Future of cities: ICLEI's 20th anniversary congress
Background: Changing climate, changing cities
This is what we know: Climate change means cities of the future will face vastly different challenges than those faced by cities of the past. The era of climate change is already putting urban life at risk through rising sea levels and floods, more frequent and ferocious weather events and higher temperatures leading to the spread of disease.
Economic uncertainty and concerns over the sources and cost of energy compound the situation.
Meanwhile, two-thirds of humanity is forecast to be living in urban centres by 2050.
Climate change must be countered with a fundamental shift in the way we understand cities. The Future of Cities congress in Incheon, Korea, will build momentum behind this shift.
The four days of the Future of Cities congress will address the monumental challenges facing rapidly growing cities of the 21st Century in four thematic areas: Eco-efficiency, resilience, green economy and happiness will be at the center of debates and presentation.
Monday 4 October
Afternoon: The day before the official opening of the Future of Cities congress, participants explore Incheon with a number of study tours showcasing the work the host city‘s efforts to build a sustainable future for Incheon.
Tuesday 5 October
Morning: Grand welcome and introduction of Future of Cities; keynote addresses will highlight the current states experienced by some of the world‘s cities.
Afternoon: ICLEI 20th Anniversary: a look back at what we have done and a look forward to more local action for sustainability.
Wednesday 6 October
Morning: Break out sessions looking at cities‘ good practice measuring results against the four congress themes.
Late morning: An exploration of how to improve intercity cooperation with the goal of reducing isolation and promoting partnerships.
Afternoon: Leading examples of cities exemplifying the four congress theme and a discussion of what planet of cities looks like.
Thursday 7 October
Morning: Break out sessions and dialogues bringing city and business leaders together to discuss partnerships in urban sustainability solutions.
Early afternoon: Forty thematic roundtable discussions chaired and hosted by active and advanced cities will encourage knowledge-sharing and the development of new partnerships.
Afternoon: Grand closing with messages from local governments to the upcoming G20 Summit in Seoul and the United Nations Conference of the Parties for Biodiversity (Nagoya) and Climate (Cancun).