The Horizon Europe European Union-funded RURALITIES Project continues to bring together a diverse consortium of 49 partners from across Europe, Africa and beyond, all working towards a shared vision: fostering resilient, inclusive and innovative rural communities.
This collaborative effort was recently reinforced during the latest consortium meeting held in Slovenia (April 2026), where partners aligned priorities for the final phase of the project. It is within this context of renewed coordination and ambition that APODISSI has taken on a central role in shaping how RURALITIES communicates, engages, and delivers its results.
“Taking on the leadership of communication and dissemination at this stage of the project is both a responsibility and an opportunity. Our focus is to ensure that RURALITIES results are not only visible, but truly understood, accessible and taken up by rural communities and decision-makers across Europe and Africa.”
Margherita Trestini, APODISSI General Manager
A new momentum for communication and dissemination
APODISSI is now leading the communication, dissemination and exploitation of results.
Stepping into this role at an advanced stage of the project means building on existing foundations while introducing a renewed, more strategic and impact-driven approach. The focus is clear: ensure that RURALITIES results are not only visible, but understood, accessible and ultimately used by those who need them most.
This includes:
- Coordinating communication activities across all partners
- Strengthening the project’s visibility at European and international level
- Supporting partners in translating technical outputs into clear, engaging content
- Enhancing stakeholder engagement across rural communities, policymakers and practitioners
- Ensuring consistency in messaging, identity and outreach
A key priority has been the development of an updated and more coherent set of communication materials, aligning the project’s identity with its current phase and future ambitions. These updated tools support partners in communicating more effectively and consistently across all channels and regions.
Leading the Rural Thrive 2050 campaign
One of the most significant responsibilities now under the leadership of APODISSI is the coordination of the Rural Thrive 2050 campaign, a flagship initiative of the project.
This campaign represents a large-scale mobilisation effort across Europe and Africa, aiming to amplify rural voices, raise awareness of key challenges, and contribute to long-term policy discussions aligned with EU and AU priorities.
With its official launch scheduled for September 2026, the campaign will:
- Engage rural communities, farmers, SMEs and local actors
- Promote dialogue around key themes such as youth, education, mobility and rural development
- Encourage participation through storytelling, events and community-driven activities
- Connect local realities with broader policy debates
Rather than relying solely on top-down communication, Rural Thrive 2050 is designed as a participatory and locally embedded campaign, integrated into ongoing activities such as workshops, open days and Living Lab initiatives.
Aligning the consortium for impact
During the recent consortium meeting held in Slovenia in April 2026, partners came together to align priorities for the final phase of the project.
Key discussions focused on:
- Strengthening communication and internal coordination
- Increasing stakeholder engagement across Simplified Rural Socio-Ecological Systems (SIMSES)
- Enhancing visibility and participation among target audiences
- Improving how impact is measured, moving beyond numbers to capture real change
In this context, APODISSI played a key role in guiding partners on communication strategies, encouraging more consistent storytelling, and promoting the integration of dissemination activities into everyday project actions.
From visibility to long-term impact
As RURALITIES moves closer to completion, the emphasis is shifting from awareness to uptake, replication and long-term sustainability.
Communication is no longer just about sharing information, it is about enabling change. By ensuring that results are translated into practical tools, accessible knowledge, and compelling stories, APODISSI is helping to bridge the gap between innovation and real-world application.
With a strengthened communication strategy, updated materials, and the upcoming launch of Rural Thrive 2050, the project is well positioned to maximise its impact and leave a lasting legacy across rural communities in Europe, Africa and beyond.
