social cohesion. A just transition requires strong engagement from civil society and inclusive dialogue across sectors. This conference aims to provide a platform for exchange, inspiration, and collaboration, contributing to a shared vision for the future of our communities. 

The event will bring together experts, policymakers, civil society representatives, architects, engineers, and urban planners to discuss how our built environments can become more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. Topics will include climate-resilient architecture, accessible public infrastructure, innovative housing models, and the importance of inclusive design that takes into account the needs of all members of society. 

If you wish to participate in person you need to register yourself here Registration | EESC (Registrations will close on 26 June 2025) and await a confirmation that you can participate in person. Signing up to this event through the IDA system is only for the live streaming of the conference.

Programme

09:15–10:00 - Inaugural session

• Séamus Boland, President of the Civil Society Organisations’ Group, European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
• Sophie Hæstorp Andersen, Danish Minister for Social Affairs and Housing
• Henrik Møller, Chair of the Danish Parliament’s Housing Committee

10:00–11:15 - Panel I: Climate friendly construction

Moderator: Juliane Marie Neiiendam, Member of the Civil Society Organisations’ Group of the EESC and Regional Chair of the Danish Society of Engineers

• Nicholas Ransome, Managing Director at Lendager, The revolution of alternative construction materials
• Marianne Lundberg, Director at Cooperative Housing Association Hørsholm Kokkedal, Urban environment and future-proof housing
• Kai-Uwe Bergmann, Partner at Bjarke Ingels Group, Visions for sustainability in construction worldwide
• Q&A

11:15–12:30 - Panel II: Climate friendly urban spaces

Moderator: Sif Holst, Vice President of the Civil Society Organisations’ Group of the EESC and Vice-Chair of the Disabled People’s Organisations Denmark

• Mette Skjold, CEO and Senior Partner at SLA, Living in a new climate, the Danish example
• Kika Krista Kjærside, Programme Lead at the Danish Architecture Center, Making public spaces more inclusive and accessible
• Monica Magnussen, Head of International Affairs at the City of Copenhagen's Technical and Environmental Department, Urban planning and climate adaptation in Copenhagen
• Q&A

12:30–12:45 - Opening of the photo exhibition12:45–14:00 - Lunch break14:00–15:15 - Panel III: Innovative solutions for reducing emissions

Moderator: Juliane Marie Neiiendam, Member of the Civil Society Organisations’ Group of the EESC and Regional Chair of the Danish Society of Engineers

• Søren Hermansen, CEO of the Samsø Energy Academy, The story of Samsø, the world's first renewable energy island
• Nils Thor Rosted, Chief of Communications at the Amager Resource Center, Turning waste into sustainable energy
• Signe Helledi, Project Manager of the Cycle Superhighway Collaboration, Copenhagen, world capital of cycling
• Q&A 

15:15–15:30 - Concluding remarks

• Séamus Boland, President of the Civil Society Organisations’ Group of the EESC