The 14th RUITEM forum, an event that brings together researchers from Ibero-American universities and representatives of public and private entities, took place on 11th and 12th June at Técnico.

The debate was focused on the topic “Public Policies and Private Initiative”. The main themes presented in this year’s edition were: the promotion of Public-Private initiatives; General Services: water and waste; Territory and development: Mobility and urban rehabilitation; and Sustainable tourism: Planning and environment.

A panel composed of professors Jorge de Brito, president of CERIS, Modest Batlle, president of RUITEM, and Fernando Nunes da Silva, vice-president of RUITEM took place during the closing session. “It’s very important to highlight the importance of this event at a time when the urban pressure is huge”, stressed professor Jorge Brito. “The fact that there is a place where universities and entities meet to share experiences is also very important”, he added. Professor Modest Batlle also stressed the importance of this forum: “Here we breed new ideas and make new friends, which increase knowledge sharing, and this is something of which we should be proud”. Professor Fernando Nunes da Silva spoke about the future, noting that “on its way to the 15th anniversary, RUITEM forum must be confident of the success of its work”. The next edition will be held in Panama.