Union of the Baltic Cities (UBC) is a voluntary, proactive network mobilizing the shared potential of its member cities for democratic, economic, social, cultural and environmentally sustainable development of the Baltic Sea Region. UBC Sustainable Cities Commission (UBC SCC) is one of the thematic Commissions of the UBC.
We at UBC SCC are responsible for the environmental and urban sustainability activities within UBC and we co-ordinate the UBC Sustainability Action Programme which is closely linked to the EU strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. We operate via development projects, member city conferences and policy meetings. More information on us from our UBC Sustainable Cities website.
Within the CASCADE project, UBC SCC supports the Lead Partner with project coordination and assists with leading communication and dissemination. UBC SCC also contributes to networking activities in the project.
Meet the UBC SCC team!
Björn Grönholm – Head of Secretariat
I work as Head of Secretariat at the UBC SCC since 2006 with experience in designing and leading several international co-operation projects, fitting together research, capacity building and dissemination activities aimed at making the Baltic Sea Region more sustainable.
I have been part of the CASCADE project right from the very beginning. The idea for the project was developed when it become clear that more collaboration between different sector and actors was needed to answer to the climate change related risks in our region. It is important and really good to see that the original intentions are now coming together in reality and see how the project partners are working together to ensure tangible effects on the climate change preparedness in the Baltic Sea Region. I am sure that the topic of the CASCADE project will be on the agenda for several upcoming years.
Jussi Välimäki - Controller
My works consists among other things of handling reporting, auditing and budgeting for domestic and international co-operation projects. During my over 14 years working for UBC SCC I have been involved in many projects and I have to say what I really enjoy in CASCADE is to see partners from such different organizations working so well together.
Jutta Mäkinen – Communications and Network Manager
I work as the Communications and Network Manager for the UBC SCC since 2017. I really enjoy working in this network and my goal is to build and reinforce engagement and cooperation opportunities for the network members to share best practices and solutions around sustainability.
With CASCADE I work to make sure that the work done in this innovative project and that the tools and solutions developed are disseminated to the relevant stakeholders around our Baltic Sea Region and beyond.
Of course I could not do this alone, I have an amazing team of professionals working with me:
Laura Sarlin – Graphic Designer
Laura has created the visual guidelines for the project and she makes sure all the material produced has the same impressive visual outlook.
Kaj-Michael “Micke” Lang – IT expert
Micke continuously develops our website and other tools to make sure they will both look good, work well and be easy to use!
It is a real pleasure to work with such professionals and this is the case with the CASCADE partners as well. All the partners are very committed to make this unique, cross-sectoral effort have a positive impact on our region. I am looking forward to seeing how the project successfully contributes towards a more resilient and prepared tomorrow.
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Photos by Mariia Andreeva
Text by Jutta Mäkinen, Björn Grönholm and Jussi Välimäki
This is an article of the series “Introducing CASCADE Project Partners”. During the next weeks and months CASCADE introduces all the Project Partners and their visions here on the CASCADE website.
