The national leaders' meeting was held over two intensive days at the end of October at Astrid Lindgren's World in Vimmerby. This year, a record number of registered participants, over 270, were registered.
We see it as an incredible privilege to welcome these participants from all over the country to our leader area. Our ambition has been to give a taste of what our area has to offer and to stand for good hospitality. Local food, sustainability and a good and inclusive atmosphere have been important to us.
Astrid Lindgren's Hometown has a long history of working with the Leader method. During these days we have highlighted examples of project ideas that we have supported with money from Leader: Småland Film Village, TUFF Rural and our own project around sustainable transport. Putte Svensson Sahlin, one of the founders of the Hultsfredsfestivalen, gave a memorable speech where he talked about the power of young people's ideas and creative entrepreneurship.
We look back on rewarding days where we met in conversations, discussions and gained new knowledge about how we can together continue the important work of developing our rural areas.
We will continue to do so in the spirit of Astrid Lindgren: With courage, wisdom and ingenuity.
Many thanks to The Rural Network and Astrid Lindgren's World for a fantastically well-run conference!