New input at the second General Assembly 2024

Numerous members of the association gathered in Nova Gorica/SL at the end of September for the general assembly to discuss current issues and actively shape the future of the association.

The AlpWeek, the international conference on sustainable development, provided a worthy and inspiring setting for the General Assembly of Alpine Towns. Our Chairwoman Ingrid Fischer welcomed numerous representatives of the member towns. These included Sara Tomatis, town councillor from the Alpine Town of the Year 2024 Cuneo, who gave a review of her city’s activities this year and reported on ongoing projects.

Another pleasing item on the agenda was the unanimous election of the new auditor: Isabella Hanselmann, Town Clerk from Brig-Glis/CH, takes office together with long-standing auditor Christine Redlein from Villach. New consultants from the member cities were also welcomed, including Andrea Ruggeri and Anna Gusmeroli from Morbegno/IT and the Deputy Mayor of Villach/AT, Sarah Katholnig. Katholnig expressed her motivation: ‘We need to work more closely together and join forces. Many ideas were presented here that we can build on in our cities.’ In addition to reports from the Executive Board and the office, the meeting was characterised by ideas for cooperation and collaboration as well as discussions.

A special guest was present at the end: Uroš Brežan, former co-president of the association and member of the Slovenian parliament, emphasised in his welcome address: ‘The whole world is looking for solutions. There are already many answers in our cities, and we need to get this message out there.’

The results of a survey conducted among the members were also presented. It showed that, on the whole, they are satisfied with the association’s work, but would like to see more intensive dialogue on topics such as biodiversity, climate change, demographic developments, the economy and tourism. The suggestion of organising study trips or webinars was also voiced. These concerns are already being addressed: Three webinars are planned in collaboration with the ‘Alliance in the Alps’ network of municipalities, the first on 19 November on the topic of ‘Climate & Municipalities’, followed by a webinar on 12 December on ‘Nature Restoration & Municipalities’ and a third in spring 2025 on ‘Quality of Life’. We cordially invite you to participate!