Highlights from the World Economic Forum Urban Transformation Summit
4 November 2025
The Urban Transformation Summit, organized by the World Economic Forum (WEF), took place in San Francisco at the end of October, bringing together leaders and experts to reimagine the future of cities and local economies.
Held under the theme “Accelerating Innovation to Unlock Growth and Resilience”, the event convened more than 300 leaders from 30 countries — including mayors, ministers, CEOs, investors, and civil society representatives — to explore how urban innovation can drive sustainable growth and resilience in an increasingly complex global context.
The Wellness Foundation also took part in the Summit, sharing insights and perspectives on how well-being, health, and quality of life can play a central role in shaping the cities of tomorrow. The participation offered a valuable opportunity for dialogue with international leaders committed to building more inclusive, healthy, and sustainable urban ecosystems.
Throughout the discussions, participants emphasized that cities are, more than ever, where the future of the global economy will be written. The Summit highlighted the importance of fostering innovation ecosystems, resilient infrastructure, and human-centered economies, capable of combining shared prosperity with the preservation of local cultures and histories.
“Cities are where the next chapter of the global economy will be written,” said Jeff Merritt, Head of Urban Transformation at the World Economic Forum. “The challenge, and the opportunity, is to ensure that growth fosters shared prosperity, strengthens resilience, and nurtures the ecosystems, cultures, and histories that sustain and inspire us”
Among the most inspiring sessions, special mention goes to those organized by the Davos Baukultur Alliance, as well as the Executive Roundtables addressing key issues for the future of urban and territorial development:
“Building the Destinations of Tomorrow” – exploring how tourism can both celebrate local communities and generate prosperity, driving inclusive and sustainable growth.
“Leveraging Sports and Big Events for Lasting Impact” – focusing on how to turn major events and moments of global visibility into lasting platforms for economic resilience, public-private collaboration, and inclusive growth.
At a time marked by economic uncertainty and growing political divides, the Urban Transformation Summit reaffirmed the need to envision a model of urban development that unites innovation, sustainability, and collective well-being.
Ultimately, it served as a call to build smarter, more resilient, and more inclusive cities — where growth and culture, business and community, can evolve together.
