Local Governments for Sustainability is the world’s leading network of local and regional governments committed to sustainable development. Today, ICLEI has more than 1,000 local government members, with around 160 in Europe. ICLEI’s European Secretariat has a wide range of expertise and extensive experience in European project coordination and partnering. It provides technical consulting, training, thematic events and information services to build capacity, share knowledge and support local and regional governments in implementing sustainable development. The organisation’s basic premise is that locally designed initiatives can provide an effective and cost-efficient way to achieve local, regional, national and global sustainability objectives.
Cristina Garzillo is a Senior Coordinator for Governance & Social Innovation at ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, a global network of cities dedicated to sustainable development. Having almost 20 years of experience working in and for local governments, Cristina is recognised for her work as an expert in local sustainability processes, integrated management and governance as well as an author of numerous publications in the field of local sustainability, knowledge brokerage and transition.
Stephania Xydia is an Officer for Governance & Social Innovation at ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, where she focuses on Sustainability Culture & Cultural Transitions, managing EU projects that explore cultural heritage as a driver of urban and rural regeneration. Stephania is a Cambridge University graduate with an MA in Cultural Policy & Management from City University London. She has a passion for participatory design, public engagement and systemic transformation.
Olga Krajewska is a Junior Officer for Governance & Social Innovation at ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, where she focuses mostly on social innovation and novel governance arrangements. She studied International Relations in Poland, Germany, Spain and in the US and gained international experience working for such institutions as ELCANO Royal Institute, Heinrich Böll Stiftung, Deutsch-Polnisches Jugendwerk and the US Embassy in Warsaw. Olga is committed to making co-creation processes interactive and engaging, also in a digital world.
Iryna Novak is a Communication Officer at ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. She has degrees in Communication and Environmental Governance. Being actively involved in two European projects in the field of cultural heritage, Iryna is well positioned to coordinate the communication and dissemination tasks of OpenHeritage. Before joining ICLEI, she gained professional experience in communication with the United Nations Development Programme as well as worked for UN Environment and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. A sustainable development practitioner, she firmly believes in the power of cooperation.