Welcome to Reykjavik

Visitors to Reykjavik experience easily the pure energy at the heart of Iceland's capital city - whether from the boiling thermal energy underground, the natural green energy within the city and around it, or the lively culture and fun-filled nightlife.

Think of the qualities of a great city - fun, space, clean air, nature, culture - and Reykjavik has them in spades. It has the features of a modern, forward-looking society which are complemented by a close connection to beautiful nature right on the city's doorstep.

Reykjavik is an intimate, inspiring and creative place, especially in June with its 24 hour daylight which charms our visitors from all over the world, so expect bright nights and bright ideas.

EUROCITIES KSF Summer Event

The EUROCITIES Knowledge Society Forum will meet in Reykjavik from 10 – 12th of June 2009 for its annual summer event. The focus this year is how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can help cities to reduce their carbon footprint. How can city governments drive change towards a low-carbon society?

The event will highlight best practise examples from all over Europe and look into concrete implementation of both simple and complex solutions offered by digital technology. It will feature high-level speakers from politics and business and convene EUROCITIES members to take further steps to develop an EUROCITIES Green Digital Charter

Key issues

Our service delivery –We need to change our service delivery. Our energy and paper use needs to be changed with new ways of thinking. We as citizens and employees need to rethink how we use innovation and green technology to change our travelling habits. How can we use information technology, online services and smart solutions to help us become a carbon-neutral service provider?

The way we do business – We need to change the way we work. We need to encourage new corporate thinking and work together to find new solutions. It is our responsibility to implement new values and new ideas. How can we reduce energy use and become CO2 aware?

The way we change behaviour - We have to enable and encourage local businesses and citizens to become environmentally friendly. The role of local authorities is not only to make policy, even more important is to put it into practice and assist others to do the same. Local authorities need to lead by good example.

Looking forward to seeing you this summer in Reykjavik.