Calendar of ten important events for municipalities in 2024-2025

The next six months will be full of international events for municipal leaders, sustainability experts, and everyone working in local government. Restoration of post-conflict areas, urban governance, and implementation of new innovative solutions are the key topics to be discussed at international forums and conferences. Below, Cities4Cities | United4Ukraine has prepared a dozen important events that should not be missed in late 2024 and early 2025.

World Urban Forum

The first important event will be the World Urban Forum, which will be held on November 4-8, 2024 in Cairo, Egypt. This biennial event, organized by UN-Habitat, brings together thousands of professionals from around the world. The forum will focus on sustainable urban development, including the challenges and opportunities faced by urban areas, especially in the context of global crises. For Ukrainian professionals, this event will be of particular importance, as UN-Habitat is actively helping communities in Ukraine that have been devastated by the war.

Congress of Mayors and Presidents of Intercommunalities of France

At the same time, the 106th Congress of Mayors and Intermunicipal Presidents of France will be held in France on November 19-21, 2024 . This annual event brings together local authorities to share their experience in the areas of governance and development of territories. Mayors, government officials, and professionals have the opportunity to find new partnerships, discuss urban renewal projects, and introduce sustainable technologies to local communities. 

41st ANCI’s Annual Assembly

Italy will also be the center of important discussions: On November 20-21, 2024, Turin will host the 41st ANCI Annual Assembly, the largest event for Italian mayors and local government representatives. This meeting will be dedicated to addressing the social, economic and environmental challenges faced by municipalities in the current political and economic instability.

«Rebuild Ukraine» Conference

The next major event will be the Rebuild Ukraine Conference, which will take place on November 13-14, 2024 in Warsaw, Poland. This conference focuses on rebuilding Ukraine’s infrastructure and economy after the massive destruction caused by the Russian-Ukrainian war. It brings together international donors, investors, and government officials to discuss innovative approaches and financial mechanisms for recovery.

Lviv Municipal Partnership Forum

Lviv will host the Municipal Partnership Forum organized by Cities4Cities | United4Ukraine on November 25-26, 2024, where Ukrainian and international experts will discuss new opportunities for cooperation between communities from different countries. This event is a unique platform for sharing practical tools and experience in local governance.

16th Citizens’ Energy Forum

One of the key events in December will be the 16th Citizens’ Energy Forum in Budapest, Hungary, on December 5, 2024. The Forum will bring together leading energy experts, representatives of the European Commission and regulators to discuss the role of citizens in energy transformation and sustainable development.

URBACT City Festival

In April 2025, Wroclaw, Poland, will host another significant event – the URBACT City Festival. On April 8-10, 2025, city leaders and sustainability experts will gather to share successful urban development practices, discuss the challenges facing European communities, and create new opportunities for partnerships.

Cities Forum

Another important event is expected to take place on June 17-19, 2025 – Cities Forum in Krakow, Poland. It will be an ideal platform for exchanging ideas on the future of cities and their development. The forum is focused on finding innovative solutions for sustainable development and will also facilitate the establishment of international partnerships.

ICMA Annual Conference

Among the events that also deserve attention is the ICMA conference in Tampa, Florida (exact dates will be announced later). This is a meeting place for local government representatives from all over the world. ICMA actively cooperates with various countries, including Ukraine, and helps to shape local government policy.

Ukraine Recovery Conference

The Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome on July 10-11, 2025, will conclude the series of important events and will focus on discussing international support for Ukraine’s recovery. This event will be a key platform for cooperation between governments, international organizations and investors.

As you can see, 2024-2025 promises to be full of important events for municipal leaders and experts seeking to find new solutions for the development and restoration of urban areas. Each of these events is an opportunity to exchange ideas, engage partners, and find new ways to build a sustainable future.

Prepared by Anna Koshel, Cities4Cities | United4Ukraine

Cities4Cities | United4Ukraine are partnership initiatives that joined forces in September 2022. The project helps Ukrainian communities establish inter-municipal partnerships with municipalities in Europe. 

Cities4Cities was founded by the German city of Sindelfinden under the auspices of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. The United4Ukraine initiative was launched by SALAR International and the Ukrainian city of Lviv with the support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Since 2024, Sities4Cities | United4Ukraine has been a part of Sweden’s reform cooperation Programme Polaris “Supporting Multilevel Governance in Ukraine”.

Strategic partners: UCBI (USAID), Prosvita Institute, Hanns Seidel Foundation, Association of Ukrainian Cities, All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities, All-Ukrainian Association of Hromadas, Ukrainian Association of Rayon and Oblast Councils.