About

Many city leaders now acknowledge that culture helps create thriving urban centres. And the political and economic influence of the world’s leading cities puts them in a unique position to set a global agenda for sustainable urban development.

The World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF) provides a way for policy makers in 38 key cities to share research and intelligence, and explore the vital role of culture in their future prosperity.

Rapid urbanisation means that by 2030 two-thirds of the world’s population will live in cities. The very speed of change is unprecedented and governments are facing increasingly complex challenges. Many of the great policy issues of our age, from tackling climate change to promoting social equality, are being led at city, rather than national, level.

As urban populations grow, so does the pressure on leaders to maintain their city’s distinctiveness, attract business and skilled jobs, and stay resilient and adaptable in the face of change. WCCF partners share the belief that culture is the key to their future as sustainable urban centres. WCCF conducts comparative research to measure the impact and importance of culture and creativity and shares it with the Forum so partner cities can make evidence-based policy decisions.

How the Forum works

Forum partners collaborate via a programme of events including themed symposia, regional summits and workshops. These events feed into the annual World Cities Culture Summit. Hosted on a rotating basis by partner cities, this unique gathering allows city leaders to share ideas and knowledge about the role of culture as an organising principle for the sustainable city of the future.

Working at World Cities Culture Forum

If you’re interested in working with us, please check out our vacancies page.