Adelin Lazar

URBAN2020 is a Bucharest-based non-governmental organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Romanian and European cities through sustainable urban planning, smart development, and social innovation. Founded with the vision of fostering cities that are impactful, integrated, inclusive, interactive, and inspiring, URBAN2020 supports local and regional communities by developing and implementing initiatives that bridge the gap between policy, practice, and participation. The organization specializes in integrated planning, community engagement, and capacity-building, offering a wide range of expertise including urban and regional planning, architecture and design services, GIS and spatial analysis, policy development, and participatory co-creation. With a strong focus on youth involvement, digital tools, and cross-sector collaboration, URBAN2020 serves as a key interface between public institutions, academic partners, civil society, and private stakeholders. URBAN2020 has taken part in numerous European and national projects that address pressing urban and territorial challenges. Notable among these is the SPADES project (funded under the Horizon Europe Soil Mission), where the organization contributes to integrating soil health into spatial planning strategies through co-creation and pilot actions. Another flagship initiative is EUthMappers (Erasmus+), which promotes open mapping, environmental awareness, and civic engagement among youth through digital tools like QGIS and participatory methodologies. URBAN2020 was also a main partner in the YPlan project, which focuses on youth participation in reimagining public spaces and urban regeneration. Within these and other projects, the organization has played leading roles in communication, stakeholder engagement, spatial diagnostics, workshop facilitation, and training delivery. Beyond project implementation, URBAN2020 actively promotes smart and sustainable development through thematic areas such as the 15-Minute City, nature-based solutions, circular economy, and green mobility. It also contributes to policy innovation and the exchange of best practices across borders, working in synergy with European programs such as Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, Interreg, and the European Urban Initiative. URBAN2020’s mission is reflected in its commitment to reducing disparities between urban and rural areas, supporting the integration of disadvantaged groups, and stimulating cooperation between governance levels and societal actors. By integrating strategic thinking with community-rooted action, URBAN2020 acts as a catalyst for creating meaningful, inclusive, and resilient urban futures across Europe.