WCS Mayors Forum

The annual WCS Mayors Forum is an exclusive, by-invitation-only global platform for mayors and city leaders to discuss pressing urban challenges and share the best practices. The sessions will include case study presentations by mayors and sharing by senior representatives of international organisations and industry players.

At the upcoming 10^th WCS Mayors Forum in Medellín, Colombia, from 10─12 July 2019, we will welcome mayors and city leaders to discuss the topic of trust in cities. Themed "Liveable and Sustainable Cities: Building a High Trust City", the by-invitation only event will look at the latest innovations and good practices in city governance that help build confidence in cities’ societies and institutions, and how cities should plan for economic and environmental security in an age of unpredictable economic fluctuations and extreme weather events. Participants will witness urban transformations in Medellín made possible by high trust levels between citizens and the government, residents empowerment through community action and strengthening trust through public spaces.

Chairperson:

Lawrence Wong

Minister for National Development and Second Minister for Finance, Singapore

Moderator:

Prof Greg Clark

CBE FAcSS

Session 1: Strengthening Social and Institutional Confidence

Highly unequal, segregated or divided cities, reduce trust and diminish joint endeavour. The experience of cities like Medellín and Singapore suggests that social, physical and institutional integration can mend these divisions, when underpinned by dynamic urban governance and a long-term vision. Participants will discuss the latest innovations in city governance that help build confidence in a city’s society and institutions.

Speakers

Park Won-soon

Mayor, Seoul

Gotzone Sagardui

Deputy Mayor, Bilbao

Session 2: Enhancing Economic and Environmental Security

Cities’ long-term plans should prioritise climate sustainability and resilience, so that people know that their habitat has a future. Environmentally secure cities manage water, food and energy resources sustainably, and minimises pollution. Planning is also key to efficient, reliable and disaster-resilient infrastructure. Meanwhile, the business climate, enterprise development and regulations can keep an economy both dynamic and resilient. An inclusive economy with equal opportunities for all is also critical to socially sustainable growth. Participants will discuss how cities can plan for economic and environmental security in an age of unpredictable economic fluctuations and extreme weather events.

Speakers

Dr Liu Thai Ker

Chairman, Centre for Liveable Cities

Anies Baswedan

Governor, Jakarta