Case study: 2024 Future Green City World Congress

Conference: 2024 Future Green City World Congress
Date: 23–26 September 2024
Topic: The green, healthy city of the future
Number of participants: 1,138 attendees, including 458 international visitors
Economic impact: €741,600
Organisers: Royal Association Stadswerk the Netherlands, Royal Dutch Association of Landscapers and Gardeners (VHG) and partners, including World Urban Parks (WUP), International Federation of Municipal Engineering (IFME), International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) and City of Utrecht.

Your cookie settings block this video. If you want to view the video, adjust the settings

Future Green City 2024: A World of Green in Utrecht

The green, healthy city of the future was the guiding theme of the 2024 Future Green City World Congress, held at the Beatrix Theatre in Utrecht. From 23 to 26 September 2024, the conference brought together pioneering ideas and forward-thinking solutions to help shape the cities of tomorrow.

Government officials, urban planners, engineers and green space professionals from 62 countries came together to explore how cities can become healthier and more sustainable places to live. “By coming to Utrecht, they tapped into a wealth of global knowledge”, noted the organisers. The conference was organised by the Royal Association Stadswerk the Netherlands and the Royal Dutch Association of Landscapers and Gardeners (VHG), in collaboration with partners that included World Urban Parks (WUP), the International Federation of Municipal Engineering (IFME), the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) and the City of Utrecht.

Knowledge exchange

For four days, the conference was a hub of innovative ideas and international knowledge exchange. Speakers and participants shared best practices for greener, more sustainable cities. “Green is the answer to nearly all urgent challenges facing our growing cities and urban regions”, said the organisers. “It cools the city, purifies the air, improves our health and happiness, provides sustainable building materials and food and supports a natural habitat for both people and wildlife. Across the world, cities are seeking a new balance between nature and culture, as well as a renewed connection between urban and rural life. That’s the Future Green City.”

Headline speakers and standout sessions

The conference attracted 1,138 unique attendees, including 458 international delegates. Participants rated the event an impressive 8.5 out of 10 on average, making it a resounding success. According to co-organiser Bureau Maters & Hermsen, three keynote speakers received the highest ratings the agency has ever seen at such an event:

• Siew Leng Fun, chief urban designer, delivered a talk on Singapore’s green revolution, earning an outstanding score of 9.8.
• Marco te Brömmelstroet, professor of Urban Mobility Futures, led a thought-provoking debate on reclaiming the streets as spaces for social connection and restoring the balance between cars and other road users. Known as the ‘cycling professor’, his session received a score of 9.6.
• Professor Kongjian Yu from China, one of the world’s most influential urban planners and landscape architects, shared his vision of ‘sponge cities’ — urban environments designed to better withstand flooding and drought. His keynote speech received a score of 9.2.

Field trips

The conference also featured field trips to inspiring Dutch projects, including the Spoorpark in Tilburg, the Amstel III office district in Amsterdam and the river park in Nijmegen. To top it off, participants had the chance to experience Dutch cycling culture first-hand during the Early Bird Dutch Cycling Tour. The highlight: experiencing Utrecht’s famous cycling rush hour, which was also rated highly. Marc van Rosmalen, director of VHG, commented, “Together with our partners, we have the power to spark a movement towards greener, healthier living environments. The energy of the participants and the meaningful conversations that took place are clear evidence of that.”

Utrecht as the ideal host

Utrecht proved to be the ideal host city — not only because of its excellent accessibility and facilities but also because of its forward-thinking approach to urban development. The municipality presented its own plans and initiatives for sustainable urban development. With the region branding itself as Utrecht, Heart of Health, the conference naturally placed a strong emphasis on health and wellbeing.

Collaboration with local partners — including VNG Connect, Jaarbeurs, Utrecht Marketing, the Green Business Club, the City of Utrecht and the Province of Utrecht — played a key role in the event’s success. The Future Green City World Congress also brought significant economic benefits to the city. Based on international visitor numbers, the estimated economic impact for Utrecht was approximately €741,600.

Sustainable initiatives

The conference discussed sustainability, and Utrecht showcased it in action:

• The Tree Ball on Jaarbeursplein: from April to September, the heart of the city was transformed into a green oasis.
• The Utrecht Commitment: a joint declaration by IFME and WUP to strengthen future collaboration.
• Launch of research into urban pergolas.
• Future Green City Student Challenge: nine student teams developed plans to make the north-west of Utrecht greener and more liveable.

A lesson for the future

Although the conference was a success, it also offered valuable lessons. Promoting a one-off event proved challenging, particularly during a crowded autumn season. With many competing conferences taking place at the same time, the importance of timing became all the more evident.

An experience

The conference brought national and international partners from the construction, infrastructure, water and green sectors together in Utrecht. Its goal was to share knowledge, showcase innovation and foster collaboration on the path to greener, more sustainable cities. With its central location in the heart of the Netherlands, Utrecht proved an ideal host, offering participants easy access to a range of excursions in and around the city.

Maarten Loeffen, former director of the Royal Association Stadswerk the Netherlands, reflected with pride, “Our slogan ‘We call it a congress, but it’s an experience’ truly lived up to its promise. Participants will take that experience with them wherever they go.”