City networks: a key for sustainable development The role of city networks in sustainable development was the main

topic of the General Assembly of CAAC last June 30th and July 1st in Niort (France). As Philippe Lavaud , AIRE 198 president, said, urban networks promote regional development and territorial cohesion. They are one of the relays for the implementation of EU programs, to bring European policies in the heart of territories. The event was attended by members of the European Parliament, European Commission and leading figures from the Atlantic area. Cities in a network: encouraging cohesion was the title of this 12th General Assembly in which the CAAC presented a document on the urban dimension of macro-regions. Similarly, the conclusions of the sessions will serve to draft a policy position paper to highlight the role networks of cities play in generating synergies to foster social, economic and territorial cohesion. Contributions can be sent to coordinator@atlanticcities.eu. CAAC, chaired by Philippe Duron, French MP and Mayor of Caen, considers that it is necessary to take a step forward and define a framework for cities situated in territories with specific geographic features. The future of cohesion policy should not only take into account the urban issue, but also allow local entities to create, improve and take advantage of instruments that the associations provide.

Cabuees: Gijon welcomes active European Youth In the framework of the TONETA project and as a Lead Partner, the City Council of Gijn will be presenting a seminar on "Youth and Sustainability: a sustainable region for a possible world where experts will present their positions on various topics of interest to young people in Europe, Latin America and elsewhere. The topics to be discussed range from sustainable territories, coexistence and inclusive territories, to young people and their right to the city and also best practices for European youth policies. This would be one of the main events of the Cabuees International Youth Meeting, which will be held from 5 to 7 September 2011 in Gijon (Spain); and that will be devoted to the analysis of the role of youths to face the challenges of the 21st century. The main aim of these annual meetings is reflection, the exchange of knowledge and experiences among youths and youth associations regarding issues which affect all of society in a major way. Since the beginning of this initiative, thousands of youths from all over the world have visited Cabuees and have shared their knowledge with prominent people. For instance, this year the Seminar will be closed by a conference of Susan George, honor president of ATTAC. http://www.cabuenes.org

TONETA project is funded with the support of the Europe for Citizens Programme. This Project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This communication reflects the views only of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. Please visit our blog: http://tonetaproject.blogspot.com/ and Facebook site http://www.facebook.com/pages/Toneta/227603080617362

Cardiff delivers at local level international climate change objectives: Cardiff Council has recognised that it can make a difference in a number of key areas. As a deliverer of services, by reducing carbon emissions from the Councils buildings, street lighting and municipal waste and by fostering recycling and composting (Project Gwyrdd). As city developers, Cardiff Council is taking forward a sustainable planning approach, working to secure jobs in emerging green sectors and sustainable industries and ensuring future energy security while developing Cardiff as a Sustainable Travel City. As democratically elected city leaders by joining EU campaigns and establishing with partners, a Carbon Lite Working Group followed by the Carbon Lite Cardiff Action Plan. In 1998 European leaders met in Cardiff and set out a strategy for sustainable development and environmental protection. The Cardiff Process they declared is a process that cannot be stopped. In Cardiff, they couldnt agree more. Please visit: http://www.cardiff.gov.uk

Guimaraes 2012, European City of Culture: At the head of the AMAVE local association, Guimares is a Portuguese city which has been chosen as European Capital of Culture next year. Therefore, in 2012, Guimares will be hosting a major gathering of creators and creations: music, cinema, photography, fine arts, architecture, literature, thought, theatre, dance, street art. In Guimares, the artistic products imagined and created by its residents will merge with those coming to the city from all over Europe. Over the course of one year, the city will be the promoter of Europes cultural diversity, revealing its creations and welcoming those from other countries. Guimares 2012 European Capital of Culture will also be a catalyst for development of the city and surrounding region, having Culture, in its broadest sense, as the main driver of this transformation. For Europe Day and in the midst of these events, TONETA project will be holding its final meeting and the presentation of both conclusions on city networking in the Atlantic Area and SUDPOLIS, a virtual game that shows how small gestures can help citizens to become major players in sustainable development. Please visit: http://www.amave.pt and http://www.guimaraes2012.pt

TONETA Newsletter is prepared by the Conference of Atlantic Arc Cities. Should you wish to send us your comments, please do not hesitate to do so: Tamara Guirao-Espieira. Confrence des Villes de lArc Atlantique 6, rue Saint-Martin - 35700 RENNES (France). http://www.atlanticcities.eu - E-mail: aacities@gmail.com

TONETA project is funded with the support of the Europe for Citizens Programme. This Project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This communication reflects the views only of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. Please visit our blog: http://tonetaproject.blogspot.com/ and Facebook site http://www.facebook.com/pages/Toneta/227603080617362