Rural communities are creating new ways to live, work, innovate and care for people and landscapes. #RuralThrive50
From regenerative agriculture and renewable energy to social innovation, local entrepreneurship and digital connectivity, rural territories are shaping solutions for a more sustainable future. Yet too often, these stories remain invisible. Rural Thrive 2050 exists to change that.
Through storytelling, collaboration, events and collective action, the campaign brings together communities, projects and organisations working towards stronger, more connected and future-oriented rural territories. Because thriving rural areas are not only important for rural communities – they are essential for our shared future.
The Rural Thrive Campaign welcomes participation from rural communities, projects and initiatives, organisations and networks, Living Labs, researchers and innovators, local authorities, civil society organisations, entrepreneurs, youth and women groups, and individuals passionate about rural futures.
Whether through events, stories, workshops, local initiatives or digital engagement, everyone is invited to contribute to the conversation, by using the official hashtag:
#RuralThrive50
Rural territories are at the centre of some of today’s biggest transitions:
1. Depopulation
2. Limited access to services
3. Territorial inequalities
4. Economic transitions
5. Reduced visibility in public discussions
Rural Thrive 2050 creates space for communities across Europe and Africa to exchange experiences, share innovations and inspire new approaches to sustainability and rural development.
Different territories face different realities. But many challenges, ideas and aspirations are shared.
Through dialogue, storytelling and collaboration, the campaign aims to strengthen connections between communities, organisations and initiatives working towards stronger rural futures across continents.
Throughout the campaign, farmers, entrepreneurs, youth, educators, innovators, cooperatives and local communities will share:
Some stories will showcase innovation. Others will highlight challenges.
Others will inspire action.
Together, these voices create a collective picture of rural territories as places of creativity, resilience and transformation.
Throughout the campaign, partners and supporters across Europe and Africa will organise:
Local community events
Workshops and training activities
Living Lab engagement actions
Webinars and online discussions
Storytelling and interview campaigns
Podcasts and multimedia activities
Awareness and communication initiatives
Cross-project collaboration activities
Dissemination and networking events
Rural Thrive Supporters are projects, organisations and initiatives collaborating with the campaign through joint communication, dissemination, events and stakeholder engagement activities.
Together, supporters help amplify rural innovation, sustainability initiatives and community voices while contributing to a broader collaborative ecosystem around rural futures.
Rural Thrive 2050 is more than a campaign.
It is a growing ecosystem of people, communities and organisations working towards stronger, more connected and future-oriented rural territories.
Projects and organisations interested in collaborating with the campaign can apply to become Rural Thrive 2050 Supporters.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement no 101060876. UK participants in Horizon Europe Project RURALITIES are supported by UKRI grant numbers: 10051963 The Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership and 10050988 Earthwatch Europe.
