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The Better-Cities Event goes to Łódź this May

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.

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.

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.

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.

A podcast for people who care about their city.

Urban Future Launches “The CityChangers Podcast” to Inspire Urban Transformations

Urban Future has launched "The CityChangers Podcast", which aims to inspire urban transformations and create more sustainable cities. The podcast features thought leaders and experts discussing innovative ideas, success stories, and strategies for positive urban change. Listeners can expect fresh episodes every two weeks on their favorite streaming platforms.

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.

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Introducing Track 1: Driving Change with Networks 🤜🤛
 
Change takes more than good ideas—it takes a community. This UF25 track dives into how meaningful networks drive action, how collaboration fuels impact, and how we can move faster when we move together.
 
Highlights include:
🤝 Making First Connections
👉 Swiping Right on Unlikely Partners
💪 The Most Powerful Person in the Room
…and many more!
 
Discover the updated lineup of sessions and speakers in the latest programme: #linkinbio
 
🎟️ urban-future.org/tickets or #linkinbio
🇵🇱 May 21–23 | Łódź, Poland

Introducing Track 1: Driving Change with Networks 🤜🤛   Change takes more than good ideas—it takes a community. This UF25 track dives into how meaningful networks drive action, how collaboration fuels impact, and how we can move faster when we move together.   Highlights include: 🤝 Making First Connections 👉 Swiping Right on Unlikely Partners 💪 The Most Powerful Person in the Room …and many more!   Discover the updated lineup of sessions and speakers in the latest programme: #linkinbio   🎟️ urban-future.org/tickets or #linkinbio 🇵🇱 May 21–23 | Łódź, Poland

Say hello to more of our inspiring speakers for Urban Future 2025! 🙋🏽‍♀️🫶🏼🙋🏻‍♂️
 
This incredible crew knows how to ignite change and reimagine the future of our cities. Whether they’re architects, urbanists, planners, educators or politicians – what unites them is their deep passion for making cities better, healthier & more livable for everyone. ❤️‍🔥
 
You won’t want to miss these urban heroes on stage at UF25 in Łódź. 
 
💛 Check out the programme now! #linkinbio 
📍 Łódź, Poland | 🗓 May 21–23, 2025

Say hello to more of our inspiring speakers for Urban Future 2025! 🙋🏽‍♀️🫶🏼🙋🏻‍♂️   This incredible crew knows how to ignite change and reimagine the future of our cities. Whether they’re architects, urbanists, planners, educators or politicians – what unites them is their deep passion for making cities better, healthier & more livable for everyone. ❤️‍🔥   You won’t want to miss these urban heroes on stage at UF25 in Łódź.    💛 Check out the programme now! #linkinbio 📍 Łódź, Poland | 🗓 May 21–23, 2025

𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟭 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼 until Urban Future 2025 in Łódź!
 
🔥 The excitement amoung our community is building!
From May 21 to 23, Łódź will be the vibrant hub for change-makers, urban enthusiasts and city leaders from around the globe. 
 
Are you on board?
Drop a 💛 if we'll see you there!

🎟️ Tickets #linkinbio
👉🏼 Programme #linkinbio
 
🗺 P.S. Did you see Field Trip registrations are now open?! 🎒
Get your ticket NOW so you can select your two faves before they fill up! 🏃‍♂️‍➡️

🔥The excitement amoung our community is building!
From May 21 to 23, Łódź will be the vibrant hub for change-makers, urban enthusiasts and city leaders from around the globe. 
 
Are you on board?
Drop a 💛 if we’ll see you there!

🎟️ Tickets #linkinbio
👉🏼 Programme #linkinbio
 
🗺 P.S. Did you see Field Trip registrations are now open?! 🎒
Get your ticket NOW so you can select your two faves before they fill up! 🏃‍♂️‍➡️

𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟭 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼 until Urban Future 2025 in Łódź!   🔥 The excitement amoung our community is building! From May 21 to 23, Łódź will be the vibrant hub for change-makers, urban enthusiasts and city leaders from around the globe.    Are you on board? Drop a 💛 if we'll see you there! 🎟️ Tickets #linkinbio 👉🏼 Programme #linkinbio   🗺 P.S. Did you see Field Trip registrations are now open?! 🎒 Get your ticket NOW so you can select your two faves before they fill up! 🏃‍♂️‍➡️ 🔥The excitement amoung our community is building! From May 21 to 23, Łódź will be the vibrant hub for change-makers, urban enthusiasts and city leaders from around the globe.    Are you on board? Drop a 💛 if we’ll see you there! 🎟️ Tickets #linkinbio 👉🏼 Programme #linkinbio   🗺 P.S. Did you see Field Trip registrations are now open?! 🎒 Get your ticket NOW so you can select your two faves before they fill up! 🏃‍♂️‍➡️

Łódź awaits — let the adventures begin! 🎒🗺️📸

𝗔𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁, you can choose 2 of your favourite captivating Field Trips:
🎥 HollyŁódź! A cradle of cinematic genius 
🌙 Łódź by night
💧Underground & uncovered: hidden rivers 
🏙️ What a view!
🪦 Whispers of the past: Łódź’s Jewish Cemetery 
👟 Off the beaten track
🚂 Hop on the tram of time
🍃 Green escape: Walking oparks & river routes 
👩🏻 Her story: The enduring legacy of Łódź’s women 
🌓 Before and after: revitalisation expert tour 
🐝 Bee Well: Discover Apitherapy
🦶 Little feet, big city: how children navigate the city 
🏃 Hangover morning run #1 & 2
🔎 CityChangers pub quiz 
🗺️ City Centre revitalization tour 
🔝 From steam to style
🧱Manufaktura: the city’s new hot spot
🎬 Just Streets film night 
✨Take back the night 
🚲 Cycling the city 
🚦 Street makeover workshop 
📷 Snap & chat: urban regeneration walkshop 
🔌 Test drive the latest e-vehicles

Get your ticket if you haven’t already, because TOMORROW you can officially register. They fill up fast!
The Field Trip registration link drops at 12:00 sharp! 
 
🎟️ Get your ticket now - go go go! #linkinbio 
💙 See you there - Łódź, Poland from May 21 to 23 
 
Join us at Urban Future 2025 for an immersive, fun, urban experience!

Łódź awaits — let the adventures begin! 🎒🗺️📸 𝗔𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁, you can choose 2 of your favourite captivating Field Trips: 🎥 HollyŁódź! A cradle of cinematic genius  🌙 Łódź by night 💧Underground & uncovered: hidden rivers  🏙️ What a view! 🪦 Whispers of the past: Łódź’s Jewish Cemetery  👟 Off the beaten track 🚂 Hop on the tram of time 🍃 Green escape: Walking oparks & river routes  👩🏻 Her story: The enduring legacy of Łódź’s women  🌓 Before and after: revitalisation expert tour  🐝 Bee Well: Discover Apitherapy 🦶 Little feet, big city: how children navigate the city  🏃 Hangover morning run #1 & 2 🔎 CityChangers pub quiz  🗺️ City Centre revitalization tour  🔝 From steam to style 🧱Manufaktura: the city’s new hot spot 🎬 Just Streets film night  ✨Take back the night  🚲 Cycling the city  🚦 Street makeover workshop  📷 Snap & chat: urban regeneration walkshop  🔌 Test drive the latest e-vehicles Get your ticket if you haven’t already, because TOMORROW you can officially register. They fill up fast! The Field Trip registration link drops at 12:00 sharp!    🎟️ Get your ticket now - go go go! #linkinbio  💙 See you there - Łódź, Poland from May 21 to 23    Join us at Urban Future 2025 for an immersive, fun, urban experience!

👋 Say HI to Conni from our programme team! 
Today she’s introducing us to Track 1: Driving Change with Networks 🌍💬
 
At Urban Future, we believe real change doesn’t happen alone. This track is all about building powerful alliances, sharing tools for collaboration, and learning how to spark momentum—together.💥
 
Highlights include:
🔗 Making First Connections
🤝 Swiping Right on Unlikely Partners
🧠 The Most Powerful Person in the Room
…and more!
 
 🆕 🆕 🆕 Explore the full track, sessions and new speakers in our freshly UPDATED programme — #linkinbio 🆕 🆕 🆕
 
 
P.S. Field trip registration opens next week for ticket holders! So get your ticket NOW - go go go! 🎟️ urban-future.org/tickets
May 21–23 | Łódź, Poland

👋 Say HI to Conni from our programme team!  Today she’s introducing us to Track 1: Driving Change with Networks 🌍💬   At Urban Future, we believe real change doesn’t happen alone. This track is all about building powerful alliances, sharing tools for collaboration, and learning how to spark momentum—together.💥   Highlights include: 🔗 Making First Connections 🤝 Swiping Right on Unlikely Partners 🧠 The Most Powerful Person in the Room …and more!    🆕 🆕 🆕 Explore the full track, sessions and new speakers in our freshly UPDATED programme — #linkinbio 🆕 🆕 🆕     P.S. Field trip registration opens next week for ticket holders! So get your ticket NOW - go go go! 🎟️ urban-future.org/tickets May 21–23 | Łódź, Poland

Celebrating Łódź Events in May! 🇵🇱
May 20-May 23: the most climate-friendly week in Poland
 
Yesterday’s press breakfast announced:
💚 Polish Climate Summit including TrendStation - Sustainable Fashion Show 
💚 Urban Future - The Better-Cities Event 
💚 EV Experience - E-Mobility Picnic
 
🎤 “The trick for cities like ours is turning deficits into strengths. After all...we are among the leading local governments driving transformation in Europe,”
— Adam Pustelnik, Deputy Mayor of Łódź
 
🌱 “No one really doubts that climate change is not just a slogan — it’s happening.”
— Anna Wierzbicka, PhD, Director, Dept. of Environmental Shaping
 
💬 “Urban Future 2025 is not just a conference - it is a movement that inspires and motivates real action for better, more resilient and inclusive cities and an infinite pool of inspiration - where real stories, real solutions, and real impact take center stage.“
— Gerald Babel-Sutter, CEO & Co-Founder of Urban Future
 
 
Will you be in Łódź this May? Let us know in the comments!

Celebrating Łódź Events in May! 🇵🇱 May 20-May 23: the most climate-friendly week in Poland   Yesterday’s press breakfast announced: 💚 Polish Climate Summit including TrendStation - Sustainable Fashion Show 💚 Urban Future - The Better-Cities Event 💚 EV Experience - E-Mobility Picnic   🎤 “The trick for cities like ours is turning deficits into strengths. After all...we are among the leading local governments driving transformation in Europe,” — Adam Pustelnik, Deputy Mayor of Łódź   🌱 “No one really doubts that climate change is not just a slogan — it’s happening.” — Anna Wierzbicka, PhD, Director, Dept. of Environmental Shaping   💬 “Urban Future 2025 is not just a conference - it is a movement that inspires and motivates real action for better, more resilient and inclusive cities and an infinite pool of inspiration - where real stories, real solutions, and real impact take center stage.“ — Gerald Babel-Sutter, CEO & Co-Founder of Urban Future     Will you be in Łódź this May? Let us know in the comments!

Programme Highlights 🌟
Let’s shine a light on Track 0: Sessions You Don’t Want to Miss! 
 
🔹 0.2. Boomers X GenZ 🔹
The planet’s in trouble — blamed on older generations, while the youth are seen as too lazy to fix it. But what happens when generations team up? In this session, we explore powerful collaborations between Gen Z and older changemakers, busting stereotypes and driving real impact. Learn what makes these partnerships work — and what can break them.
Moderator: Miriam Staley | Speakers: Jacob Hartmann, TC Guthey Schwartzkopff, Wolfgang Frey, & Helen Zoe Frey

🔹 0.3. Eco over Ego🔹
For the first time, U.S. and European parents prefer daughters over sons—girls are seen as more empathetic, responsible, and growth-oriented. Women also outperformed as leaders during the pandemic, and female-led groups show greater resilience. Why does this matter? In collaboration, ego takes a back seat. ‘Female’ leadership traits — like empathy and reflection — are key to success. Join this session to explore what makes collaborations work (and what doesn’t).
Moderator: Zoë Dattner | Speakers: Maral Koohestanian, Ronni Kahn AO, & Supriya Garikipati

🔹 0.4. How to Annoy Politicians🔹
Changemakers make cities better — but not everyone’s thrilled, especially when they break the rules or gain media attention and support. That’s when they start annoying politicians. Join this session to learn how to be a more effective (and strategic) troublemaker.
Moderator: Michael Shank, Ph.D. | Speakers: Jason Roberts, Reena Mahajan, Krista Kampus, Heinrich Strößenreuther, elisabeth Meze, & Robert Douglas McKaye
 
...............................................

Which session are you most excited about? 

We’ll dive into the other four Tracks starting next week! 

👉🏼 Programme: #linkinbio
🎟️ Tickets: #linkinbio 
🩷 Łódź | May 21-23, 2025

Programme Highlights 🌟 Let’s shine a light on Track 0: Sessions You Don’t Want to Miss!    🔹 0.2. Boomers X GenZ 🔹 The planet’s in trouble — blamed on older generations, while the youth are seen as too lazy to fix it. But what happens when generations team up? In this session, we explore powerful collaborations between Gen Z and older changemakers, busting stereotypes and driving real impact. Learn what makes these partnerships work — and what can break them. Moderator: Miriam Staley | Speakers: Jacob Hartmann, TC Guthey Schwartzkopff, Wolfgang Frey, & Helen Zoe Frey 🔹 0.3. Eco over Ego🔹 For the first time, U.S. and European parents prefer daughters over sons—girls are seen as more empathetic, responsible, and growth-oriented. Women also outperformed as leaders during the pandemic, and female-led groups show greater resilience. Why does this matter? In collaboration, ego takes a back seat. ‘Female’ leadership traits — like empathy and reflection — are key to success. Join this session to explore what makes collaborations work (and what doesn’t). Moderator: Zoë Dattner | Speakers: Maral Koohestanian, Ronni Kahn AO, & Supriya Garikipati 🔹 0.4. How to Annoy Politicians🔹 Changemakers make cities better — but not everyone’s thrilled, especially when they break the rules or gain media attention and support. That’s when they start annoying politicians. Join this session to learn how to be a more effective (and strategic) troublemaker. Moderator: Michael Shank, Ph.D. | Speakers: Jason Roberts, Reena Mahajan, Krista Kampus, Heinrich Strößenreuther, elisabeth Meze, & Robert Douglas McKaye   ............................................... Which session are you most excited about? We’ll dive into the other four Tracks starting next week! 👉🏼 Programme: #linkinbio 🎟️ Tickets: #linkinbio 🩷 Łódź | May 21-23, 2025

🚲👨🏻‍🦽What if your city’s streets were designed for 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 — not just cars? 🛹🤸🏽‍♀️

In this episode of The @citychangersorg Podcast, we dive into the Just Streets EU project, dedicated to doing just that. 

Marco Te Brömmelstroet and Adrian Fratila unpack what “justice” means in urban design, how to handle naysayers, and whether Dutch-style mobility is really the one cities should be aspiring to model. 

 Spoiler: It’s not a one-size-fits-all!

🎧 Tune in for fresh ideas on making our streets fairer, friendlier, more sustainable and safe! #linkinbio 
 …………………………………………

You can meet some of the Just Streets team at The Better-Cities Event this May in Łódź! 
🎟️ urban-future.org

 …………………………………………

More at Just Streets🚶‍♂️🚴‍♀️: just-streets.eu

🚲👨🏻‍🦽What if your city’s streets were designed for 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 — not just cars? 🛹🤸🏽‍♀️ In this episode of The @citychangersorg Podcast, we dive into the Just Streets EU project, dedicated to doing just that. Marco Te Brömmelstroet and Adrian Fratila unpack what “justice” means in urban design, how to handle naysayers, and whether Dutch-style mobility is really the one cities should be aspiring to model. Spoiler: It’s not a one-size-fits-all! 🎧 Tune in for fresh ideas on making our streets fairer, friendlier, more sustainable and safe! #linkinbio ………………………………………… You can meet some of the Just Streets team at The Better-Cities Event this May in Łódź!  🎟️ urban-future.org ………………………………………… More at Just Streets🚶‍♂️🚴‍♀️: just-streets.eu

🚸 Łódź’s first School Street is coming! 🚸

Tired of cars ruling Czerwona Road in Łódź — and inspired at Urban Future — Karolina Taczalska just DID it...she rallied a community to reclaim their street. 🚲🌳
 
With city-approved changes—like greenery, safer crossings, and even a red-painted road—they’re proving small steps lead to big impact!
 
“Any improvement is worth the effort. Any life saved makes all this worthwhile,” Karolina says. 💛
 
Will this spark more people-friendly streets across Europe? 

👉 Read the @citychangersorg story: #linkinbio 
 
……………………………………………………..
 
P.S. See it in person at the Better-Cities Event in Łódź this May! 🎟️ urban-future.org

🚸 Łódź’s first School Street is coming! 🚸 Tired of cars ruling Czerwona Road in Łódź — and inspired at Urban Future — Karolina Taczalska just DID it...she rallied a community to reclaim their street. 🚲🌳   With city-approved changes—like greenery, safer crossings, and even a red-painted road—they’re proving small steps lead to big impact!   “Any improvement is worth the effort. Any life saved makes all this worthwhile,” Karolina says. 💛   Will this spark more people-friendly streets across Europe? 👉 Read the @citychangersorg story: #linkinbio   ……………………………………………………..   P.S. See it in person at the Better-Cities Event in Łódź this May! 🎟️ urban-future.org

📣 Urbanists and change-makers! 

We’re excited to announce that 𝙐𝙧𝙗𝙖𝙣 𝙁𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 and 𝘼𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙠𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖 & 𝘽𝙞𝙯𝙣𝙚𝙨 are teaming up for Łódź 25! 🤜🤛

Join us at the better-cities event to shape the future of urban space.

📅 May 21-23, 2025
📍 Łódź, Poland
🩷 urban-future.org 💛 

@urban__future - 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳-𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵
@architekturaibiznes.pl - 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥’𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘶𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯

📣 Urbanists and change-makers!  We’re excited to announce that 𝙐𝙧𝙗𝙖𝙣 𝙁𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 and 𝘼𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙠𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖 & 𝘽𝙞𝙯𝙣𝙚𝙨 are teaming up for Łódź 25! 🤜🤛 Join us at the better-cities event to shape the future of urban space. 📅 May 21-23, 2025 📍 Łódź, Poland 🩷 urban-future.org 💛 @urban__future - 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳-𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵 @architekturaibiznes.pl - 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥’𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘶𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯

Contacts

Lisa Marie Weber

Lisa Marie Weber

Press contact Head of Communications PR & Marketing 004369913331321 LinkedIn

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