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  • Urban Future Unveils Inspiring Programme

    Urban Future 2025, set for May 21-23 in Łódź, Poland, will gather 2,000 urbanists and leaders to address city challenges through 250 speakers and dynamic sessions. The event emphasizes action-driven solutions for better, more sustainable urban living.

  • Łódź Prepares To Host The Better-Cities Event

    The vibrant city of Łódź is set to take center stage from May 21-23, 2025, as it hosts Urban Future 2025 (UF25) – Europe’s most prominent gathering of innovators and change-makers dedicated to building sustainable cities. In preparation for the main event, Polish urban innovators are already mobilizing.

  • Urban Future 2024 is a wrap!

    Urban Future 2024 in Rotterdam successfully concluded with a focus on climate adaptation, social inclusion, and bold leadership. The City’s F*ckUp Show featured inspiring stories of failure and resilience from notable figures. Attendees explored sustainable initiatives on field trips. Next stop: Łódź 2025, promising innovation and collaboration for sustainable urban development.

  • Groene Stad Challenge editie 2023 Hoofddorp en Nijeveen kampioen vergroenen

    Hoofddorp and Nijeveen crowned champions of the 2023 Green City Challenge for their successful efforts in urban greening. The analysis revealed a stagnation in overall greening, but highlighted the potential for increased green spaces in cities and towns. The challenge will continue with a new format focusing on climate adaptation, health, and biodiversity.

  • Urban Future in Rotterdam Celebrates Ten Years of Inspiring Sustainable Urban Enthusiasts

    Urban Future 2024 celebrates the tenth anniversary of the conference with 2,000 attendees from 50 countries. City leaders learn from Rotterdam's journey towards sustainability while discussing the crucial role of cities in climate adaptation. The launch of "The CityChangers Cookbook" inspires to make a difference in their own communities.

  • One week until Urban Future 2024

    Urban Future 2024 conference in Rotterdam is just one week away, bringing together changemakers, urban enthusiasts, and city leaders. The event at Rotterdam Ahoy boasts 270 speakers, 100 partners, 65 sessions, 35 field trips, and 20 side events. Media representatives can sign up for interviews with Europe's top mayors, urban planners, and sustainability experts.

  • Media accreditation for Urban Future is open!

    Media accreditation is open for Urban Future 2024 in Rotterdam, the leading event for sustainable cities. Opportunities for journalists, bloggers, and podcasters to cover the event and engage with urban change-makers. Free media passes available, media partners wanted, and support offered for content creation. Opening press conference on June 5 in Rotterdam Ahoy.

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Let’s transform a primary school and make it resilient 🧩🧱🗂️
At UF25 in Łódź, about 20 participants joined a hands-on Field Trip to reimagine school spaces.
 
School staff, pupils, LEGO Education experts, and members of the Danish Decarbonization Alliance collaborated to envision how Szkola Podstawowa 166 could become a resilient, healthy, and welcoming place. 💚
 
They kicked off with a playful @lego Education session, then explored how the school could better address climate, environmental, and social challenges.
 
A great example of co-creation where play sparked creative thinking & meaningful solutions! 🔆💡

Let’s transform a primary school and make it resilient 🧩🧱🗂️ At UF25 in Łódź, about 20 participants joined a hands-on Field Trip to reimagine school spaces.   School staff, pupils, LEGO Education experts, and members of the Danish Decarbonization Alliance collaborated to envision how Szkola Podstawowa 166 could become a resilient, healthy, and welcoming place. 💚   They kicked off with a playful @lego Education session, then explored how the school could better address climate, environmental, and social challenges.   A great example of co-creation where play sparked creative thinking & meaningful solutions! 🔆💡

A CityChanger in Action 🙌
 
At UF25, architect and urbanist Jan Kattein not only inspired us on stage — he made a real difference offstage, too.
@jankatteinarch 
 
We had the chance to offer his book “Londoners Making London” at the CityChangers Boutique and Jan generously donated all proceeds — about €200 — to the Neco Foundation in Nepal, where some of the Urban Future team (shout out to Caro, Gerald and Elke!) continuously supports children and communities. 🙏👏
#linkinbio to get involved too
 
A huge thank you, Jan, for showing how urban change-makers can create impact across the globe. 🌍 
 
👉 Get the book: #linkinbio

A CityChanger in Action 🙌   At UF25, architect and urbanist Jan Kattein not only inspired us on stage — he made a real difference offstage, too. @jankatteinarch   We had the chance to offer his book “Londoners Making London” at the CityChangers Boutique and Jan generously donated all proceeds — about €200 — to the Neco Foundation in Nepal, where some of the Urban Future team (shout out to Caro, Gerald and Elke!) continuously supports children and communities. 🙏👏 #linkinbio to get involved too   A huge thank you, Jan, for showing how urban change-makers can create impact across the globe. 🌍    👉 Get the book: #linkinbio

We enjoyed a fantastic night out together at Urban Future’s biggest social event! 🤜🤛   On day two of The Better-Cities Event, hundreds of CityChangers gathered at OFF Piotrkowska Center in the heart of Łódź to connect, relax and savour delicious food & drinks. A night full of great conversations & vibrant energy! ⚡ @offpiotrkowskacenter   Here’s where we indulged: 🍜 ATO RAMEN – Japanese ramen specialties 🍸 BRUSH – creative cocktails and drinks 🌮 COMPAŇEROS – Mexican cuisine 🍔 DOKI – street food and craft beer 🍝 DRUKARINA – international cuisine and modern classics 🍲 LEN I BAWEŁNA – Polish specialties, reimagined 🍱 SHAMO – Japanese Izakaya Kitchen 🥘 SPÓŁDZIELNIA – homestyle dishes and craft drinks 🍛 STEAKOWNIA – the city’s best steaks   Thanks to everyone who joined us — you made it truly special!    And a huge shout out to our partners, Polski Fundusz Rozwoju S.A. (PFR), OFF Piotrkowska Center, Urban Impact and Berlin Future Hub for helping to make the evening possible! @urbanimpact.agency @fundacja_pfr @pfr_innowacje @offpiotrkowskacenter   Cheers! 🥂

Energy Efficient Retrofitting put into Practice 🏛️⚡

As part of Urban Future 2025, around 20 city leaders joined a Field Trip hosted by ROCKWOOL Group that focused on the “how-to” of energy-efficient retrofitting — especially in historic urban settings.✨ @rockwool_group 

Participants explored some of Łódź’s most inspiring transformation projects and learned how local teams tackled challenges like modernisation vs. heritage. Or how cities can adapt old building layouts to meet today’s needs.

From innovative materials to smart design choices, the tour showcased solutions that boost energy performance AND make sound business sense.

Lynne Donald shared her takeaway: 💬
“It was incredibly valuable to see how these planned and completed projects function in practice - including from an energy efficiency standpoint - and how renovation contributes to more resilient, and high-performing spaces for people to live and work in.”

Energy Efficient Retrofitting put into Practice 🏛️⚡ As part of Urban Future 2025, around 20 city leaders joined a Field Trip hosted by ROCKWOOL Group that focused on the “how-to” of energy-efficient retrofitting — especially in historic urban settings.✨ @rockwool_group Participants explored some of Łódź’s most inspiring transformation projects and learned how local teams tackled challenges like modernisation vs. heritage. Or how cities can adapt old building layouts to meet today’s needs. From innovative materials to smart design choices, the tour showcased solutions that boost energy performance AND make sound business sense. Lynne Donald shared her takeaway: 💬 “It was incredibly valuable to see how these planned and completed projects function in practice - including from an energy efficiency standpoint - and how renovation contributes to more resilient, and high-performing spaces for people to live and work in.”

“Steam to Style” in Łódź! 🏭🤌🏻
 
Attendees of this UF25 Field trip took a big step into the past - and a leap into the future!

The field trip explored the iconic Karol Scheibler Power Plant, taking in the raw energy of its historic boiler and machine rooms. The journey then continued with an insight into the vibrant Łódź Design Festival, where industrial heritage met bold, future-forward creativity. 🧠
 
A definite highlight? The introduction of Fuzja Echo, the MIPIM 2025 Award-winning project, by its visionary developer. Check out the project at 🔗 fuzja-echo.pl
 
A perfect fusion of past, present, and what’s next. 
 
What’s your favourite memory from Łódź? 💭

............................................................
Photographer credits: Konrad Bączyński & Patryk Grądys
Fuzja Echo @fuzjalodz | Archicom @archicom.deweloper | Łódź Design Festival @lodzdesign | Waldemar Olbryk | Michał Piernikowski @michal_piernikowski | MIPIM @mipim_world

“Steam to Style” in Łódź! 🏭🤌🏻   Attendees of this UF25 Field trip took a big step into the past - and a leap into the future! The field trip explored the iconic Karol Scheibler Power Plant, taking in the raw energy of its historic boiler and machine rooms. The journey then continued with an insight into the vibrant Łódź Design Festival, where industrial heritage met bold, future-forward creativity. 🧠   A definite highlight? The introduction of Fuzja Echo, the MIPIM 2025 Award-winning project, by its visionary developer. Check out the project at 🔗 fuzja-echo.pl   A perfect fusion of past, present, and what’s next.    What’s your favourite memory from Łódź? 💭 ............................................................ Photographer credits: Konrad Bączyński & Patryk Grądys Fuzja Echo @fuzjalodz | Archicom @archicom.deweloper | Łódź Design Festival @lodzdesign | Waldemar Olbryk | Michał Piernikowski @michal_piernikowski | MIPIM @mipim_world

The well-being of our cities — and the people in them — is at the heart of what we do at Urban Future. That care extends deeply to our schools, our children, and their safety.  🏫
 
As parents, educators and citizens, the hope that every child returns home safely is a shared, universal one.
 
Recently, a tragedy in a local school here in Graz, where Urban Future is based, reminded us just how fragile that sense of safety can be. We are grieving with our community and also reflecting on how we can be part of meaningful prevention.
 
Dr. Jeni Cross — a sociologist specialising in applied social network theory, and a powerful Urban Future CityChanger — offers valuable, research-backed insights into how tragedies like school shootings can be prevented.
 
TWO KEY LESSONS FROM DR. JENI CROSS:
 
𝟭. 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 — 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱.
In almost every case studied, at least three people knew at least one element: that the shooter had a weapon, a target, and/or a plan. But without systems that encourage those people to speak up and connect the dots, the threat goes undetected. Let’s create culture structures that encourage people to talk and share information.
 
𝟮. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.
Every school shooter studied had experienced multiple deep traumas: loss, social isolation, mental health issues. Building systems that connect students, parents, teachers, and law enforcement helps identify when a young person is in serious distress — and opens a path to help.
 
Jeni’s work shows that prevention is not only possible — it’s scientifically understood.
 
Please feel free to reach out to her to learn more.
👉 drjenicross.com | @jenicross24

The well-being of our cities — and the people in them — is at the heart of what we do at Urban Future. That care extends deeply to our schools, our children, and their safety.  🏫   As parents, educators and citizens, the hope that every child returns home safely is a shared, universal one.   Recently, a tragedy in a local school here in Graz, where Urban Future is based, reminded us just how fragile that sense of safety can be. We are grieving with our community and also reflecting on how we can be part of meaningful prevention.   Dr. Jeni Cross — a sociologist specialising in applied social network theory, and a powerful Urban Future CityChanger — offers valuable, research-backed insights into how tragedies like school shootings can be prevented.   TWO KEY LESSONS FROM DR. JENI CROSS:   𝟭. 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 — 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱. In almost every case studied, at least three people knew at least one element: that the shooter had a weapon, a target, and/or a plan. But without systems that encourage those people to speak up and connect the dots, the threat goes undetected. Let’s create culture structures that encourage people to talk and share information.   𝟮. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. Every school shooter studied had experienced multiple deep traumas: loss, social isolation, mental health issues. Building systems that connect students, parents, teachers, and law enforcement helps identify when a young person is in serious distress — and opens a path to help.   Jeni’s work shows that prevention is not only possible — it’s scientifically understood.   Please feel free to reach out to her to learn more. 👉 drjenicross.com | @jenicross24

What if daylight could transform the way we renovate our cities? 🌞🌆

In Łódź, we joined the field trip “Innovation in Renovation: Daylight & Indoor Climate” powered by @velux to explore exactly that.

From the inspiring @mediateka_memo, to the evolving Kamienica Siemensa, and the vibrant @fabryka_aktywnosci_miejskiej — each stop highlighted how natural light can help shape healthier, more human-centered urban spaces.

We love to explore! 🗺️ 
#FieldTrips #łódź #UF25

What if daylight could transform the way we renovate our cities? 🌞🌆 In Łódź, we joined the field trip “Innovation in Renovation: Daylight & Indoor Climate” powered by @velux to explore exactly that. From the inspiring @mediateka_memo, to the evolving Kamienica Siemensa, and the vibrant @fabryka_aktywnosci_miejskiej — each stop highlighted how natural light can help shape healthier, more human-centered urban spaces. We love to explore! 🗺️ #FieldTrips #łódź #UF25

In moments like these, words fall short.
 
Our hearts are heavy as we process the horrific tragedy of the school shooting in Graz, our hometown. At Urban Future, we work every day to make cities around the world better: more sustainable, more just, more human. But when something so unthinkable happens right in your own community, it strikes a different chord. It shakes you deeply.
 
In this moment of sorrow, we are incredibly moved by the outpouring of support from our global community. To the countless CityChangers from across the world who have sent messages of compassion, strength, and solidarity - thank you. Your kind words mean more than we can say.
 
They remind us of the kind of community we aspire to build: one where people care for one another across all borders.
 
Today, we stand with the families, friends, and everyone affected.
And we hold on to the belief that love, compassion, and connection are the foundations of the better cities we’re all working toward.

🤍

In moments like these, words fall short.   Our hearts are heavy as we process the horrific tragedy of the school shooting in Graz, our hometown. At Urban Future, we work every day to make cities around the world better: more sustainable, more just, more human. But when something so unthinkable happens right in your own community, it strikes a different chord. It shakes you deeply.   In this moment of sorrow, we are incredibly moved by the outpouring of support from our global community. To the countless CityChangers from across the world who have sent messages of compassion, strength, and solidarity - thank you. Your kind words mean more than we can say.   They remind us of the kind of community we aspire to build: one where people care for one another across all borders.   Today, we stand with the families, friends, and everyone affected. And we hold on to the belief that love, compassion, and connection are the foundations of the better cities we’re all working toward. 🤍

50 bright, curious minds from 40 different cities, united by one bold dream: BETTER CITIES FOR ALL. 🌆 - Can we get a happy dance? 🕺

A massive 🩷 THANK YOU 🩷 to the 2025 Young Leaders cohort for challenging the status quo, sparking change, and lifting each other higher every step of the way: Sarah, Nora, Jacek, Julia, Olivia, Niki, Timotei, Dieudonné Elohym, Samantha, Bailey, Victoria, Theo, Ruth, Josefine, Charlotta, Martyna, Estefania, Akira, Tereza, Tilda, Alice, Jason, Franciszek, Shanika, Katarzyna, Tariro, Laurenz, Kate, Eleonora, Birgit, Nicolas, Reda, Tara, Judith, Paula, Joy, Shreya, Nola, Mabel, Constantin, Matt, Matthew, Rebeccah, Margarida, Michelle, Oliwia, George, Victoria G.

Also, a huge shoutout to our powerhouse mentors – Ronni Kahn, Ewelina Jaskulska, Heinrich Strößenreuther, Katharina Schätz, Jan Kattein, Tina Saaby, Helle Soholt, Lisette van Dorn, Imandeep Kaur, Remedius Simasius, Ilya Alexander Yacine, Carolin Meyer, Pim Isaacs, Elizaveta Fakirova, Fanny Téoule, Julia Micklewright – as well as Anna & Maciej - for the private tour through your beloved city. 🙌

This is how change starts: with people who care deeply, act boldly, and rise together. We can’t wait to see what you all do next.

Want to join the ride? UF26 applications open later this year. Stay tuned. 

The future needs minds & hearts like yours.🫀

50 bright, curious minds from 40 different cities, united by one bold dream: BETTER CITIES FOR ALL. 🌆 - Can we get a happy dance? 🕺 A massive 🩷 THANK YOU 🩷 to the 2025 Young Leaders cohort for challenging the status quo, sparking change, and lifting each other higher every step of the way: Sarah, Nora, Jacek, Julia, Olivia, Niki, Timotei, Dieudonné Elohym, Samantha, Bailey, Victoria, Theo, Ruth, Josefine, Charlotta, Martyna, Estefania, Akira, Tereza, Tilda, Alice, Jason, Franciszek, Shanika, Katarzyna, Tariro, Laurenz, Kate, Eleonora, Birgit, Nicolas, Reda, Tara, Judith, Paula, Joy, Shreya, Nola, Mabel, Constantin, Matt, Matthew, Rebeccah, Margarida, Michelle, Oliwia, George, Victoria G. Also, a huge shoutout to our powerhouse mentors – Ronni Kahn, Ewelina Jaskulska, Heinrich Strößenreuther, Katharina Schätz, Jan Kattein, Tina Saaby, Helle Soholt, Lisette van Dorn, Imandeep Kaur, Remedius Simasius, Ilya Alexander Yacine, Carolin Meyer, Pim Isaacs, Elizaveta Fakirova, Fanny Téoule, Julia Micklewright – as well as Anna & Maciej - for the private tour through your beloved city. 🙌 This is how change starts: with people who care deeply, act boldly, and rise together. We can’t wait to see what you all do next. Want to join the ride? UF26 applications open later this year. Stay tuned. The future needs minds & hearts like yours.🫀

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