The countdown is on - URBAN FUTURE Global Conference | May 22- 24, 2019 | Oslo, Norway

In just about a week, the URBAN FUTURE global conference will take over Oslo. Europe's largest event for and about sustainable cities features 300 speakers from politics, urbanism, property development and industry, innovation environments and start-ups, research and NGOs.

Cities are the key to a sustainable future on our planet. Massive changes are needed to combat climate change and social inequalities. So far, technological solutions have received the most attention. But what about the people who are driving positive change?

Between May 22-24 the URBAN FUTURE gathers CityChangers from all over the world in Oslo. They are the ones who actively, passionately and effectively make cities more sustainable. FutureBuilt is coorganizer of the conference, which is one of the main events under the Oslo European Environmental Capital.

As a journalist, you get access to some of the world's leading experts in urbanism and sustainable development. Here is a selection:

The mayor working with and for the next generation - Erion Veliaj
How can the implementation of child-friendly policies contribute to a more sustainable city? The mayor of Tirana, Albania has the answer.
Taking your City on a ride| Day 1, 11:00 – 12:30 | The Hub, H1

Colours for the people - Dagny Thurmann-Moe
Thurmann-Moe is passionate about colours and materials and how they affect our surroundings. She has her own colour studio where she assists individuals and companies in the planning of unique buildings for newly developed areas and districts.
Designing for safe cities| Day 1, 11:00 – 12:30 | The Hub, H4

A clear voice for female climate leadership - Fabian DattnerIn many parts of the world, women have taken up the fight against climate change and for more sustainability. Fabian is the founder of a groundbreaking leadership initiative that aims to increase women's influence in conversations and climate decisions.
Why should we have to change anything?| Day 1, 14:00 – 15:30 | The Hub, H2

Urban development that makes people smile - Jorn Wemmenhove and Lior Steinberg
The founders of "Humankind" - a multidisciplinary collective - help cities see more than functionality. The duo is committed to supporting cities to plan urban spaces that make people smile.
Collaboration can change everything| Day 1, 16:00 – 17:30 | The Hub, H1

The size counts: How small municipalities play a major role - Alfred Bjørlo
Can small municipalities take greater ownership to drive the green shift? Yes, says Bjørlo. He is on the stage to show Europe how a municipality with less than 7,000 inhabitants leads and takes responsibility.
Forget knowledge: skills that count in the future| Day 1, 14:00 – 15:30 | The Hub, H4

Furniture for the world - Jan Christian Vestre
How can "outdoor furniture" play a central role in how people experience the urban spaces they live in? The furniture in the family-owned company Vestre brings joy in cities from Oslo and Graz to New York City.
What if #3: A city for all| Day 1, 16:00 – 17:30 | The Hub, H2

Climate change knows no borders - Gina Gylver
Does it matter if one single country or one single city take more sustainable choices? Gina Gylver believes that climate change does not care about national borders, and that our actions create side effects all around the world. This week she takes the train from her student city Madrid to Oslo, where she will be moderating the opening of the conference.
Welcome CityChangers| Day 1, 09:00 – 10:30 | Folketeateret, F1

Contact
Lisa Gatterbauer | UFGC Communications | media@urban-future.org
Anette Jamtvedt | Nucleus, UFGC Press Agency Norway | aj@nucleus.no

About the URBAN FUTURE Global Conference (UFGC)
The UFGC is the world’s largest meeting place for CityChangers, people who strive to make their cities more sustainable with lots of passion and commitment. They implement concrete projects, thus improving life in the respective city. The UFGC brings our brightest minds together, regarding itself as a neutral platform without any political agenda. The conference was founded in 2014 by Gerald BabelSutter and is taking place in a different European city every year from 2018 onwards. Since 2014, visitor numbers have tripled. The conference will be one of the main events in Oslo’s European environmental capital programme and at the same time marks FutureBuilt’s 10th anniversary.

More information

• Press conference: Wednesday, May 22, 08.00 – 08.30, Folketeateret

• Media Corner: www.urban-future.org/media

• Media Accreditation: Accreditation

• For interviews with one or more speakers: Send an email to aj@nucleus.no