Future Cities

The world is facing resource constraints, climate stresses, and new divides are forming along values and generational lines. This plenary discusses how new approaches in the way we live and work. Further deep dive into how play, learn, move, consume and interact are needed to build liveable cities now and for future generations.

Keynote

	Chadchart Sittipunt Governor, Bangkok

Moderator

	Khoo Teng Chye Director, NUS Cities

Panelists

	Eldar Azizov Mayor, Baku
	Jiang Xiaoqun Chief Engineer, Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, People's Republic of China
	Dr Bree Trevena Australasia Foresight Leader and Associate Principal, Arup
	Angelene Chan Chairman, DP Architects
	Hari V. Krishnan Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, PropertyGuru Group

This closing plenary explores how partnerships across all stakeholders, from national level leaders to businesses, local communities and residents, should be included in planning processes and governance approaches in the development of future liveable cities.

Opening Address

	Indranee Rajah Minister, Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development, Singapore

Moderator

	Dr Chris Luebkeman Leader, Strategic Foresight Hub, Office of the President, ETH Zurich

Panelists

	HE Nga Kor Ming Minister of Housing and Local Government, Malaysia
	Vincent Karremans Vice Mayor, Rotterdam
	Edith Hsu-Chen Executive Director, New York City Department of City Planning
	Cheng Hsing Yao Member, Advisory Panel for Centre for Liveable Cities; Group Chief Executive Office, GuocoLand Limited
	Michelle Goh Public Policy Lead for Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and India, Airbnb

Closing Summary

	Prof. Cheong Koon Hean Chair, Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities and Chair, CLC, AP, Ambassador to Finland

Track Sessions

These are deep dives within each thematic track, featuring panel discussions, special convening sessions and roundtables

(led by the Housing Development Board, Singapore)


As cities continue to grow and evolve, their existing infrastructure would be put under greater stress. This plenary session aims to address the challenges posed by growing communities on ageing infrastructure and explore sustainable approaches to rejuvenate our urban spaces.

The session will delve into innovative architectural and design approaches that have successfully revitalised ageing infrastructure. From adaptive reuse to futuristic urban designs, our experts will share insights on how cities can reimagine their built environment to meet contemporary needs while preserving historical and cultural elements. Real world examples of urban rejuvenation through public housing initiatives will emphasise the importance of collaboration between government, communities, and private organisations. Case studies from Singapore’s Housing and Development Board will also demonstrate how sustainable building materials, renewable energy integration, and smart infrastructure solutions can transform public housing into sustainable, resilient, and inclusive homes.

Opening Remarks

As cities face unprecedented global challenges and adapt to the evolving needs of diverse populations, the concept of "liveability" – reflecting residents' quality of life – has gained paramount importance. Liveability indices, measuring various urban life aspects, play a pivotal role in pinpointing critical intervention areas.

These indices are now essential in assessing, benchmarking and enhancing urban liveability. City governments and policymakers can use them to guide decisions and policies, fostering cross-city learning by drawing insights from global benchmarks and other cities' initiatives.

As global trends shape urban landscapes, there is a need for new indicators that accurately reflect evolving aspirations and concerns.

This panel discussion brings together perspectives from leading index houses to discuss the future of urban liveability. The conversation explores the role of data and indices in shaping more liveable urban futures.

Keynote Speaker

	Sally Capp Lord Mayor, Melbourne

Moderator

	Ritu Bhandari Manager, Policy & Insights , Economist Impact

Panellists

(led by the Urban Redevelopment Authority, Singapore)

Urban planning is a multidisciplinary field that aims to address multifaceted challenges, ensuring cities evolve sustainably and thrive amidst the complexities of the 21st century. This dynamic forum will discuss dimensions of resilience planning, encompassing not only environmental considerations but also social, economic, and infrastructural aspects. Join us in exploring cutting-edge strategies to design cities that are not just functional but vibrant, sustainable, inclusive and resilient to climate change.

Opening Address

	Adele Tan Chief Planner, Urban Redevelopment Authority

Panellists

(led by the United Nations Development Programme - UNDP)

In the face of rapid urbanisation and escalating challenges, traditional short-term approaches are proving inadequate, underscoring the necessity for a shift towards innovative and long-term strategies for urban resilience and adaptability.

In this session, female city leaders will share their pioneering experiences on essential capabilities, guiding principles, and collaborative strategies on how to navigate and lead the transformation towards resilient and thriving cities in the face of future uncertainties.

Keynote

Downtowns worldwide are affected by the growth of hybrid and remote work while evolving smart technologies and quality of life aspirations compel Downtowns to reinvent themselves to remain competitive and vibrant in an environment of uncertainty. Even as Downtowns move towards having more mixed-uses, they face challenges like rising costs of living, increasing demand for green buildings, and the need to repurpose and retrofit ageing buildings to cater to changing expectations.  Given the need for Downtowns to adapt and evolve, this session will bring together participants from various cities and different professions to discuss how we can reimagine the Future of Downtowns.

Moderator

	Chintan Raveshia Principal, Southeast Asia Cities Business Leader, Arup

Presenters

	Carlos Fernando Galán Pachón Mayor, Bogotá
	Chief Councillor Susan Aitken Leader of the Council, Glasgow
	Liu Ya-Ting Chief Public Realm Officer, New York City
	Koen Kennis Vice Mayor, Antwerp
	Kate West Co-Chair, Australasia Region, Arup