Cities are the main drivers of sustainable development today. They determine the directions and dynamics of the development of the global economy. However, the pace of urbanization processes requires international action and coordination,

said the Minister of Development Funds and Regional Policy Grzegorz Puda.

And Mr. Puda added:

Therefore, what we need today as an international community is a comprehensive and in-depth discussion on the transformation of the urban development model and the transfer of all activities related to the realization of the goals of sustainable development and equitable urbanization.

Transforming cities for a better future

The 11th session of the World Urban Forum is being held under the theme "Transforming Cities for a Better Future." For five days, representatives from countries around the world will discuss sustainable and responsible urban development. WUF11 is not only a meeting place for experts, but also a space for listening to the most important voice of any city - the voice of its residents. All this is being done to make the cities we live in more resident-friendly.

The theme of this year's Forum will be transforming cities for a better urban future. Transforming the future of cities is the foundation of sustainable development for current and future generations. Without looking to the future and working toward more livable, accessible and equitable places, it is impossible to make proper progress toward the sustainable development goals,

said the Deputy Minister, Małgorzata Jarosińska-Jedynak.

The World Urban Forum was established at the initiative of the United Nations (UN). The first Forum took place in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2002, and has since then been held around the world, regularly every two years. The hosts of the following sessions were in turn: Barcelona, Vancouver, Nanjing, Rio de Janeiro, Naples, Medellin, Kuala Lumpur and Abu Dhabi.

The WUF in Katowice is the first event of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe. The current edition of WUF is organized by UN-Habitat, the Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy and the City of Katowice.

Urban EXPO

The World Urban Forum is accompanied by the Urban EXPO exhibition zone. Exhibitors from 43 countries from all regions of the world present their promotional pavilions on 8,000 square meters. Countries, cities, organizations and companies, present their ideas for the development and change of urban spaces, as well as the facilitations for urban residents.

Poland is a hosts of a pavilion with an interesting design, combining traditional features of Polish architecture with contemporary trends. This is a space not only to present our achievements, but also to discuss issues important to Poland.

We encourage you to visit the Poland pavilion. Interesting discussions will be held here. The Polish artist will be creating a mural before the eyes of participants. Everyone will also be able to visit an interactive exhibition about initiatives in Polish towns,

the Deputy Minister Małgorzata Jarosińska-Jedynak argued.

WUF in the city

WUF is the largest and most important conference on urban policy making and implementation in the world. It aims to improve knowledge on sustainable urban development through open debate.

During WUF11, learning and entertainment go hand in hand. When the discussions and speeches in the International Convention Center are over, WUF11 participants will go out into the city! The center of Katowice will be divided into 11 zones of relaxation, art and innovation.