On February 27, 2025, the “Dialogues for a Sustainable and Digital Future” roundtable took place in Seixo (Mira), Portugal, organised by AD ELO in partnership with ACR Seixo de Mira, the Parish Council of Seixo, and the Municipality of Mira. The event gathered 61 participants, including key stakeholders from local and regional entities, to discuss innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation in rural areas.
A key focus was the NewEcoSmart (NES) project, with presentations highlighting its Learning Toolkit designed to drive green and digital initiatives in rural communities. The toolkit provides resources to support sustainable growth, digital literacy, and entrepreneurial skills.
The event also showcased “Seixo: Green, Digital, Inclusive, and Cultural Village,” the Portuguese winner of the NES Open Call. This project demonstrates how rural communities can embrace digital and green transitions while preserving cultural heritage.
Participants engaged in a dynamic brainstorming session, exploring challenges and solutions for advancing sustainable development in rural areas. The event concluded with the appointment of the NES Community Ambassador, tasked with promoting stakeholder engagement and supporting the project’s expansion in Portugal.
The roundtable attracted a diverse range of stakeholders, including local authorities, rural development projects, agriculture cooperatives, social initiatives, businesses, and media. This multidisciplinary participation fostered a collaborative approach to driving sustainable and digital innovation in rural communities.
The event ended with a cultural experience, featuring a guided visit to Casa Gandaresa and a traditional lunch, celebrating the region’s heritage.