Vienna in focus: World City Forum tackles climate protection and future issues!

Vienna in focus: World City Forum tackles climate protection and future issues!

Vienna is all about global urban politics: From July 2nd to 4th, 2025, the Mayors Forum will take place in the Vienna City Hall as part of the World Cities Summit. Over 100 city leaders and decision-makers from more than 50 cities worldwide traveled to take part in this important event, which intensively addresses the challenges and opportunities of urban development. Mayor Michael Ludwig emphasizes the responsibility of cities, especially with regard to climate protection, social inclusion and the creation of livable spaces. Dunav reports that the focus is on affordable housing, energy transition, digitalization and sustainable urban development.

“Vienna wants to provide impetus as a shining example of sustainable urban planning,” emphasizes Ludwig. This event is not only a platform for sharing best practices, but also a step towards a more environmentally friendly and socially just urban future. The Minister of Communications and Information, Chee Hong Tat, from Singapore, recognizes Vienna's pioneering role in climate protection and emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in overcoming global challenges.

Global challenges and solutions

Over 50 percent of humanity already lives in cities, and by 2050 this proportion is expected to rise to 70 percent. The BMWSB outlines that the challenges of sustainable urban development occur worldwide and concern issues such as climate change, affordable housing and social cohesion.

Germany relies on international cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and experiences in order to actively shape urbanization. Valuable impulses from German development policy flow into the discussion, for example through an integrated approach to sustainable urban development. This includes the involvement of all urban actors - from civil society to administration - in order to make the best possible use of the cities' development potential. The exchange of specialist knowledge and the formation of networks should not only promote climate protection, but also social justice and the inclusion of people with disabilities.

Creative approaches in focus

The forum offers interactive sessions and thematic excursions, for example to the innovative lakeside town of Aspern and the Danube Island. A highlight is the “Singapore–Vienna” exhibition, in which groundbreaking projects from both cities are presented. The BMZ emphasizes that climate-friendly urban planning not only benefits the residents, but also benefits the entire global community.

The event comes at just the right time to promote new ideas and concepts that address the looming challenges of our urban life. With a clear focus on the importance of international cooperation and sharing best practices, the Mayors Forum 2025 is a hopeful step towards a greener and fairer future for all cities.