Planetiers World Gathering is moving to Aveiro! A Sustainable Step Forward.

Dear fellow Planetiers,

I am thrilled to share some extraordinary news with all of you. Our decision to relocate the eagerly awaited "Planetiers World Gathering" to the enchanting city of Aveiro, Portugal, marks a momentous milestone in our organization's journey. This move exemplifies our unwavering commitment to sustainability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Furthermore, it underscores the paramount importance of the fantastic engagement we've received from local entities, with significant emphasis placed on our partnership with the Aveiro Municipality.

Aveiro, often referred to as the "Venice of Portugal," is a city that embodies the very virtues and principles that Planetiers stands for. Nestled on the western coast of Portugal, Aveiro is not just a picturesque destination but a living testament to sustainable urban planning and a thriving community dedicated to preserving its natural beauty.

There are several reasons why Aveiro is the perfect location for the Planetiers World Gathering. Here are some examples of the practical commitment of the city towards a more sustainable and resilient city:

1. Sustainability at Its Core: Aveiro has taken impressive strides in sustainable urban development and resiliency to climate change. The city's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, coupled with investments in climate resilience, aligns perfectly with our mission at Planetiers.

2. Innovation and Technology Hub: Aveiro is home to some of Portugal's leading universities, including the University of Aveiro, which submitted the most patents at the European Patent Office in 2022. This creates an ideal environment for fostering innovation and nurturing sustainable solutions, making it an excellent backdrop for our gathering.

3. Green Transportation: Aveiro's iconic "moliceiros" boats have undergone a transformation, shifting to electric power, showcasing the city's dedication to sustainable mobility.

4. Renewable Energy and Blue Innovation: The city of Aveiro has made significant investments in renewable energies and established a thriving Blue Innovation Hub, driving advancements in sustainable practices and technologies.

But this decision to move our event goes beyond just choosing a scenic location. It represents a fundamental shift in our approach as an organization. Instead of solely focusing on growing the event in terms of numbers, we are now more committed than ever to enhancing the quality of the experience for all participants.

Our aim is to create an environment that fosters deeper connections, meaningful collaborations, and tangible projects that will drive real change in the world. In fact, in our last two editions, we made some remarkable connections that are developing into ambitious projects, soon to be announced.

One such example is the creation of Insure.Hub - Innovation in Sustainability and Regeneration, a perfect illustration of how the private sector and universities must collaborate. In partnership with the Catholic University of Porto, Planetiers, and dozens of companies within its foundation, this initiative exemplifies the potential when diverse stakeholders unite in pursuit of sustainable innovation and regeneration.

In addition to this exciting news, Planetiers is now developing a Legacy Matrix that will allow us to monitorize and enhance our impact. We want to define which areas we are already delivering on our value proposition to society, the private sector, and the public sector. This tool will help us make continuous improvements for the next editions, leaving an even greater legacy in the territory.

As we prepare to embark on this new chapter in Aveiro, we invite you all to join us in our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and collaboration. Over the course of 3 days, our event will bring together entrepreneurs and experts from diverse sectors, as well as investors and public and private organizations from Europe, the United States, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, and Africa. Together, we will engage in thought-provoking discussions spanning topics ranging from energy transition and industrial decarbonization to regenerative agriculture and sustainable finance, among others. Climate change and international cooperation between the Global South and Global North will also take center stage in our program.

In closing, I want to leave you with a quote by Margaret Mead that follows me in the last decade, who once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Planetiers is now reaching out to you, our community, for your inputs and suggestions on how to maximize the potential of this unique opportunity, with so many knowledgeable, influential, and hands-on individuals and organizations gathered in one place.

Thank you for your unwavering support, and I look forward to seeing you at the Planetiers World Gathering in Aveiro, where together, we will write the next chapter of our sustainable future.

Here's a teaser for this year!

Planetcheers!

PLANETIERS WORLD GATHERING WEBSITE

Sérgio Ribeiro

CEO and Co-founder, Planetiers