Urban Futures Leadership Academy 2024

About the event

This leadership program will delve into the transformative potential of the urban futures innovation concept with a particular focus on innovating cities that are smart, sustainable, liveable and continuously learning.

For our rapidly evolving urban landscapes, the integration of advanced technology and innovation strategies is essential to address the complex challenges that cities face. This leadership academy is designed to equip professionals from government and industry across various disciplines with the networks, knowledge, leadership skills, and tools needed to innovate urban futures solutions.

The leadership academy program will examine the broader concept of smart cities, which revolves around the integration of advanced technologies and data-driven solutions that enhance the quality of life for residents, improve urban services, and create more sustainable and efficient urban environments. The leadership academy will also focus more specifically on sustainable cities, which involves identifying strategies to create environmentally resilient cities that prioritize resource efficiency, renewable energy integration, and sustainable urban planning. Next, we'll study the principles of learning cities, where we explore how cities can harness data and technology to foster continuous education, lifelong learning, and knowledge sharing among citizens and institutions. Lastly, we'll focus on the principles of liveable cities, examining ways to enhance urban living conditions through intelligent infrastructure, inclusive design, and community-centric approaches.

The leadership program will intertwine principles of innovation throughout the learning concepts of smart, sustainable, learning and liveable cities. Within these contexts, innovation is the process of developing and implementing new ideas, policies, technologies, and practices that enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness of public services. This involves leveraging innovative solutions to address societal challenges, improve the quality of life for citizens, and foster inclusive and sustainable development. By doing so, governments can better meet the evolving needs and expectations of their populations, ultimately driving positive social change and fostering trust in public institutions.

Throughout this program, you will engage with academic and innovation leaders, industry experts, and leaders of public-private-partnerships that innovate in partnership with governments. You will participate in hands-on interactive sessions, and collaborate on solutions to challenges within the cities and communities you serve. Our goal is to empower you with insights and actionable strategies to drive policy innovations, technology solutions, and ultimately to lead innovations that create smarter, more sustainable, continuously learning and liveable cities.