This increasingly active network has identified important sustainability events across Europe as the next step in developing the soon-to-be ISEP profile on the 'mainland'. Such events bring the opportunity to become better known, gain supporters, build a network and further strengthen IEMA/ISEP as a whole.
There are currently 800 members associated with IEMA Europe, and this is good, but with a catchment area population in excess of 500 million, leaves plenty of potential for growth.
The Climate Pact was launched by the EU Commission in 2020 as part of the European Green Deal and takes place at the Commission's headquarters. It is very well supported and speakers included the new EU Commissioner for climate, net zero and clean growth, Wopke Hoekstra.
Martin and Damien made some great contacts, had several side meetings and confirmed that the key word for the new commission is 'competitiveness', a useful insight when pitching initiatives on the continent for the foreseeable future. Several opportunities presented themselves, including the possibility of IEMA/ISEP 'ambassadors' and new funding opportunities.
This was the first time that IEMA has attended EU fora since Brexit, but this initiative to deepen links in 'Europe' reflects the wider alliance building going on at all levels in the current geo-political situation. In an uncertain world, it is ever more important to understand the thinking in different political blocks, and this first step may help us have a little better understanding of the European perspective.
The IEMA European Regional Network is eager to be represented at similar events in the future to increase its impact and establish connections with relevant stakeholders as well as sustainability professionals at the local, regional, national and EU levels.
If you want to find out in more detail what the regional IEMA Europe network does, please join our LinkedIn group.
We have started a webinar series covering different sustainability topics and we also offer networking sessions for IEMA Europe members and everyone who is interested to get to know and connect with each other.
Please share your ideas and get in touch with us. We would love to hear from you. Email: [email protected]