Skopje, North Macedonia – September 26-28, 2023
In an era characterized by rapid digitalization, the significance of policies cannot be overstated. Policies serve as the guiding compass, shaping the trajectory of society and addressing the myriad challenges that emerge with the digital age. They form the backbone of legal, regulatory, and ethical frameworks that oversee digital technologies, safeguard individual rights, uphold data privacy and security, and ensure equitable competition. Yet, effective policies transcend mere regulation; they stimulate innovation, nurture trust, and strike a harmonious balance between technological progress, societal impact, and ethical considerations. Initiatives rooted in policy, focusing on citizen empowerment, multi-stakeholder collaboration, community trust, ecosystem development, and social innovation, are instrumental in fostering a sustainable, inclusive society marked by digital integration.
SHAFE, NET4Age-Friendly, and SIRENE: Pioneers in Digital Policy and Community Transformation
In this context, three transformative initiatives stand out: SHAFE (Smart Healthy Age-Friendly Environments), NET4Age-Friendly, and SIRENE. These are more than just policy initiatives; they represent a paradigm shift towards a digitally enabled society that prioritizes community well-being.
As part of the Horizon Europe program, SIRENE exemplifies the power of merging technology, health, social support, housing, and community engagement. It has set out to create smart, adaptable, and inclusive solutions that enable independent living irrespective of age, gender, disability, cultural background, or personal choices. The journey toward a brighter, more inclusive future now extends to the SHAFE Foundation, which is currently in the implementation phase, poised to amplify the results and extend the benefits of this vast network to communities worldwide.
At the upcoming Training School event in Skopje, North Macedonia, from September 26-28, 2023, Carina Dantas, coordinator of the SIRENE project and CEO of SHINE 2Europe, will lead the charge. Under her guidance, participants will embark on an enlightening journey. The workshop will delve into the core challenges and requirements of our communities as they undergo the transformation into Smart Healthy Age-Friendly Environments. This hands-on experience will empower attendees to contribute actively to the policy and community transformations required in our digital age.
Carina will be accompanied by SIRENE’s Willeke van Staalduinen, who will explain the working of SEE-IT Revisited, a tool to perform ex-ante and ex-post evaluations and to define social, economic and environmental impacts. Additionally, the trainees will practice with the SEE-IT Revisited themselves.
Stay tuned for more updates!
