In a rapidly urbanising world, cities face unprecedented social, economic, security, and growth challenges. Cities that effectively confront these issues will be more liveable and attract more jobs, investment, and development. These great cities will owe their success to determined and visionary leadership, and the Urban Land Institute (ULI) can facilitate the process.

ULI convened its first World Cities Forum 15-17 June 2005 in London. A select group of the best thinkers, representing all sectors of the urban environment and the development world came together to shape a global urban agenda. The Forum provided those who plan, build, own, and govern cities a unique opportunity to explore the forces shaping the world’s cities, and their own businesses.

By creating an interactive dialogue among participants, the World Cities Forum acted as a catalyst for global change—providing:

• An exchange of ideas stimulated by a careful mix of provocative presentations, small group discussions, case studies, and roundtable debates.
• An exploration of the economic, cultural, demographic, political, and environmental trends shaping cities.
• An opportunity to identify the issues and ideas surrounding the key forces that drive any urban change.
• A chance to see cities from a new perspective, changing the way the world regards them.
• A foundation for participants to better develop their own strategies, business plans, and decisions.

Distinguished, innovative urban leaders—including developers, architects, investors, policy makers, writers, thinkers, and cultural and civic leaders—connected and collaborated with their peers; discovered and shared new ideas; and worked to shape the future of the real estate industry and of cities, as well as ULI’s programme of work and their own businesses.