La Vila Joiosa approves its Urban Agenda and strengthens its presence in the Mediterranean sphere

La Vila Joiosa Town Council has approved its Urban Agenda in an extraordinary session, a strategic document that outlines the roadmap for the town's transformation in the coming years. The proposal received support from the local government team, as well as the PSOE and Gent per La Vila municipal groups, while Compromís voted against and Vox abstained.

The Urban Agenda of La Vila Joiosa sets out short, medium, and long-term actions in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on SDG 11, which aims for more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities. According to the Urban Planning Councillor, Pedro Ramis, "this document defines a model of the town based on a shared vision of the future, guiding its development towards a more sustainable, fair, and intelligent environment."

The work on the Urban Agenda has identified the town's ten main challenges, including improving urban space, combating climate change, boosting economic dynamism, and strengthening social cohesion.

To achieve this, a methodology based on diagnostics from indicators and a SWOT analysis structured around the 10 strategic axes of the Spanish Urban Agenda was followed. Additionally, the process involved citizen participation through surveys and the 'Market of Ideas', which gathered contributions from residents.

The resulting action plan includes 41 projects and 114 specific actions distributed throughout the town, with special attention to the most degraded areas. These initiatives are structured around five key dimensions: social, environmental, economic, physical space, and cultural. "The Urban Agenda is a firm commitment to sustainable development and the well-being of our citizens," Ramis emphasised, highlighting its inclusive approach and its aim to transform local resources into efficient, sustainable, and profitable opportunities for the population.

In the same session, the municipal council approved La Vila Joiosa's incorporation into the High Patronage of Casa Mediterráneo, an institution that promotes cooperation among Mediterranean basin countries. According to the Culture Councillor, Marisa Mingot, "this alliance will position La Vila Joiosa as a reference in the preservation and dissemination of its heritage, traditions, and innovation, facilitating exchange with other Mediterranean territories and strengthening our cultural and social promotion."

Casa Mediterráneo is a consortium integrated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Generalitat Valenciana, the Alicante Provincial Council, and several town councils, including Benidorm. Its work focuses on fostering public diplomacy through activities in areas such as culture, economy, climate change, and innovation.

Since 2023, Villajoyosa has maintained close collaboration with Casa Mediterráneo in promoting cultural heritage, organising activities such as the 'Shape of the Sea' exhibition and the 'Stabat Mater' concert by the Casa Mediterráneo Ensemble. With its membership in the High Patronage, the town consolidates its international projection and strengthens its commitment to sustainable development and Mediterranean cooperation.