On 15 May 2026 in Riga, Latvia, the first international partner meeting of the GROW – Green Rights and Opportunities for Women project took place, funded under the EU programme CERV 2021–2027 (Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values).

The event was hosted by the Latvian partner — the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments (Latvijas Pašvaldību Savienība, LPS / LALRG) — one of the most representative organisations of its kind in Europe. The meeting featured a seminar on "Gender Dimensions of Environmental Challenges: Setting the Stage for Policy Integration" and a workshop on stakeholder engagement to build more inclusive green policies.

ASWM participated as Partner No. 4 in the project. Before partners from 11 countries, the organisation presented its contribution: a network of 26 municipalities in South-Western Bulgaria, experience in promoting women's leadership in local governance, and a commitment to active participation throughout the full cycle of international meetings under the project.

The GROW project aims to empower women in environmental leadership and sustainable development. For the municipalities that are members of ASWM, participation in GROW represents an opportunity to build capacity, exchange good practices, and establish lasting partnerships among municipalities in the region. Four more international meetings are planned within the 24-month project.