Mayors and business leaders shape the cities of tomorrow

The Global Cities Hub (GCH) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) co-organized an exceptional high-level event at the WEF headquarters in Geneva on 8 October 2025. The Urban Futures Dialogue, held under the theme “Driving Public-Private Collaboration for Future-Ready Cities” brought together mayors from around the world, business leaders, international stakeholders, and civil society to explore how cities and the private sector can work hand in hand to accelerate innovation and sustainable urban development. The Dialogue event meaningfully complemented the discussions held at the UN Forum of Mayors.

Opening the event alongside Kiva Allgood, WEF Managing Director, Christina Kitsos, President of the Global Cities Hub and Vice-Mayor of Geneva, emphasized the unique value of Geneva’s multilateral environment: “Bringing together different types of actors is a strength of the International Geneva ecosystem. Geneva provides a safe space for a sustained dialogue between States, local governments, NGOs and the private sector — a real place for inclusive multilateralism.”

Cities today exert an unparalleled influence on global dynamics. If cities collectively were a single enterprise, they would constitute the world’s largest employer, consumer of energy and materials, producer of waste, and emitter of greenhouse gases. But cities are also the most active agents of climate action, digital innovation, cultural creativity, and social progress. Mayors lead this “global enterprise” with strategies and policies shaping the urban future they envision.

As several speakers noted, successful city leadership requires a blend of holistic policies, data-driven innovation, and political courage. For instance, the example of London’s low emission zone illustrated how clear policy objectives, supported by health data and strong political will, can translate vision into impactful change. Technological innovation such as the use of digital twins was also highlighted as a transformative tool for urban planning.

A particularly engaging exchange arose between mayors and private-sector representatives on whether companies are prepared to invest in costly retrofitting urban building stock to reduce emissions. The response from industry leaders was unambiguous: Yes. A clear business case rests on the long-term value of higher-quality, energy-efficient buildings that offer both greater returns and lower maintenance costs – while reducing the overall emissions in the city. Participants also discussed the tension between short political mandates (usually 4-5 years) and the long-term nature of urban investment. They agreed on the need to establish enduring city visions that transcend electoral cycles, ensuring continuity of purpose and sustained progress.

Interactive strategy discussions focused on transforming industrial cities, enabling high-impact urban development, and securing smart cities. Mayors shared concrete examples from their municipalities, while private-sector participants explored avenues for deeper collaboration.

• In the area of cybersecurity, experts shared their experiences that mayors can tailor to foster people-centred smart cities. Although sometimes differing timelines and point of views could constitute barriers, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to building long-term, trust-based partnerships rather than transactional ones. International organizations were recognized as key enablers in facilitating such collaboration, for instance by expanding cities’ access to international financing mechanisms. Strengthening municipal capacity to manage large-scale projects and funding was also seen as a critical prerequisite for success.
• In the session on “Transforming Industrial Cities”, city leaders and experts pointed out that decarbonization, requalification and modernization of industrial areas can leads to new (green) jobs, a healthier environment, a more secure energy supply and an increase in the overall quality of life for residents.

This first Urban Futures Dialogue provided an invaluable opportunity to deepen understanding between city leaders and private actors, reinforcing the shared responsibility to shape inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities. As the world confronts accelerating urban, digital, and environmental transitions, the partnerships initiated in Geneva signal a clear path forward, one defined by collaboration, innovation, and the courage to think beyond political and institutional boundaries.