Almost 18 million Dutch people live in the green delta of the Rhine and Meuse rivers. More than half of them live below sea level. The population is growing rapidly. In terms of urbanisation, the Netherlands occupies a leading position in Europe. Dozens of cities within a stone’s throw of each other form a tight urban and economic network. Therefore, the question is increasingly being asked: is the Netherlands a densely populated country, or a sparsely populated city?
As a green delta metropolis, we know the challenges of achieving a green and healthy living environment. Travel distances are short, public transport are connections excellent. During the Future Green City World Congress, participants will explore various cities in the Netherlands from Utrecht: from medieval cities to ‘new towns’, from sinking cities in the polders in the west to cities in the middle of nature in the east.
History and innovation go hand in hand in the Netherlands. For centuries, the Dutch have successfully fought against the rising water. We build dams and dykes, we dig canals, we reclaim land, and we create new nature. We are adept at finding answers to ever-changing challenging natural conditions. Our designers and engineers are flown in from all over the world because of their knowledge, skill, and creativity. The same goes for our entrepreneurs and scientists from top international institutes. We are also the land of renowned botanists and growers. For instance, our flower bulb fields are world-famous. We are also the world’s second largest agricultural exporter. And all this in a country of just 42 thousand square kilometres. At the Future Green City World Congress, you will get to know the Netherlands with all its qualities and challenges.
Stadswerk
“It’s important to collectively deepen and broaden our knowledge. The Future Green City World Congress is a place to connect civil and cultural technology to build a sustainable public space for the future. Over four days, we bring together thinkers and doers from around the world. This way, a trip to Utrecht grants you access to a global network eager to engage with your knowledge and expertise. The Future Green City World Congress mutually beneficial exchange benefits us all.”
– Maarten Loeffen, CEO Royal Association Stadswerk the Netherlands
Photograher: Sasha Ushakova
VHG
“We are facing a significant greening challenge, everyone agrees on that. What should the healthy, livable, and climate-resistant city of the future look like, and how do we shape it? What does this mean concretely? Our green specialists play an essential role as creators in both knowledge and implementation. Future Green City 2024 highlights all aspects of the green city. Global challenges and opportunities of urban greening are thoroughly explored and deepened during this event. This is an event you can’t afford to miss!”
– Marc van Rosmalen, Director of the Royal VHG
Gemeente Utrecht
“Cities around the world feel the consequences of climate change the hardest. And at the same time, we see great solutions emerge from creative collaborations and exceptional leadership. Top speakers and top cases from all over the world will travel to Utrecht in September. And colleagues, partners and residents take participants into the city and into the country even to explain how we are working on our challenges. Utrecht is honored to welcome you at the Future Green City World Congress to learn and inspire each other.”
– Councilor Susanne Schilderman (public space, climate adaptation and economic affairs)
AIPH
“We are extremely proud to be hosting the 2024 AIPH World Green City Awards ceremony in Utrecht. The Future Green City World Congress is the perfect backdrop against which to showcase the most inspiring examples of green city transformations from all over the world. As a co-host of the Congress, AIPH is thrilled to contribute to bringing this global event to life. Together with our partners, we are united in our aim of shaping a greener, healthier, and more resilient future for nature, for people, and for the planet”
– Mr. Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General, AIPH
WUP
“This event serves as a critical forum for sharing best practices, exploring new technologies, and fostering collaborations that advance the creation of sustainable and resilient urban environments.” Luis Romahn, CEO says, “The collaboration between World Urban Parks and the amazing group of organizers of the Future Green City event exemplifies the power of partnerships in the urban parks sector. Through our combined efforts, we leverage a wide array of expertise and resources, enhancing the impact of global initiatives. This synergy not only amplifies our individual goals but also drives significant progress in the global movement towards greener, healthier cities.”
– Luis Romahn, CEO WUP
Gemeente Utrecht
“Utrecht wants to be a city in which health and quality of life come first. In addition to courage and ambition, this also requires cooperation. Because we make Utrecht together. That is precisely why the Future Green City World Congress is so special, because experts from all over the world share their passion and knowledge in Utrecht about the green, healthy city with a future.”
– Councilor Linda Voortman (Green)
Photographer: Bas van Setten
IFME
“The 2024 Future Green City Congress is a crucial platform for municipal engineers and public works professionals to collaborate on sustainable urban development strategies,” says Chris Champion, Secretary General of IFME. “As co-hosts, we are committed to advancing innovative green city solutions through this Congress that will shape more livable, resilient cities for all.”
– Chris Champion, Secretary General of IFME