International experts discuss sustainable development of ports in Riga
At the end of this week, Riga will host a meeting of AIVP, the Worldwide Network of Port Cities, during which various experts will discuss port-to-city interaction and the many processes affecting it, says press center of the Port of Riga. They will also address implementation of the new AIVP Agenda 2030 and the related challenges and issues. The Freeport of Riga Authority is one of the co-organisers of the event, and Latvia is represented by Ansis Zeltiņš, the CEO of the Freeport of Riga, Mihails Kameņeckis, a Member of the Board of the Freeport of Riga, Gvido Princis, the Architect of Riga City, Baiba Broka, Vice-Rector of the University of Latvia for Legal Matters, Juris Pūce, the Minister for Environmental Protection and Regional Development.
During the meeting, topical issues that are constantly on the agenda of many port cities, including Riga, will be discussed, for example, how to facilitate dialogue between ports and cities, how to ensure that port operations and development do not undermine the environment and the quality of life of local residents, and how to maintain the identity and culture of port cities. These issues are not only well-known and topical in Riga, but also in many other port cities.
AIVP, the Worldwide Network of Port Cities, is an international organisation that for 30 years has served as a forum for many public and private stakeholders involved in port-to-city interaction and development processes. Port Authorities, state and municipal bodies, maritime and inland water transportation organisations, port services providers, urban planning experts and landscape architects, universities, research institutes and innovators have joined this network. It aims to improve relations between ports and cities by facilitating cooperation, understanding and awareness.
In June 2018 in Quebec, Canada, during the World Conference of Cities and Ports, members of the AIVP adopted Agenda 2030, which lists 10 commitments that should be met by 2030. In 2019, it will be submitted to the United Nations as a contribution of port cities towards 17 sustainable development goals of 2015 UN Resolution “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”.
