Focusing on SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being and SDG 5: Gender Equality
The fifth international meeting of the Actionbound project “Sustainability Goals in My City” brought together 17 participants from Ulm, Odesa, and Sofia. While only about half of the participants have been accommodated so far, collaboration and exchange flourished during the session.
At the beginning of the meeting Amelie from Lokale Agenda Ulm introduced the Actionbound platform, which will be used more independently by the partner cities. From June 2nd, Odesa and Sofia will receive their own accounts. Besides that, it was emphasized that future use of Actionbound should be kept under 1.5 hours to maintain focus and engagement.
For any further questions, please contact: a.kruegler@gmx.de.
Ulm: Inclusive Cafés and Sustainable Infrastructure
SDG 13 – Climate Action: Smart Circular Bridge
As a follow-up from Ulm on SDG 13, the city highlighted the innovative Smart Circular Bridge, which is constructed using fully recyclable materials. This sustainable infrastructure:
- Saves resources and reduces CO₂ emissions.
- Features musical elements that play sounds when walked upon.
- Has sparked public debate due to its €680,000 cost, raising questions about investment and sustainability.
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Café Blau
Ulm also presented Café Blau, a prime example of local inclusion:
- Operated by a volunteer and inclusive team.
- Offers affordable meals for all social backgrounds.
- Open long hours and serves as a cultural advisory center.
- Receives support from AG West, underlining community collaboration.
SDG 3 – Good Health & Well-being: Kneipp Facility on Blauinsel
A Kneipp water therapy facility on Blauinsel promotes health and fitness. Students were asked what they do to stay healthy. Their answers included:
- Dancing, walking, and going to the gym.
- Emphasis on healthy nutrition, stress reduction, and positive thinking.
Odesa: Empowerment, Health, and Inclusion
SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Vona Hub
Odesa’s Vona Hub is at the forefront of promoting gender equality through:
- Educational programs, campaigns, and workshops.
- Efforts to prevent violence and foster equal opportunities.
- Participants from Ulm noted that similar organizations engage directly with schools to promote equality in Germany.
SDG 3 – Good Health & Well-being: Alternativa
Founded in 2005, the Alternativa organization supports people affected by HIV. Its work includes:
- Psychosocial support for both affected individuals and their families.
- Advocacy and awareness around health issues.
- Participants valued this holistic, community-centered approach.
Sofia: Health Systems and Equality Progress
SDG 3 – Good Health & Well-being: Medical Innovation and Accessibility
Sofia presented an impressive overview of its health infrastructure:
- 319 health institutions nationwide, with 14 hospitals in Sofia.
- Over 7,300 doctors serving the city.
- High levels of high-tech medical equipment in several regions.
- Aleksandrovska Hospital uses a robot-assisted surgery system.
- University Hospital St. Anna features a helicopter landing pad for emergencies.
SDG 5 – Gender Equality: National and Local Progress
Sofia addressed multiple aspects of gender equality:
- Goals include eliminating discrimination, violence, and harmful practices like child marriage and genital mutilation.
- Recognition of unpaid care work and the push for equality in leadership roles.
- Notable progress in sexual and reproductive rights.
- The Gender Equality Index has improved significantly.
- Representation of women in parliament has increased, though challenges remain.
- Addressing the gender pay gap and combatting violence against women, with 21% of women having experienced gender-based violence.
Looking Ahead
The next digital meeting will take place on 23 June 2025,
Let us continue our collaboration and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals across borders and communities.
Presentations
Odesa
Sofia
Ulm