Active Cities in Action: Celebrating the Legacy of the PACTE+ Project

The final event of the PACTE+ (Promoting Active Cities Throughout Europe Plus) project, held 15–16 April and organized by Sport and Citizenship, marked the culmination of over six years of work to promote active, inclusive cities across Europe. Bringing together partners and thought leaders, the event combined a final partners meeting with an engaging online conference titled “Shaping Tomorrow’s Cities: Physical Activity as a Driver of Urban Transformation.”

Final Partners Meeting – Reflecting on Impact

The partners' meeting on 15 April provided a space to reflect on PACTE+’s achievements in supporting local-level investment in sport and physical activity. Aligned with the EU’s Work Plan for Sport, the project encouraged cities to take a proactive approach to promoting physical activity to improve well-being.

Partners reviewed the project’s progress, emphasizing inclusive and innovative strategies, data-driven impact, and the engagement of diverse, committed stakeholders in creating more active cities. The meeting reaffirmed their shared commitment to building on this momentum moving forward.

Online Conference – Shaping Tomorrow’s Cities: Physical Activity as a Driver of Urban Transformation

Held alongside the partners’ meeting on 16 April, the online conference brought together city leaders and experts from across Europe to explore how physical activity can shape the future of urban spaces.

Skillfully moderated by the Head of EU Affairs at Sport & Citizenship, Eva Jacomet, the event opened with a warm welcome from the Secretary General of Sport & Citizenship, Jean-Louis Erneux, and Member of the European Parliament, Nina Carberry. They addressed the challenges currently facing the EU and highlighted the transformative role investment in sport can play in addressing them.

A compelling keynote was delivered by ACES Board Member, Andre de Jeu, who shared a structured approach to urban transformation through “hardware, software, and orgware” — outlining the systems, tools, and organizational strategies needed for success.

Other Speakers including, Professor at the Technical University of Munich, Joachim Bachner, and Social Impact Manager at Sport & Citizenship, Mona Cazin, presented key findings from the PACTE+ project, highlighting measurable impacts and innovative approaches. The National Lead for Sport Ireland’s Active Cities project, Mary Corry, shared insights into how Ireland is tackling physical inactivity through alignment with global frameworks. Special Advisor and Global Active City Coordinator for the City of Lillehammer, Bengt Fjeldbraaten, showcased their strategy for integrating physical activity into urban planning, tailored to the city’s unique characteristics. Senior Manager of Partnerships and Marketing at Strava Metro, Thomas Knights, offered an engaging presentation on how mobility data from Strava can help cities understand how residents use urban spaces for commuting and recreational activities such as walking, running, and cycling.

The event concluded with inspiring remarks from Member of the European Parliament and former professional basketball player, Nikos Pappas who emphasized the critical importance of safe, inclusive infrastructure in enabling access to sport and physical activity for all.

Looking Ahead

The final event of the PACTE+ project was not just a conclusion—it was a springboard for continued collaboration and transformation. With its legacy of research, practical tools, and stakeholder engagement, PACTE+ leaves behind a blueprint for cities to become more active, equitable, and sustainable.