WCS Young Leaders

The World Cities Summit Young Leaders are a nominated group of change-makers from diverse sectors who contribute their expertise and experience to support the next generational leadership for the World Cities Summit and shape the global urban agenda.

The current Young Leaders network and alumni stand at 550+ strong across continents, with members from both public and private sectors such as Mikko Kiesiläinen, Chief Economist for the City of Helsinki, Finland, Sean Tan, Co-Founder, Insect Feed Technologies, Estibaliz Luengo Celaya, Director, International Department, Bilbao City Council, and Brice Richard, Strategic Advisory and Smart Cities Lead, Arup.

Young Leaders are nominated through our WCS sponsors, partners and networks. To be nominated
as a Young Leader, one must be:

• Between 20 to 35 years old;

• With a track record as a change-maker or accomplished leader in the urban sector e.g. in government / politics, business, media, academia or other professional fields with an urban dimension related to liveability, sustainability, governance, and planning.

A key highlight of the World Cities Summit (WCS), the by-invitation Young Leaders Symposium convenes change-makers and accomplished leaders in the urban sector to explore and discuss issues that shape the global urban agenda.

We are inviting nominations for Young Leaders to participate in the World Cities Summit (WCS) Young Leaders Symposium 2026 that will be held from Saturday 13 to Tuesday 16 June 2026, at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. Successful nominees will have the opportunity to participate in our programme highlights including:

1. Specially Curated Behind the Scenes Site Visit at an Exclusive Partner Venue
2. Young Leaders Networking Luncheon

3. Young Leaders Symposium
4. Access to:
1.  WCS Mayors Forum, 
2. WCS Exhibition Preview & Reception
3. WCS & Asia Infrastructure Forum Industry Night
4. WCS Closing Plenary
5. WCS Science of Cities Symposium 

To nominate a Young Leader, please click here.

Please send your nomination by Friday, 27 February 2026.

We will contact successful Young Leaders directly, with their nominators copied.

Please be informed that airfare, accommodation, ground transportation, selected meals and other related costs will be borne by the individual Young Leader.

For enquiries, please contact Ruth Chong ruth_chong@mnd.gov.sg and Cheryl Lee cheryl_lee@mnd.gov.sg.

Panel Discussion

Moderator

Associate Professor Orlando Woods Associate Professor of Geography, Singapore Management University (SMU); Director & Pillar Lead (Urban Life), SMU Urban Institute

Panellists

	Alvin Tan Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry, Singapore
	Luke Wu Head of Innovation, Kajima Development Pte. Ltd
	Danela Arsovska Mayor, Skopje
	Daniel Sazonov Deputy Mayor, Helsinki

The Young Leaders will share their expertise and experience as they discuss the topic ‘Building Tomorrow: Smart Technologies for Resilient and Inclusive Communities’

Moderator

Assistant Professor Aidan Wong Assistant Professor of Urban Studies (Education), Singapore Management University (SMU); Urban Fellow, SMU Urban Institute