Did you know that Derry is the fourth largest city of the island of Ireland and the second one in Northern Ireland? Core ERNACT partner
Derry City and Strabane District Council is currently participating in the
EU Intelligent Cities Challenge, a European programme that will help the city with its strategic growth plan and digital transformation process.
The aim of participating in this programme is to improve the quality of life in the city. Saverio Romeo is the Lead Expert appointed by the ICC programme to help Derry to achieve its objectives. According to him, the Council, in collaboration with the ERNACT network and key stakeholders, will focus the scope on young people for example to improve their digital skills on hospitality and the green tourism sectors. "We have decided to focus on skills and youth to build the foundation of the future for an open, inclusive and sustainable Derry, a place where to live and thrive", states the expert.
A key theme of the ICC challenge are skills, focusing on youth employment and upskilling. "Our young people are intelligent, talented and loyal. We are keen to ensure they are equipped with the employable skills for the future", adds Adam Goodall, Investment Officer at DCSDC. Derry City and Strabane District will take the learnings from the ICC programme to ensure that youth have the industry qualifications required for the future.
Dr Margaret Quinn, ERNACT Programme Manager and ICC Derry Project Manager, highlights the importance of involving key stakeholders in the process, such as, North West Regional College, Ulster University, The Catalyst centre, Invest Northern Ireland, Enterprise North West, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce and Western Health & Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland and, Donegal County Council, Letterkenny Institute of Technology and ERNACT in Ireland. "I'm really looking forward to work with all the stakeholders in the city and the wider region on initiatives around skills for young people and to cooperate and learn from the other hundred cities that are in the Intelligent Cities Challenge", concludes Margaret.
Watch the video to find out more!