Meet Our Esteemed Partners!

Valongo Municipality is located in the north of Portugal, belonging to the Porto Metropolitan Area, with more than 100,000 inhabitants distributed along of 75.12 km2. The territory is very diverse with urban areas with high population density, and rural areas with lower population density where green spaces are more predominant. Valongo has defined an innovative strategy to promote the municipality by creating identity marks that strengthen the territory and distinguish it from other regions. Valongo’s strong touristic offers include the beautiful Porto Mountain Park, traditional delights like “Regueifa” and Biscuits, slate products, Portuguese Traditional Toys, Trilobites, the legacy of Romans, the tradition of “Bugios” and “Mourisqueiros”, the history of railroads and railroad workers and the renowned sanctuary of Santa Rita.
The Municipality of Valongo is increasingly investing in climate action and sustainable development and has already been awarded with the European Green Leaf Award 2022 and the European Mobility Week Award 2021. Mission: The mission of the Municipality of Valongo is to plan, organize and carry out municipal policies in all areas with the aim of improving the quality of life of the citizens, the performance conditions of all local partners and the strategic affirmation of all the values of the municipal territory. The municipality acts on the basis of the following values: valuing people, territorial competitiveness, environmental sustainability, quality, efficiency, transparency and citizen participation. Vision: The Municipality of Valongo fulfills its mission with the aim of building a people-centered community, making Valongo a benchmark in social cohesion and inclusion, but also ready to face the challenges of competitiveness, innovation and modernity within a sustainable development framework.

José Manuel Ribeiro
Legal Representative
[email protected]

Gisela Martins
Head of Environment Division
[email protected]

IGEA – Innovation Entrepreneurship Education and Research is a forward-thinking and mission-driven non-governmental organization based in Bursa, Türkiye. IGEA is actively engaged in the fields of innovation, entrepreneurship, education and sustainable development. IGEA was founded with the vision of creating inclusive opportunities for individuals and communities to grow through knowledge, creativity and international cooperation. IGEA offers a wide range of activities including training programs tailored to diverse needs, international exchange and mobility opportunities and strategic project development and implementation across Europe.
IGEA collaborates with educational institutions, public bodies, private companies and civil society organizations to foster cross-sector partnerships and address current societal challenges. IGEA‘s work is guided by the principles of lifelong learning, environmental and social responsibility, and technological advancement. By focusing on practical skills, digital transformation, and inclusive growth, IGEA contributes to shaping a more sustainable and empowered future for communities both in Türkiye and across Europe.

Recep Aydın
European Project Coordinator
[email protected]

Nazlı Yaşar
Senior Project Manager
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The Sustainable Development Studies Network is a Brussels-based research and education organization established in 2019, dedicated to promoting sustainability through interdisciplinary research, innovation, and capacity building. The institution focuses on addressing global and local environmental challenges by developing practical, policy-oriented solutions that align with both European and international sustainability frameworks. SDSN operates at the intersection of environmental policy, digital transformation, and socio-economic development, striving to generate impactful knowledge that facilitates the transition toward climate-resilient and inclusive societies. Through a strong emphasis on the circular economy and green innovation, the organization contributes to shaping sustainable development practices across sectors.
SDSN plays a significant role in the planning, execution, and dissemination of outcomes within EU-funded programmes such as Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, and INTERREG. Its expertise spans the development of sustainability-focused curricula, applied research, and strategic consulting services that support public institutions, educational entities, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders. SDSN’s mission is to foster environmental sustainability through collaborative initiatives at the local, national, regional, and global levels. Its vision is to contribute to systemic transformation by advancing sustainability through education, research, and policy integration, particularly in areas such as green skills development, digitalization, and responsible resource management. Through a diverse portfolio of projects, including those centered on renewable energy, circular waste management, and inclusive digital training, SDSN continuously works to build institutional and individual capacities for a more sustainable and equitable future.

Ahmet Baş
Legal Representative
[email protected]

Ismail Hidayat
Senior Project Manager
[email protected]