Oslo as new chair of STRING

Aug 25, 2021 | ENG

The City of Oslo will assume the Chairmanship of STRING from July 1st 2021 until December 2022. As Chair of STRING, Oslo will be leading the green cross-border corporation between 13 regions and cities, spanning four countries.  Oslo will be strengthening the continued progress on existing initiatives and work to ensure a smooth implementation of the OECD policy recommendations launched in June 2021.

 

‘’As the  Chair of STRING, we will seek to further develop the infrastructure needed to become an even better connected region. Having well functioning cross-border infrastructure is crucial, if we are to truly utilise the opportunities of scale that come with a megaregion – and reach our goal of becoming a city that innovates at a rapid pace, and does so with the citizens’ interests and well-being at the core of everything we do”, says the new chairman Vegar Andersen, City of Oslo.

In the role as Chair, Oslo will focus on supporting the establishment of an interconnected megaregion that is internationally recognised as a Green Hub. Oslo’s direction towards a city that is both smarter and greener is well in line with the overall vision of STRING. Therefore, Oslo will actively work on increasing the international visibility of the megaregion, and Oslo’s part in it, in order to attract the technology, skills and investments needed to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

In addition, Oslo will continue to promote cross-border transport planning in the STRING-region. The importance of sustainable infrastructure, in ensuring true connectivity and raising the quality of life for our citizens, cannot be understated.

Finally, Oslo will actively work with advancing public procurement to bolster green investments in the region, as it is a crucial part of accelerating the green transition. If correctly utilized, it can be a powerful tool to accelerate sustainable innovation and form new markets for green technologies and solutions. Clear communication is needed to signal this commitment to the relevant stakeholders and more broadly the market.

Managing Director of STRING, Thomas Becker, agrees:

“We know, and the OECD agrees, that public procurement is one of the most powerful tools to steer and aid innovation in specific fields. And we know there is strength in numbers. In order to fully implement the policy recommendations of the OECD we all need to actively support the same approach. Therefore, I am pleased to see Oslo commit to, and recognize the importance of this approach.”

 

About STRING:

STRING is a geographical area and a political member organisation in Northern Europe. We connect cities and regions to collaborate effectively, share knowledge and implement integrated policies to deliver on United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities. Representing some of the world’s most innovative cities and regions, STRING has a unique opportunity to lead the way towards a sustainable future.

 

Our common vision, as outlined in the 2030 Strategy, is to create a megaregion because there is strength in numbers. Simply put, we are stronger together. To achieve this, we strive to be a globally acknowledged Green Hub and a leading implementer of sustainable infrastructure to combat climate change while improving the lives of our citizens.

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