For the first time in the history of the European Urban Resilience Forum, organised by ICLEI Europe, we will explore the connection between procurement and resilience. The following session will run as 2C, 1-2.15pm. Register here.

Across Europe, on average, public authorities spend about 20% of the EU Gross Domestic Product (GDP) purchasing goods, works and services. Sustainable and circular procurement is used by cities to ensure that their purchasing reflects broader goals linked to resource efficiency, climate change, social responsibility and economic resilience, for example.

This session explores how public procurement can be used to build resilience as a strategic preparedness and response mechanism in European cities. 

It gives opportunity to dive into the world of procurement, its role to prepare for future stresses and mechanisms for crisis response. For example, the session delves into how public procurers can foster the uptake of nature-based solutions, support sustainable small-medium enterprises, local supply-chains or how to secure urgently needed products. Discover the potential behind connecting procurement to resilience and learn from practical stories first-hand. The session will also cater to an open discussion reflecting on the current situation under COVID-19. 

confirmed speakers:

Alessandra Aires, Architect, City of Turin, Italy

Paula Rodrigues, City of Torres Vedras, Portugal

Birte Detjen, City of Bremen, Germany

Kenza Khachani, Policy Analyst, OECD Cities

Sanne van Camp, Strategic Procurement Officer & Rudie de Vries, Senior Sustainability Policy Advisor, Municipality Haarlem, the Netherlands

Registration is mandatory in advance.