World Cities Summit

29/10/2026

How can a city embrace growth while holding on to what makes it unique?​

In this episode of with acclaimed urbanist and long-time WCS partner Professor Greg Clark, Mayor Van Johnson reflects on how Savannah, Georgia, balances tourism, industry, heritage, climate resilience and inclusion — while seeking to remain a city that belongs to the people who call it home.​

He shares his leadership approach and why reaching outward and making room for more voices, partnerships and possibilities is key to ensuring Savannah remains a city that belongs to everyone.​

This special series recorded during WCS 2026 in Singapore brings the voices of mayors, a national local government leader, the next generation of city makers and the Centre for Liveable Cities into the wider conversation about the century of cities.​

🎧 Listen to the episode: https://www.thecenturyofcities.com/podcast-episodes/episode/48efec10/van-r-johnson-ii-can-a-city-grow-without-losing-its-soul​

27/10/2026

Up next in the World Cities Summit (WCS) series, we look to Guangzhou which was recognized as a 2026 Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Special Mention.
As a fast-growing metropolis of 19 million people, Guangzhou is rethinking itsapproach to urban growth — one that places greater emphasis on community engagement, cultural preservation and ecological sustainability. From revitalising neighbourhoods and heritage spaces, to expanding green infrastructure and strengthening regional connectivity, the city is finding new ways to balance growth with long-term liveability.

Read the full feature here:
https://www.leekuanyewworldcityprize.gov.sg/guangzhou/

22/10/2026

In Reno, supporting residents goes beyond the physical spaces in a city. From prioritising mental health to strengthening residents’ sense of belonging, the focus is on building a sustainable community where people and families can thrive.

Mayor Hillary Schieve talks about her experience at WCS 2026 in this edition of and reflects on how connecting with city leaders who have overcome similar challenges can offer new insights to adapt and implement back home.

Discover more perspectives from city leaders through , as we look ahead to the Mayors Forum of the World Cities Summit 2027.

19/10/2026

The next Mayors Forum of the World Cities Summit will be held from 1-3 September 2027, in Mexico City, the 2024 Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Laureate.

Singapore’s organising team from the Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC) visited Mexico City earlier this month, where we met Mexico City’s General Coordinator of International Affairs, María del Rocío Lombera González, and our counterparts from the city government with whom we will be working very closely to organise the Mayors Forum. The team also explored various locations for potential site visits during Mayors Forum, which would enable participating Mayors and city leaders to experience Mexico City’s successful urban transformations first-hand.

More details to come!

In the meantime, more information on Mexico City’s Prize Laureate citation here https://www.leekuanyewworldcityprize.gov.sg/mexico-city/?utm_source=social&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_bwdnhvynvf

13/10/2026

Can a city thrive economically and still remain accessible to its residents?​

Cambridge, Massachusetts, has reinvented itself into a global centre for research and innovation. But with its success comes questions about affordability, accessibility and who benefits from a city’s growth.​

In this podcast episode of , Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui explores how housing affordability, climate adaptation, emerging technology and economic inclusion are increasingly interconnected. She also reflects on the importance of long-term collaboration between government, universities, businesses, community organisations and residents in shaping the city’s future.​

This special series recorded during WCS 2026 in Singapore brings the voices of mayors, a national local government leader, the next generation of city makers and the Centre for Liveable Cities into the wider conversation about the century of cities. The podcast is hosted by acclaimed urbanist and long-time WCS partner Professor Greg Clark.​

🎧 Tune in: https://www.thecenturyofcities.com/podcast-episodes/episode/2ab8cb05/sumbul-siddiqui-can-a-successful-city-stay-inclusive​

08/10/2026

The World Cities Summit (WCS) series takes us to Budapest, which received a 2026 Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Special Mention.

Budapest shows how cities can make meaningful progress despite resource constraints. Through strategic innovation, and community-centred planning, the city’s innovative urban development and practical, targeted solutions continue to shape a liveable and resilient city for all.

Read the full citation here: https://www.leekuanyewworldcityprize.gov.sg/budapest/

08/10/2026

The World Cities Summit (WCS) series takes us to Budapest, which received a 2026 Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Special Mention.

Budapest shows how cities can make meaningful progress despite resource constraints. Through strategic innovation, and community-centred planning, the city’s innovative urban development and practical, targeted solutions continue to shape a liveable and resilient city for all.

Read the full citation here: https://www.leekuanyewworldcityprize.gov.sg/budapest/

06/10/2026

In this edition of , Lord Mayor Eckart Würzner of Heidelberg reflects on the value of exchanging ideas and experiences with fellow mayors, and shares his vision for a more liveable, green, and inclusive Heidelberg. For him, transforming a city goes beyond technical solutions. It is also about creating a place where all residents can benefit from urban development, live well and be happy.

Follow for more perspectives from city leaders and stay tuned for updates on the Mayors Forum of the World Cities Summit 2027.

30/09/2026

What does it take to build a better city for everyone? ​

Mayor Raisa Treñas reflects on Iloilo City's remarkable revival through good governance, environmental restoration and inclusive growth, sharing why her ambition is not to build a megacity, but a better city where culture, nature, technology and citizens work together to shape its future. ​

Across this special series of The Century of Cities podcast, recorded at WCS 2026, acclaimed urbanist and long-time WCS partner Professor Greg Clark speaks with mayors, a national local government leader, the next generation of city makers and the Centre for Liveable Cities. ​

Tune in here: https://www.thecenturyofcities.com/podcast-episodes/episode/23dca810/raisa-trenas-how-do-you-build-a-city-for-everyone​

25/09/2026

It is time for cities to ACT Now! At the milestone 10th World Cities Summit in Singapore, city leaders, experts, and academia came together to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and explore solutions to address the shared urban challenges cities face today.

Held from 14 – 16 June, WCS brought together close to 4,200 delegates and trade visitors under the theme “Liveable and Sustainable Cities: ACT Now! – Accelerate, Collaborate, Transform”. The Summit focused on turning dialogue into action, exploring how cities can Accelerate solutions, Collaborate across boundaries, and Transform in response to a rapidly changing world.

A heartfelt thank you to all city leaders, sponsors, partners, speakers and delegates who contributed to the vibrant exchange of ideas and made WCS 2026 a memorable milestone. The conversation continues at the Mayors Forum of the World Cities Summit 2027 in Mexico City, and we look forward to welcoming the global community back to Singapore for WCS 2028.

🎥 Take a look back at some of the key moments from WCS 2026: https://go.gov.sg/wcs2026highlightsvideo

WCS 2026 brought together close to 4,200 delegates and trade visito...