Helsinki to host Economic Development Forum on 23–24 March

The Economic Development Forum 2023 will explore the role of cities in addressing issues such as the climate crisis, the energy crisis and the economic downturn. There will be speakers from the European Commission, the OECD, the European Business Network, local businesses and several Eurocities member cities. Helsinki will chair the Economic Development Forum until the end of June.

Cities play an important role in addressing global challenges, and the forum will focus on the ways in which cities can both contribute to sustainable development and help find solutions. 

The forum will focus on many topics, including the inclusive green transition, the circular economy, digitalisation and technology development, access to skilled labour, and sustainable tourism in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. All of these issues are essential to ensuring the long-term economic sustainability of cities.

Mayor Vartiainen to open the event

The Forum will be opened on Thursday 23 March at 9.00 by the Mayor of Helsinki Juhana Vartiainen, together with Helsinki Deputy Mayor Anni Sinnemäki and the Eurocities Secretary General André Sobczak. The keynote speech will focus on cities and businesses working together to tackle global problems. 

On Thursday from 14.00 to 15.00, there will also be an opportunity to follow the closing address of the policy section of the programme, where Deputy Mayor Sinnemäki and Secretary General Sobczak will summarise the day's events.

On Friday 24 March, the morning keynote speeches will focus on attracting talent.

The keynote speeches and the mentioned opening and closing addresses will be open to the public and will also be livestreamed on the City of Helsinki’s video service Helsinki-kanava. 

Programme includes visits to the premises of various operators

In addition to the parts of programme that are open to the public, the forum will feature a participant-only programme of panel discussions and interactive workshops that will provide an opportunity to explore innovative ideas and strategies to promote economic growth and sustainable development in urban areas. 
The panels and workshops will discuss the importance of promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, building strong partnerships between the public and private sectors, and harnessing digital technologies to drive economic growth.

The programme also includes visits to the innovation and start-up hub Maria 01 and the Helsinki Education Hub. A visit to Helsinki’s Urban Environment House will focus on the circular economy and sustainable tourism. 

Eurocities network promotes cooperation and development

Eurocities is a network of major European cities that promotes the economic, social and civic development of its member cities. The network provides EU advocacy, information on EU funding opportunities and legislation, and acts as a peer-learning platform for its member cities. Eurocities involves more than 140 cities from 39 countries, accounting for some 130 million people. The network’s secretariat is located in Brussels.

EDF on social media with hashtags: #EDF2023 #Helsinki