The Bloomberg CityLab summit is a place where mayors can gather each year with leading policymakers, innovators, and creatives to solve key challenges in the field of urban development. More than 500 mayors from all corners of the globe are attending the 2024 event. This year’s summit is seeking solutions to challenges in areas such as sustainable mobility, segregation, urban renewal, housing and the management of substance abuse problems. The mayors also heard media researchers' latest analyses of changes in the media field, citizens' political participation and trust in decision-makers.
“Key innovations that are essential for the future of humanity are being made at the local city level on a continual basis. Close-knit sharing and development of these solutions can contribute greatly to overall global development. Cooperation between cities is built around very concrete issues and it is therefore important that we actively participate in global forums where humankind’s biggest problems are addressed. Helsinki is a pioneer in resolving many urban issues, and our expertise is valued, but it is important for us to learn from others as well,” said Mayor Vartiainen.
The City of Helsinki cooperates with the US-based Bloomberg Philanthropies foundation in other areas as well, for example through the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative training program and the city's associated expert working groups.
Background information
Bloomberg CityLab is a major urban development summit organised since 2013 by Bloomberg Philanthropies in partnership with the Aspen Institute.
Helsinki has worked jointly with Bloomberg Philanthropies for several years and has participated in past CityLab events in Paris, Amsterdam and Washington, among others.
