Launching the Urban Thinkers Campus 10.0 Series
May 22, 2026 | 10:00 - 11:00
(passed)
Summary
BACKGROUND
As urban challenges intensify—from climate risks to inequality and infrastructure gaps—there is a growing need to bridge global dialogue with local action. The Urban Thinkers Campus (UTC), serves as a decentralised platform to convene stakeholders, co-create solutions, and amplify local voices into global policy processes. WUF13 in Baku presents a strategic moment to reposition the UTC as a key delivery mechanism to accelerate urban action and strengthen multilevel partnerships.
Objectives
OBJECTIVE
To officially launch and mobilise the UTC at WUF13 as a global-to-local action platform that supports implementation of urban priorities through inclusive dialogue, advocacy, and partnerships.
KEY MESSAGES
- Cities are not only sites of risk but engines of solutions.
- The UTC transforms dialogue into tangible, locally-driven action.
- Multi-stakeholder coalitions are essential to scale impact.
- Linking local initiatives to global agendas (e.g., the SDGs, climate, housing) is critical
SESSION FORMAT
A dynamic, high-level interactive session combining:
- Opening remarks.
- Presentation of the UTC vision and engagement roadmap.
- Interventions from key partners.
- Closing with a call to applications and an invitation to host/organise UTCs.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
- Increased visibility and political support for the UTC.
- New partnerships and commitments to organise UTCs globally.
TRATEGIC VALUE FOR WUF13
- Enhances WUF’s legacy through concrete follow-up actions.
- Expands participation beyond the forum via decentralised engagement.
- Supports coalition-building and advocacy efforts.