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7-8 October 2024 | Brussels, Belgium
On 7-8 October 2024, in Brussels, Belgium and online the UTM Global Innovation Summit was hosted, supported by the European Commission, Urban Transitions Mission Centre (UTMC), the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) and the Covenant of Mayors Eastern Partnership (CoM East).
This high-level gathering brought UTM Cities together with global leaders in urban innovation and sustainability, national policymakers, international organizations, financial institutions, partners, and stakeholders from the private sector and academia, to explore the role of urban planning and designing in fostering transitions to net-zero, resilient, and inclusive communities.
Participants delved into innovative approaches that aid cities across the world in them partway to a net-zero resilient future, through prioritizing resource efficiency, people-centered design, and digital interconnectedness.
From integrated urban planning strategies and green technologies to data governance and blended innovative financing and new models for investment, participants delved into the tools and approaches shaping the cities of tomorrow. Experts shared their knowledge on maximizing resource use, integrating cutting-edge technologies, fostering community engagement, and using digital solutions to plan and create interconnected urban infrastructures and ecosystems that enhance resilience, inclusiveness, and access to essential services.
The Global Innovation Summit 2024 will happen back to back with the European Week of Cities and Regions (7-10 October), an event dedicated to showcasing how local and regional efforts drive sustainable transitions.
Policymakers and technical experts from UTM cities worldwide will share their experiences, challenges, and the most innovative and impactful solutions implemented in their communities. Topics such as innovative governance, financing, and digital solutions will offer cross-cutting insights and help identify key partnerships needed to advance UTM cities on their journey toward a sustainable, resilient future.
Throughout the 2-days event, the Summit will feature workshops, plenary sessions, and expert panels to discuss maximizing resource use, integrating green technologies, and fostering community engagement. Additionally, we will explore the role of digital technologies in creating interconnected urban ecosystems that enhance resilience, inclusiveness, and access to essential services.
The UTM Global Innovation Summit took place during two dynamic days of interactive sessions, workshops, and presentations. Participants engaged with urban planners, policymakers, and global leaders who are at the forefront of urban transformation.
Morning plenary sessions, followed by three parallel afternoon workshops on resource-efficient design, smart cities, and digital interconnectedness. A mayoral panel will come together for a reality-check on current and future urban transitions. The day will conclude with an evening reception for all in-person attendees.
09:00 | Welcome & Opening Remarks
09:20 | Setting the Scene: Designing Sustainable Pathways
09:50 | UTM in Action: Designing Resource-Efficient Cities
11:15 | UTM in Action: Designing People-Centered Cities
12:30 | UTM in Action: Designing Smart & Connected Cities
16:20 | Urban Transition: Reality-Check
17:30 | UTM Looks Ahead: Stocktaking & Way Forward
18:00 | Reception & Networking
Co-hosted with the Annual Conference of the Urban Transitions Mission Centre (UTMC), this day will focus on governance, financing, and the tools needed to support urban transitions. Sessions will explore practical solutions and new opportunities for collaboration.
09:00 | A Brand New Day: Setting the Scene
09:20 | UTMC – Your Needs, Your Platform, Our Support
11:00 | UTM in Action: Investing in Your Future (Workshop)
12:10 | Unlocking NDCs 3.0 Through Multi-Level Governance
14:00 | UTM Finance and Funding Dialogue
For a detailed schedule, download the full agenda here.
Additional photos, presented materials, and much more will be made available on the UTMC platform. (link coming soon)
7th October
During the afternoon, three parallel workshops were held, giving participants the opportunity to dive deeper into specific areas of urban sustainability. These workshops were designed to provide practical insights and foster collaborative problem-solving
8th October
With the facilitation by the Urban Transitions Mission Centre (UTMC), the session, dedicated to national research and funding agencies, focused on mobilizing funding to support urban transitions by raising awareness of existing programs, fostering multilevel collaborations between funding agencies, investors, and cities, and encouraging active participation in driving innovative urban solutions. The dialogue explored how to leverage collective purchasing power for cities to accelerate sustainable and resilient urban transformations.
As part of the Summit, participating cities also had the opportunity to join the Study Tour at Signify’s Outdoor Lighting Application Center (OLAC) which provided them with a practical exploration of how innovative outdoor lighting solutions can support cities’ decarbonization efforts, while enhancing safety and well-being and safeguarding circularity and biodiversity needs.
The Study Tour at Signify’s Outdoor Lighting Application Center (OLAC) provides participants with a practical exploration of how innovative outdoor lighting solutions can support cities’ decarbonization efforts. During the workshop, facilitated by Signify experts, attendees will focus on identifying key topics of interest, sharing best practices and solutions already implemented or planned, and collaboratively drafting a high-level plan to address these challenges.
Participation in the UTM Global Innovation Summit is free of charge, and you can join either in person or virtually, but previous registration is mandatory. The event will take place in English, with no interpretation services provided, so proficiency in English is required to fully engage in the sessions.
To attend, all participants must complete the registration form, where you will be asked to indicate whether you will join in person or online. For in-person attendees, additional information will be required to gain access to the venue, including your preferences for the afternoon workshops and whether you wish to join the evening reception on 7th October.
Due to venue capacity, early registration is encouraged. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative event!
Deadline to register for in-person attendance is Wednesday 2nd October.
The UTM Global Innovation Summit will be held in Brussels, Belgium. Below is a list of important logistical details to help plan your attendances:
Rue Froissart 36 – Etterbeek, Belgium
7-8 October, 2024
09:00 – 18:00 CEST
* Details of the Study Tour and UTMC Workshop will be sent to selected cities.
* Details of the Study Tour will be sent to selected cities.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach us out to our email address: utm@globalcovenantofmayors.org
To ease your stay in Brussels find all logistics information here.
