Singapore Hosts World Cities Summit 2024
Focus On Future Liveable Cities
The World Cities Summit (WCS) 2024 will commence its ninth edition from June 2-4, 2024, at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Established as a biennial gathering in Singapore, the Summit serves as a focal point for global government leaders, industry giants, intellectuals, and academics to exchange insights and knowledge on addressing urban challenges faced by cities worldwide. The overarching goal remains steadfast: to enhance the liveability and quality of life in urban centres across the globe.
Jointly organised by Singapore’s Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), the World Cities Summit has emerged as a premier platform, drawing participation from over 250 cities worldwide since its inception in 2008.
In its previous iteration, 2022, WCS welcomed over 2,500 delegates from 56 countries and regions, including 72 ministers, mayors, and city leaders.
Theme Of WCS 2024
The theme for WCS 2024, ‘Liveable and Sustainable Cities: Rejuvenate, Reinvent, Reimagine,’ encapsulates the imperative for cities to adapt and evolve into intelligent, resilient, and regenerative urban hubs of the future.
Despite mounting climatic, financial, and societal pressures, cities must undergo transformative processes to ensure their prosperity for present and future generations.
Hugh Lim, Executive Director of the Centre for Liveable Cities, underscored the significance of the Summit.
He said: “As our world evolves, so must our cities. WCS 2024 provides a critical platform for leaders from diverse sectors to come together, evaluate pressing urban challenges, and pave the way for innovative solutions.”
Key Highlights Of WCS 2024
Delegates will engage with the Summit’s theme across five thematic tracks: Cities for People, Resilient & Regenerative Cities, Smart Cities, Sustainable Financing of Cities, and Future Cities. Each track will feature plenaries, in-depth discussions, special convenings, and roundtables strategically organised to foster vibrant and diverse dialogues.
Moreover, WCS 2024 will host several key events, including the WCS Mayors Forum, the WCS Young Leaders Symposium, the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew World Prize Award Ceremony and Banquet, and an exhibition showcasing cities, corporations, and organisations through physical booths.
Notable highlights within the exhibition area include the Singapore whole-of-government pavilion, booths by Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize laureate cities, and various other booths showcasing innovative urban solutions.
Speakers And Attendees
The Summit will include distinguished speakers and attendees, including prominent figures such as Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and Minister for National Development Desmond Lee of Singapore, along with mayors, governors, and urban development experts from cities across the globe.
Their collective presence underscores the Summit’s global significance as a platform for sharing insights and forging collaborations to tackle urban challenges.
As the World Cities Summit 2024 gears up to convene in Singapore, it reaffirms its role as a catalyst for urban transformation and sustainable development on a global scale.
The summit endeavours to chart a course towards a collective vision of resilient, sustainable, and liveable cities for future generations through collaborative engagement and knowledge sharing.
Established in 2008 by the Ministry of National Development and the former Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC) aims to distil, create, and disseminate knowledge on liveable and sustainable cities.
Through research, capability development, knowledge platforms, and advisory services, CLC endeavours to empower urban leaders and practitioners with the requisite knowledge and support to enhance urban environments.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is Singapore’s land use planning and conservation agency. It is dedicated to making Singapore a great place to live, work, and play.
URA’s multifaceted role encompasses long-term planning, innovation, and community partnerships to create a vibrant, sustainable urban environment. URA endeavours to shape a distinctive cityscape reflective of Singapore’s dynamic character through initiatives promoting architectural and urban design excellence.
Featured image: The World Cities Summit is a biennial gathering in Singapore. Credit: WCS 2024
