CONCEPT
7th Urban Economy Forum - UEF7
Background
In its last six years of annual forums, the Urban Economy Forum (UEF) has become a premier global gathering to discuss urbanization, sustainable economy, and finance. UEF is an ideal space for debate and exchange on the challenges and opportunities of cities to advance inclusive growth and sustainable development, offering a strategic and dynamic platform for constructive dialogue among leading policymakers, practitioners, academics, and financial experts.
UEF 7 “Hosing finance”
The 7th Urban Economy Forum (UEF7) 2025 is a major global event dedicated to reshaping urban economies. This forum will explore innovative ways to leverage resources, enhance sustainable development efforts, and strengthen housing finance systems. UEF7 aims to translate tangible ideas into action, fostering meaningful changes for sustainable cities worldwide.
UEF 7 “Urban Economy: Rethinking Resources”
Traditionally, urban economies are assessed through fiscal revenues, infrastructure investments, and labor markets. However, UEF7 promotes a broader perspective, encouraging participants to interpret the economy more inclusively by recognizing both tangible and intangible resources that contribute to urban resilience and prosperity.
By rethinking urban resources, cities can identify and utilize underutilized assets such as social capital, public spaces, local creativity, and financial instruments that support accessible housing. This approach is critical to unlocking cities’ full potential and advancing the broader sustainable development agenda.
As cities worldwide face complex challenges—including climate change, housing shortages, and rapid urbanization—identifying and maximizing these overlooked resources has never been more crucial. UEF7 advocates for a paradigm shift in urban planning and economic development, aligning with the principles of the New Urban Agenda, which asserts that “urbanization can be a powerful tool for sustainable development” when all available resources are harnessed to improve social equity and environmental sustainability.
UEF 7 " Bridging Theory and Implementation through Global Initiatives"
A core aim of the Urban Economy Forum is to bridge the gap between theoretical models of sustainable urbanization and real-world application. Over the years, UEF has consistently emphasized the need to translate high-level frameworks into actionable projects through global initiatives and collaborative efforts.
UEF7 will showcase several pilot projects that embody this approach, offering participants insights into the successful implementation of theoretical concepts across diverse urban settings. Global initiatives—such as city-specific programs focusing on low-carbon infrastructure, sustainable housing finance models, and innovative public-private partnerships—will be highlighted as scalable blueprints.
These pilot projects demonstrate how key concepts, such as inclusive housing, circular economy principles, and climate adaptation strategies, can be effectively localized, providing valuable case studies for other cities and communities. UEF7 will encourage participants to share insights and further refine these models to meet the unique needs of diverse urban environments.
UEF7 embraces the idea that truly inclusive and thriving cities emerge when all stakeholders actively contribute to their development. Reflecting the wisdom of urban development scholar Jane Jacobs, the forum will foster collaboration among diverse voices to co-create innovative urban solutions deeply connected to local needs and realities.
UEF 7 "Housing Finance: Unlocking Accessibility and Sustainability"
At the heart of UEF7’s discussions is the role of housing finance in making urban living more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. Expanding access to attainable housing requires innovative financial tools, regulatory frameworks, and investment mechanisms that align with the needs of both urban populations and financial institutions.
Key focus areas include:
- Equitable financial access – Strengthening mechanisms that lower barriers to homeownership.
- Attainable housing models – Exploring financial innovations that ensure long-term housing accessibility.
- Sustainable investments – Encouraging green finance solutions for climate-resilient housing.
- Public-private partnerships – Mobilizing investment from diverse sources to support housing projects.
By improving housing finance systems, UEF7 aims to address the global housing crisis, ensuring that cities remain livable, economically vibrant, and inclusive.
UEF 7 " Connecting to Global Frameworks"
UEF7’s themes align closely with key international frameworks, including the New Urban Agenda, the Climate Change Resolution, and the “Back to the Future” Resolution, all of which advocate for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban development.
By uncovering and utilizing overlooked financial resources, UEF7 supports the New Urban Agenda’s goal to “leave no one behind,” fostering inclusive growth. Furthermore, strengthening housing finance aligns with global climate goals, promoting resource-efficient practices that mitigate environmental impacts.
In the spirit of the “Back to the Future” Resolution, which encourages a reflective and forward-looking approach, UEF7 will bring together policymakers, urban planners, and financial experts to envision a future where housing is more accessible, equitable, and sustainable.
Tourism development can significantly enhance the quality of life in cities by fostering economic growth, creating job opportunities, and improving infrastructure.
UEF6 plans to engage global experts, scholars, academic institutions, city leaders, and financial institutions in a conversation to strengthen our collective understanding.
Furthermore, this collaborative effort seeks to establish a global agenda for urban development and environmental sustainability focusing on the intersection of global and local perspectives in tourism. UEF 6 will also address the barriers to implementing successful sustainable tourism policies and practices at the city, national, and global levels.
The 6th annual forum, scheduled for September 2024 in Canada, anticipates a diverse gathering of stakeholders, promising an innovative interaction model for shaping peaceful global collaboration and partnerships.
UEF6 is mainly focused on the following themes and topics, the presenters can contribute in the fields of theoretical, experimental, and applied research.
The first main theme aims to find synergies and relevant solutions for connecting tourism to sustainable economic development unpacking the urban resources through tourism sectors and transforming it into national, regional, and locally demanded social, economic, and environmental value for city residents, not leaving anyone behind.
The 7th Urban Economy Forum will serve as a platform for forward-thinking leaders to redefine urban economies, rethink resource utilization, bridge the gap between theory and practice, and advance sustainable housing finance solutions.
UEF7’s commitment to tackling contemporary urban challenges and aligning with global frameworks marks a significant step toward building sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities. By engaging diverse perspectives, the forum will promote practical solutions that support the global urban agenda, contributing to a more sustainable future for cities worldwide.