The ESPO (European Sea Port Organisation) Award on Societal Integration of Ports is entering its fourth edition this year. The Award was established in 2009 to promote innovative projects of port authorities that improve societal integration of ports, especially with the city or wider community in which they are located. In this way, the Award wants to stimulate the sustainable development of European ports and their cities.

For the 2012 competition, the theme 'Youth' was chosen. Societal integration of ports also means making future generations of employees, neighbours and other stakeholders aware of what the port sector has to offer. Awareness has to start at an early age and this is why the 2012 edition of the ESPO Award wants to promote projects of ports reaching out to young people, whether these are school children, students or young professionals. A variety of possibilities exists, including educational partnerships at various levels (from kindergarten to university), hands-on experience events, job campaigns and the use of games and multimedia.

As with previous editions, potential winners are those port authorities that excel in long-term creative thinking, foster sustainable partnerships with stakeholders and demonstrate tangible results.

The fourth ESPO Award will be officially handed out during an evening ceremony which will be held on 7 November in Brussels.