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  • UF25 Kick-off: Mathis Hampel, Gerald Babel-Sutter, Hanna Zdanowska, Adam Pustelnik, Michał Piernikowski, Maciej Riemer, Karolina Taczalska, Anna Wierzbicka, Jakub Paduch, Daria Woszczyk

    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.

  • Lan Marie Nguyen Berg sharing her story at the "Cities F*ck Up Show" at Urban Future in Rotterdam

    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.

  • nitiator Lodewijk Hoekstra (knielend) met de enthousiaste vertegenwoordigers van de winnende gemeenten: v.l.n.r. gemeente Meppel, gemeente Kaag en Braassem, gemeente Amstelveen en gemeente Haarlem (gemeente Haarlemmermeer won twee prijzen, maar was n

    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.

  • CityChangers dancing at the UF24 Opening Ceremony in Rotterdam

    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.

  • CityChangers will meet soon at #UF24 in Rotterdam.

    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.

  • Join Europe's most inspiring event for sustainable cities in Rotterdam!

    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.

  • CityChangers will gather in Rotterdam © UFGC | Sophia van den Hoek

    Eerste 60 namen van Urban Future 2024 in Rotterdam bekend met onder andere Rutger Bregman, Janet Sanz en locoburgemeester van Parijs Christophe Najdovski

    Urban Future 2024 in Rotterdam will feature over 60 speakers, including Rutger Bregman, Janet Sanz, and Paris Deputy Mayor Christophe Najdovski. The event, from June 5-7, will focus on green, social, and digital elements in urban landscapes. Themes include climate adaptation, sustainable city building, and leadership skills for urban change.

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WHAT A DAY. 👊🏼🔥 
Leaders, city reps, activists & change-makers all came together to connect, share and take action. 💬🌍
 
 
Quotes of the day:
 
💛 “What we need now is harmony. I think architecture and design are agents of peace & change.” - Mehmet KALYONCU
 
💛 “Strong city brands aren’t built alone - they’re shared. Involving the right partners expands your reach, trust, and creative impact.” - Tamlyn Shimizu
 
💛 “A sensible city begins by addressing real needs, not abstract theories.” - Remigijus Simasius @remigijussimasius 
 
💛 “GenAl is about support, not replacement” - Michał Kuszewski
 
💛 “I think heritage has to be adapted for people, because heritage without people is not functioning, it is just decaying.”
- Laura Kairieneė @laura.grainyte @govilnius 
 
💛 “The solution to the great challenges of our time lies at the intersection among science, technology, politics and public consensus.” - Rodolfo Pinto @rodolfopinto1
 
💛 “Sustainability is a data challenge. Let’s solve it.” - Alexandra Großkurth
 
💛 “A sustainable system transition to climate-resilient cities needs to integrate top-down as well as bottom-up changes.“ - Ernst Gebetsroither-Geringer
 
💛 We’re seeing what happens when cities stop hesitating and start doing.” -  Lily Munson
 
....and SO many more important takeaways!
 
 
Thanks to our amazing speakers, tireless volunteers and every single CityChanger who made today unforgettable.
 
 Let’s keep the momentum going today! 💪

WHAT A DAY. 👊🏼🔥  Leaders, city reps, activists & change-makers all came together to connect, share and take action. 💬🌍     Quotes of the day:   💛 “What we need now is harmony. I think architecture and design are agents of peace & change.” - Mehmet KALYONCU   💛 “Strong city brands aren’t built alone - they’re shared. Involving the right partners expands your reach, trust, and creative impact.” - Tamlyn Shimizu   💛 “A sensible city begins by addressing real needs, not abstract theories.” - Remigijus Simasius @remigijussimasius   💛 “GenAl is about support, not replacement” - Michał Kuszewski   💛 “I think heritage has to be adapted for people, because heritage without people is not functioning, it is just decaying.” - Laura Kairieneė @laura.grainyte @govilnius   💛 “The solution to the great challenges of our time lies at the intersection among science, technology, politics and public consensus.” - Rodolfo Pinto @rodolfopinto1   💛 “Sustainability is a data challenge. Let’s solve it.” - Alexandra Großkurth   💛 “A sustainable system transition to climate-resilient cities needs to integrate top-down as well as bottom-up changes.“ - Ernst Gebetsroither-Geringer   💛 We’re seeing what happens when cities stop hesitating and start doing.” - Lily Munson   ....and SO many more important takeaways!     Thanks to our amazing speakers, tireless volunteers and every single CityChanger who made today unforgettable.    Let’s keep the momentum going today! 💪

👋 Welcome to The Better-Cities Event 2025 👊
This is where ideas become action; where thousands of passionate urban shapers are coming together to make cities better.

“What I am asking of you today: be more like a kid...and start now.” - Gerald Babel-Sutter @gerald9762 
 
“If you have a dream; if you want to do something unusual, you must make it happen. Start by developing the city.” - Hanna Zdanowska @hannazdanowska 
 
“I want you to be warriors.” - Eleni Myrivili @myrivilieleni 
 
Doors are officially OPEN! 🎉 Welcome to Łódź!

👋 Welcome to The Better-Cities Event 2025 👊 This is where ideas become action; where thousands of passionate urban shapers are coming together to make cities better. “What I am asking of you today: be more like a kid...and start now.” - Gerald Babel-Sutter @gerald9762   “If you have a dream; if you want to do something unusual, you must make it happen. Start by developing the city.” - Hanna Zdanowska @hannazdanowska   “I want you to be warriors.” - Eleni Myrivili @myrivilieleni   Doors are officially OPEN! 🎉 Welcome to Łódź!

Tonight’s sustainable fashion show: style meets sustainability on the UF25 runway! ♻️✨

Hundreds of guests at Poland’s largest fashion show this year, put on by the City of Łódź to welcome Urban Future to their city. 

“Can we love fashion and our planet at the same time?” 🌎💃🏻

“Fast fashion vs. slow fashion - the answer is obvious which one is more important.” 

Hats off to the designers and change-makers redefining the future of fashion!

@lodzcreates | @kochamlodz | @hannazdanowska | @martina.gt.official | @ellepolska | @gerald9762 | @centralnemuzeumwlokiennictwa | @playsustain | @sandra_skorka | @remake_things

Tonight’s sustainable fashion show: style meets sustainability on the UF25 runway! ♻️✨ Hundreds of guests at Poland’s largest fashion show this year, put on by the City of Łódź to welcome Urban Future to their city. “Can we love fashion and our planet at the same time?” 🌎💃🏻 “Fast fashion vs. slow fashion - the answer is obvious which one is more important.” Hats off to the designers and change-makers redefining the future of fashion! @lodzcreates | @kochamlodz | @hannazdanowska | @martina.gt.official | @ellepolska | @gerald9762 | @centralnemuzeumwlokiennictwa | @playsustain | @sandra_skorka | @remake_things

🎉 IT. IS. HAPPENING.
UF25 is officially here – let’s get you prepped!

📲 Download your event buddy: the UF25 app! Explore sessions, speakers, and your daily schedule.

🚉 Must-have travel apps:
• Warszawski Transport Publiczny– for public transport in Łódź
• PKP Intercity  – for train travel across Poland

🎟️ Check-in Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s in Łódź: @viennahousebywyndham 
• Tuesday: 14:00–19:00
• Wednesday: 7:30–17:30
• Thursday: 8:00–16:00
Your badge = your key to UF25. Don’t forget it!

🍻 OFF 2 EAT: Łódź’s Biggest Dinner
• Wednesday, 18:30 OFF Piotrkowska Center
@offpiotrkowskacenter 
• Food & drink vouchers, raffle opportunities & great conversations await 🍻

✊ Don’t miss the Cities Fuck Up Show on Thursday night at 16:00 with drinks following! 

🥗 Vegetarian lunch is included with your ticket
💧 Pro tip: bring a refillable water bottle – green is the theme.

That’s it from us! 🫶🏼
We just CAN’T wait to see you #CityChangers!
- Your Urban Future Team

🎉 IT. IS. HAPPENING. UF25 is officially here – let’s get you prepped! 📲 Download your event buddy: the UF25 app! Explore sessions, speakers, and your daily schedule. 🚉 Must-have travel apps: • Warszawski Transport Publiczny– for public transport in Łódź • PKP Intercity  – for train travel across Poland 🎟️ Check-in Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s in Łódź: @viennahousebywyndham • Tuesday: 14:00–19:00 • Wednesday: 7:30–17:30 • Thursday: 8:00–16:00 Your badge = your key to UF25. Don’t forget it! 🍻 OFF 2 EAT: Łódź’s Biggest Dinner • Wednesday, 18:30 OFF Piotrkowska Center @offpiotrkowskacenter • Food & drink vouchers, raffle opportunities & great conversations await 🍻 ✊ Don’t miss the Cities Fuck Up Show on Thursday night at 16:00 with drinks following! 🥗 Vegetarian lunch is included with your ticket 💧 Pro tip: bring a refillable water bottle – green is the theme. That’s it from us! 🫶🏼 We just CAN’T wait to see you #CityChangers! - Your Urban Future Team

Small steps, big impact. 🌍
At this year’s Better-Cities Event, sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s how we operate:
 
🥦 Vegetarian catering
🚆 Train travel encouraged for speakers
🎈 Recyclable cardboard signage, branding and decor
♻️ All info materials printed on grass paper
👚 High quality, organically certified merch
🪑 Rented stage furniture
🎨 Collaboration with local artists
 
Got a tip to help make UF25 even greener? Tell us in the comments! 💬

Small steps, big impact. 🌍 At this year’s Better-Cities Event, sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s how we operate:   🥦 Vegetarian catering 🚆 Train travel encouraged for speakers 🎈 Recyclable cardboard signage, branding and decor ♻️ All info materials printed on grass paper 👚 High quality, organically certified merch 🪑 Rented stage furniture 🎨 Collaboration with local artists   Got a tip to help make UF25 even greener? Tell us in the comments! 💬

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