Braga, a model city for integration and quality of life
In a recent report by the European Commission, the city of Braga, Portugal, consistently ranked high in terms of quality of life for its residents. The 2023 Report on Quality of Life in European Cities surveyed over 70,000 residents in 83 cities across Europe. In this interview with Braga Mayor Ricardo Rio, UN-Habitat gains insights into the city’s strategies for integrating immigrant communities, supporting families, enhancing the quality of life for seniors, and addressing future challenges like climate change.
Braga is recognized for its welcoming atmosphere for immigrants. Can you elaborate on some urban strategies or initiatives the city has employed to facilitate the integration of immigrant communities and promote diversity and inclusion?
One of the main policies Braga has implemented is the Municipal Plan for the Integration of Migrants, which serves as a comprehensive guide for creating specific policies and programmes aimed at supporting immigrants on their integration journey in the city. The Municipal Council for Immigrants, Integration and Interculturality also plays a fundamental role in formulating policies and ensuring that the needs of immigrant communities are adequately met.
One of the resources of Braga’s urban policies is the establishment of a Refugee Reception Centre, which offers vital support to those who have been forced to leave their countries due to conflict and persecution. This centre not only provides shelter and basic assistance, but also offers cultural and linguistic integration programmes to help refugees adjust to life in Braga.
Furthermore, Braga has stood out for its humanitarian response to global challenges, such as the crisis resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The city has demonstrated solidarity by offering practical and emotional support to Ukrainian refugees who have found shelter in Braga, helping them to rebuild their lives and integrate into the local community.
A recent and innovative initiative is the promotion of immigrant entrepreneurship through a bootcamp dedicated to third country nationals. This programme aims to equip immigrants with entrepreneurial skills and practical knowledge to start and manage their own businesses in Braga, thus promoting economic and social inclusion.
We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for immigrants, through strategic policies and urban initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion and prosperity for all its residents.
Braga is known for being a family-friendly city. Could you provide examples of specific policies or programmes that have been implemented to support families with young children and enhance their overall well-being within the city?
One of the priority areas in which the municipality of Braga has invested is education. This is evidenced by the large investment in the redevelopment of school infrastructure, ensuring modern and safe facilities for school-age children. Furthermore, free school transport is offered to all students, both public and private, facilitating access to education and reducing family expenses.
With regard to technological infrastructure in schools, Braga implemented the municipality's technological plan, which includes the provision of more kindergarten and first and second cycles of basic education rooms equipped with computers, video projectors, wireless access and other technological infrastructure. Furthermore, the “school card” was introduced as an innovation. The “school card” is a digital wallet for the educational community of the second and third cycles and secondary education within the municipality’s public network facilitating access to educational resources and services.
In addition to policies aimed at improving the school environment, the Municipal Curricular Enrichment Programme is an initiative that aims to complement formal education, offering enriching extracurricular activities for children, such as music, sports, arts and technology.
These policies and programmes not only support families with children in Braga, but also contribute significantly to the overall well-being of children, ensuring equal access to quality education and opportunities for integral development.
Braga is noted for being a good place for older people to live. Can you discuss some urban planning strategies or projects that the city has implemented to enhance the quality of life for its older residents?
The Municipality of Braga has taken a comprehensive approach to ensuring that seniors have access to services and resources that promote active and healthy aging, while feeling integrated in the community.
A key initiative is the Elderly Support Office (GAPI), established since 2017. This office centralizes a variety of services and resources designed to meet the specific needs of older adults, thereby increasing proximity and facilitating access to these resources. This includes counselling services, social assistance, leisure activities and preventive health programmes.
The Senior Academy is another important initiative that aims to stimulate dynamism and personal enrichment among the elderly. Offering a range of courses and workshops in a range of areas, from arts and culture to health and well-being, the Senior Academy provides opportunities for seniors to continue learning, engaging and connecting with others.
The Senior Card is another valuable resource offered to citizens aged 65 and over. This card provides a series of benefits and discounts on a variety of services and activities, thus encouraging active participation in city life and providing a sense of appreciation and recognition for seniors.
Braga’s ‘+65’ project is another specific response to elderly people exposed to social vulnerability. This project aims to ensure safety and social support and combat isolation by providing personalized and ongoing assistance in collaboration with diverse community partners.
Can you elaborate on some key urban strategies or initiatives the city has implemented to ensure this level of satisfaction among residents?
Braga has stood out as one of the most satisfying cities to live in Europe, achieving a notable position in the ranking of quality of life and resident satisfaction. The study coordinated by the European Commission revealed that 94 per cent of people who live in the municipality consider the city to be a good place to live. This success is the result of a set of urban strategies and initiatives that aim to boost the city's economic and sustainable development, providing a welcoming and prosperous environment for our citizens.
One of the main strategies adopted by Braga is to boost economic development, which was complemented by a commitment to sustainable development. Since the creation of InvestBraga, the first local-based economic development agency in Portugal, the city has been committed to attracting investment, promoting the growth of local companies and stimulating entrepreneurship. This has resulted in the creation of thousands of jobs annually, attracting new residents and boosting the local economy.
Another crucial initiative is the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation, through the creation of Startup Braga and programmes such as the Startup Braga Acceleration Programme. These initiatives not only stimulate the local economy, but also create opportunities for young talent and innovative startups, contributing to a dynamic and creative environment in the city.
In addition, Braga has invested in infrastructure and urban modernization to improve the quality of life of its residents. Projects such as the redevelopment of school infrastructure, the improvement of public transport and the revitalization of industrial areas demonstrate the city's commitment to providing services and spaces suitable for the well-being of all residents, regardless of age.
Furthermore, the city has invested in social and cultural programmes that enrich the lives of residents. These activities promote meetings and the exchange of experiences between inhabitants, strengthening the sense of community and belonging.
All this work that results in holistic strategies and initiatives adopted by Braga reflect a continuous commitment to sustainable development and the quality of life of its residents. By investing in areas such as economy, infrastructure, entrepreneurship and social well-being, the city creates a conducive environment for all its inhabitants to enjoy a full and satisfying life.
How does Braga anticipate addressing potential challenges such as changing demographics or climate change?
Braga has been proactive in anticipating and addressing potential challenges such as demographic change and climate change, implementing significant policies and projects in recent years.
One of the main policies adopted in the last 10 years was the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and the Sustainable Energy Plan. This strategy aimed to prepare the city for the effects of climate change while mitigating its effect.
Recently, a new climate action plan was presented that brings together both mitigation and adaptation into an integrated strategy. The ambition of the targets for reducing greenhouse gases was increased, with the objective of achieving a 55 per cent reduction by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. With this work, Braga has maintained its position on CDP's A list (Carbon Disclosure Project) for the last four consecutive years, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and responsible management of carbon emissions.
As far as significant projects are concerned, the city is working on decarbonizing the public transport fleet, through the municipal company TUB. This project aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote the use of sustainable public transport. Another important project is Baterias 2030, carried out in a public-private consortium, which seeks to promote the development and adoption of more efficient and sustainable energy storage technologies.
Braga is also integrated into European initiatives, such as NetZeroCities, which aims to promote the transition to cities with net zero carbon emissions. These initiatives not only help position Braga as a leading city in the fight against climate change, but also provide opportunities to share knowledge and best practices with other European cities.
Braga is committed but also more prepared to face challenges such as demographic change and climate change, through the implementation of progressive policies and participation in innovative projects.
How does Braga aim to leverage cultural diversity and inclusivity as strengths for future prosperity?
One of the key initiatives in this regard was the presentation of the candidacy for European Capital of Culture 2027. This candidacy was participatory and mobilizing, involving not only local cultural agents, but also the community and the region in general.
In seeking the title of European Capital of Culture, Braga recognizes the importance of cultural diversity as a catalyst for economic and social development. The city understands that diversity is a source of wealth and creativity, capable of driving innovation, promoting social cohesion and attracting investment.
Furthermore, Braga has invested in the promotion of creative industries, being recognized as one of UNESCO's Creative Cities in the area of media arts. This distinction not only highlights the city's creative potential, but also encourages the development of projects and initiatives that explore the intersections between art, technology and innovation. By encouraging creativity and collaboration between different sectors of society, Braga seeks to create an environment conducive to innovation and sustainable economic growth.
In addition to the candidacy, Braga has developed several initiatives to promote inclusion and value cultural diversity. Cultural programmes and events are organized regularly, providing opportunities for different ethnic, religious and cultural groups to share their traditions, artistic expressions and stories. This not only enriches the city's cultural life, but also strengthens ties between communities and promotes an environment of mutual respect and tolerance.
Another area in which Braga is standing out is in promoting intercultural dialogue and creating inclusive spaces. Public art projects, urban interventions and community spaces are being developed to promote interaction between different groups and provide a sense of belonging for all residents.
What long-term vision does Braga have for itself, and how does it plan to engage residents in shaping that vision?
Braga has a long-term vision focused on sustainable development, seeking to establish itself as a model city, where sustainability is integrated into all areas of urban life. To achieve this vision, the city adopted a strategic plan for sustainable development, which aims to leave a legacy of sustainability and positively impact the future of the region. This plan is not just limited to the municipal sphere, but also seeks to actively involve municipal companies and various community stakeholders.
Through the institutionalization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in municipal management and in the practices of local companies, Braga intends to create an environment conducive to the implementation of policies and initiatives that promote sustainable development in all its dimensions.
Collaboration and cooperation with local stakeholders are also important in defining and implementing Braga’s long-term vision. The city seeks to actively involve residents, businesses, civil society organizations and other interested parties in a participatory planning and decision-making process. This includes holding public consultations, discussion forums and other activities that allow citizens to contribute their ideas and concerns to shape the future of the city.
Built with Shorthand