Megacities’ future to be discussed at urban forum in Zaryadye

The Moscow Urban Forum will take place in Zaryadye Park between 17–22 July. During the week-long event, Russian and international experts, together with officials, urbanists, sociologists and economists, will discuss the development of models for the world’s largest cities.

This year, the theme of the forum is “Megacity of the Future: New Space for Living.” How can cities analyse key technological, economic, sociocultural and demographic trends? What demands do they face from society and business? How will the megacities of the future differ from today’s large cities? How can cities avoid lagging behind global competitors? These and other questions will be addressed by participants at the forum.

“The job of the 2018 Moscow Urban Forum is to identify the most efficient means to help us design future megacities and ensure they can swiftly adapt to change,” said Denis Boikov, General Director of the forum.

The first day of the business programme will be dedicated to the discussion of how cities deal with challenges, rapidly changing socioeconomic conditions and the new technological landscape. On the second day, the participants will examine the strategic development agenda for megacities in the coming decades.

Besides the business programme, there will also be a traditional festival which, this year, aims to unite different generations of Muscovites.

The Moscow Urban Forum is the largest international congress on the development challenges of global megacities. The Forum has been held annually since 2011. It brings together representatives of city administrations of Russia and the world, architects, urban planners, developers, heads of financial companies, investors, technological startups, media representatives and members of the public.

During the seven years since its launch, more than 30,000 specialists from all over the world have taken part in the forum. Together, the state and business decide how to develop public transport, ensure the effectiveness of infrastructure, build affordable housing and improve the urban environment.

Last year, more than 80,000 people visited the forum, including 10,847 participants from 68 countries.

Highlights of the business programmes of previous years, including public interviews, presentations and experts’ speeches, are available on the website.