Exploring the Future of Cities: the Urban Futures Dialogue in Geneva

On October 8, we had the privilege of participating in the Urban Futures Dialogue, hosted by the World Economic Forum and the Global Cities Hub at the beautiful Villa Mundi in Geneva. The event gathered some of the world’s leading voices in government, business, and civil society to discuss one of the most pressing challenges of our time: how cities can accelerate innovation, sustainability, and long-term quality of life through effective collaboration across sectors.

This year, the dialogue was held under the theme “Driving Public-Private Collaboration for Future-Ready Cities.” The sessions focused on how municipalities, corporations, and community organizations can work together to create urban environments that are more resilient, inclusive, and adaptable to the rapidly changing needs of residents. From innovative infrastructure projects to smart governance models, the discussions highlighted the power of partnerships in shaping the cities of tomorrow.

We were particularly pleased to participate in the roundtable “Creating the Conditions for Quality: What Enables High-Impact Urban Development?” This session offered a unique platform to explore the factors that contribute to sustainable, meaningful, and long-lasting urban development. During the roundtable, we shared insights from our work on Wellness Valley and Milano Wellness City — initiatives designed to promote wellbeing, environmental awareness, and long-term quality of life for citizens. Our contributions emphasized how integrating health, mobility, and social infrastructure can create communities that are not only economically thriving but also deeply connected to the wellbeing of their residents.

The roundtable itself was part of the Davos Baukultur Alliance, a global initiative committed to advancing quality planning, construction, and management for more inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant communities. Being part of this Alliance allowed us to connect with fellow practitioners and experts who are shaping urban transformation on a global scale. The discussions reinforced the importance of a holistic approach to urban development, where social, environmental, and economic factors are equally considered in planning and policy-making.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Charlotte Boutboul, Thomas Alexander Selby, all the participants, and the entire WEF Urban Transformation team for making this event an inspiring and insightful experience. The opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from best practices worldwide, and contribute our perspective to the global conversation on urban futures was invaluable.

Attending the Urban Futures Dialogue reaffirmed our commitment to creating cities that prioritize wellbeing, sustainability, and inclusivity. Initiatives like Wellness Valley and Milano Wellness City demonstrate that by fostering collaboration between public institutions, private enterprises, and local communities, we can unlock the full potential of urban spaces, making them not only more efficient and resilient but also healthier, happier, and more liveable for everyone.

We look forward to continuing this dialogue and exploring new partnerships that help shape the future of cities — one where innovation and human wellbeing go hand in hand.