Dr. Andro Vlahušić
Mayor, City of Dubrovnik
President, Croatian Association of Historic Towns

Dear colleagues,
Welcome to Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic!
Today, when cultural tourism is deeply impacting the sustainable management, protection and restoration of historical towns, and when it has become the main impetus for regeneration and progress in heritage, the bonding of historical towns has become a platform for a united front that promotes specific interests and needs.

The stunning UNESCO world heritage city of Dubrovnik will provide an inspirational setting for delegates from across Europe and the world to come together and discuss at first hand the challenges and opportunities currently facing historic cities.

This conference will provide a unique opportunity for key decision makers working in the field of cultural heritage, as well as academics and practitioners committed to the preservation of historic cities, particularly those cities inscribed on the UNESCO's World Heritage List, to share views and experiences and help influence and shape future European Policy.

The conference theme focuses on the new EU 2020 strategy for 2013 -2020 - the policy that will determine the way the main European funds are allocated – a key potential resource for European Historic Towns

The 3 priorities of the EU 2020 strategy are:
Smart growth:
developing an economy based on knowledge and innovation.
Sustainable growth:
promoting a more resource efficient, greener and more competitive economy.
Inclusive growth:
fostering a high-employment economy delivering social and territorial cohesion.

But can the Historic Town respond to the key global challenges of the 21st Century and help deliver sustainable growth?
This Conference will explore ways in which historic towns can and do contribute to these European priorities and will present the historic city as a model for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth focusing on the knowledge economy, social cohesion and the challenges of climate change.

This Conference will:

	Show practical examples of successful growth and regeneration strategies in large, medium and small historic settlements
	Draw on the experience of a number of European projects and partners
	Present the work of the European Heritage Alliance in developing a European Cultural Heritage Strategy that demonstrates the economic and social importance of the historic city

We look forward to seeing you in Dubrovnik...

Conference practical info...