»NOTHING ABOUT US, WITHOUT US«: INTRODUCING THE ELEVATE PROJECT

The ELEVATE project focuses on strengthening inclusive development in the Danube Region by fostering cooperation between the public, civil, and private sectors. It’s main goal is to develop and test a model for inclusive territorial planning that actively involves older people and persons with disabilities in decision-making and community development. Through pilot activities in 12 territories and capacity building, the project will improve access to services, enhance social cohesion and build local resilience. A key principle is “nothing about us without us”, ensuring that those most affected are directly engaged in shaping solutions. ELEVATE model will explore innovative financial approaches to support sustainable and inclusive growth, making sure that the green transition benefits everyone and leaves no one behind. 

The project is structured around three specific objectives that together create a pathway toward inclusive territorial development in the Danube Region. Each objective builds on the previous one, ensuring a logical and sustainable progression from knowledge-building to long-term implementation.

SO1: Increasing knowledge, capacities and cooperation for inclusive territorial development

The first step in achieving inclusive territorial development is to strengthen the foundations. This objective focuses on enhancing knowledge, building capacities and fostering cooperation among stakeholders throughout the Danube Region. By creating a strong community of practice, the project will ensure that stakeholders are equipped with the skills, insights and networks necessary to address the challenges of territorial development inclusively.

SO2: Developing place-based governance models for inclusive territorial development

The second objective translates knowledge into practical action. It emphasizes the design, testing and refinement of place-based governance models that respond to the specific needs of local and regional contexts within the Danube Region. By piloting these models, the project aims to demonstrate how inclusive governance can foster cooperation and generate tailored solutions that reflect local realities while contributing to regional development.

SO3: Ensuring long-term sustainability, mainstreaming, and transferability of the developed model

The third objective secures the long-term impact of the project, dedicated to embedding the developed governance models into existing structures by creating actionable strategies for sustainability and mainstreaming. It will ensure that the model will be adaptable and transferable beyond the Danube Region and thereby maximizing its impact.

These three objectives will establish a comprehensive framework for fostering inclusive, place-based and sustainable territorial development that can serve as a model for other regions across the whole Europe.