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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Focusing on SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities & SDG 13: Climate Action

The fourth international meeting of the Actionbound project “Sustainability Goals in My City” turned its attention to Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) and Climate Action (SDG 13). Although students from Ulm were unable to join live due to illness, they remained involved digitally as groups from Odesa and Sofia shared insightful examples from their cities.

Odesa: Striving for Inclusion Amidst Crisis

The Ukrainian group focused on how Odesa is working to become a more inclusive city despite the immense challenges brought on by the war.

To address SDG 10, they presented several ongoing initiatives:

• Physical accessibility improvements, such as new ramps and better sidewalks.
• A digital map where citizens can report accessibility issues across the city.
• Workshops in schools to educate young people about inclusion and empathy.
• Trainings for medical professionals on treating people with disabilities with care and dignity.
• Public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and promote equal participation.

These actions reflect the urgent need to support people living with war-related injuries and disabilities. A recent feature by Deutschlandfunk sheds further light on this topic and was shared as part of the discussion:
🔗 “Kriegsversehrte in Odessa” – Deutschlandfunk

In comparison, participants noted that similar efforts exist in Germany, where cities also focus on barrier-free environments, inclusive education, and equal access to services.

A Green Oasis in the Heart of Odesa

For SDG 13, the Ukrainian group introduced the Botanical Garden of the Mechnikov National University. As one of the oldest scientific institutions in the city, it plays a crucial role in:

• Conserving endangered plant species.
• Promoting sustainable use of flora and urban biodiversity.
• Offering educational tours and workshops on green urban planning.

Founded officially in 1842, and moved to the French Boulevard in 1880, the garden features many tropical and subtropical species and offers free entry, making it accessible to all citizens.

Participants drew comparisons to botanical gardens in Germany, which often include medicinal plant collections and provide similar educational and conservation functions.

Sofia: Welcoming Refugees and Building a Greener Future

The Bulgarian group focused on two examples that illustrate Sofia’s engagement with SDG 10 and SDG 13.

Under SDG 10, they presented the work of the State Refugee Agency (DAB-MS). Established in the 1990s, the agency coordinates:

• Reception centers for refugees.
• Language classes, employment assistance, and integration programs.
• Specific support for Ukrainian refugees, in response to the ongoing war.

Participants highlighted how the agency works closely with governmental bodies and NGOs to foster inclusion and dignity for newcomers.

For SDG 13, Sofia stood out as one of the greenest capitals in Europe. Efforts include:

• An expanding metro system with four lines.
• Electromobility incentives and charging infrastructure.
• Low-emission zones to reduce air pollution.
• Advocacy by environmental groups like Verein für die Erde (“For the Earth”).
• Long-term visions of car-free cities to promote sustainable living.

In contrast, participants observed that while Odesa has a well-used public transport system, bicycle lanes and pedestrian infrastructure are still limited, making Sofia’s achievements particularly noteworthy.

The next digital meeting will take place on May 27, 2025, focusing on two new goals:
Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) and Gender Equality (SDG 5).

The second local meeting of the Actionbound project brought together a group of engaged individuals committed to designing an interactive scavenger hunt focused on sustainability and social justice in Ulm.

A new participant with experience in community support, including food bank initiatives, joined the team. The meeting began with a brief overview of the project’s national and international scope, emphasizing collaboration with partner schools and a broader educational impact.

Small groups presented updates on locations selected for the scavenger hunt:

• Radgasse 8 emerged as a central spot due to its diverse social initiatives, including support for refugees, cultural access, and water justice. An interview with a representative is already being arranged.
• The city library stood out for its accessibility and wide range of resources—digital archives, maker spaces, and language courses. Further research and a possible collaboration with staff are planned.
• The House of Sustainability has already been visited, with a filmed interview currently in editing. A station for the scavenger hunt is in development.
• The memorial site at the courthouse, which commemorates victims of Nazi-era injustice, was presented with ideas for integrating historical reflection and interactive elements.

A central question raised during the meeting was whether to choose locations based on SDGs or select impactful places first and then link them to relevant goals. Most favored starting with places that resonate and building connections from there.

Ideas were also collected for SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Suggested locations included community gardens, solar-powered trash bins, a packaging-free shop, and public drinking water stations.

Technical aspects were briefly discussed, such as preferred video formats and editing options. Emphasis was placed on keeping content accessible and engaging.

Next steps include filming interviews, contacting local organizations, and finalizing content. The goal is to complete the scavenger hunt by July, potentially aligning with Ulm’s sustainability week. The next working session is scheduled for May 12, 2025.