Riga hands over BaltMet Chairmanship to Stockholm
2008-10-17
20 October 2008, Riga
The BaltMet Network Chairmanship handover ceremony took place on 20 October 2008 in Riga. Mr Janis Birks, Chairman of Riga City Council, officially passed the presidency of the Network to Mrs Ulla Hamilton, Vice-Mayor of Stockholm. The festive ceremony was attended by officials and guests from BaltMet member cities as well as cooperation partners from a range of Riga City administration departments.
Having led the network for three years, the city of Riga handed over the Chairmanship to the city of Stockholm. „BaltMet Network chairmanship has been the most significant experience of leading a significant international network for the Riga City so far. In the end we have shown that Riga is not only a trustworthy partner, but can accept leadership and responsibility for the broader Baltic Sea Region" - says Mr.Almers Ludviks, Vice Chairman of Riga City Council who has been the Acting Chairman of BaltMet network during last three years. During these years, the Network showed very positive results in terms of implemented projects and experience gained in different areas and levels of participating city administrations. Meanwhile, Riga has also commissioned an external evaluation of the Network, which will provide input for even more efficient cooperation in the years to come.
The Secretariat will be working in Riga till the end of 2008. From the beginning of January 2009, Stockholm will take over the leadership of the Network, assuming the functions of the Network Secretariat.
BaltMet Network during Riga Chairmanship, 2006 - 2008 - a presentation by Julija Berkovica, Head of BaltMet Secretariat in Riga.
1) Vice-Mayor of Stockholm Ulla Hamilton together with Janis Birks, Chairman of Riga City Council, and Almers Ludviks, Deputy-Chairman of Riga City Council, straight after the Chairmanship Handover
2) BaltMet group photo – Chairmanship handover from Riga to Stockholm, Riga City Council Presidium hall, 20 October 2008
