The Urban Innovation Leadership Forum 2025 is an exclusive, invite-only event that brings together urban leaders, innovators, and changemakers in the dynamic city of Istanbul, Türkiye. This forum aims to inspire, connect, and empower its participants to tackle pressing urban challenges through the lenses of sustainability, technology, education, and leadership. The City of Istanbul invites you to join this impactful gathering dedicated to building resilient, human-centric, and data-driven urban environments.

 

Why Attend?

  • Get involved with the growing network of urban innovation leaders.
  • Participate in interactive and engaging sessions and gain key insights for your work.
  • Visit iconic and innovative places in Istanbul.
  • Leave with ideas, inspiration, and partnerships to contribute to the Next Generation Cities vision.

 

Highlights:

  • Welcome by the City of Istanbul
  • Keynote Address - Bas Boormsa, Founder/Partner of Urban Innovators Global, Author of a New Digital Deal, Former CDO of Rotterdam
  • Interactive panel discussions:
    • Digitalisation Meets Crisis Response and Mitigation
    • The Interdisciplinary Edge: Redefining Leadership in Innovation
    • Lighthouse City Interventions
    • The Art of Running a Triple Nexus
  • Breakout Sessions: The DNA of Entrepreneurship, Mobility, and Digital
  • The Legendary Urban Shark Tank!
  • The Red Button Returns -  Your Interventions into Topics 
  • VIP Boat Networking Dinner
  • Site Visits within Istanbul

With a curated program of inspirational keynotes, in-depth hands-on sessions, and unparalleled networking opportunities, the Forum promises to ignite meaningful conversations and solutions for our cities. Now is the time for a critical System Shift—a chance to join a community accelerating the change for a better urban life. Will you be at the forefront of this transformation?

 

SAVE THE DATE AND REGISTER TODAY!
Please note: This is an exclusive, invite-only event. Registration is free of charge. If you would like to invite a colleague, please let us know. 

Location: Baruthane Cultural Centre, Ataköy 2-5-6., 34158 Bakırköy/İstanbul, Türkiye

 

A word from Roland van der Heijden, Programme Manager Digital City Rotterdam, host of the UILF 2024 Edition:

" The Urban Innovation Leadership Forum, powered by BABLE Smart Cities and Urban Innovators Global, is more than just a gathering—it’s a launchpad for transformative urban solutions and access to an impactful network of leaders in the urban innovation and Smart City space. Last year in Rotterdam, BABLE and UI Global fostered a dynamic, collaborative environment where we explored crucial topics like digital twins, interdisciplinary leadership, generative AI, and resilience.

We invite urban leaders, innovators, and experts to join us at this year’s Forum in Istanbul to further elaborate and build upon this impact. Be part of this influential conversation and help shape the future of resilient, human-centric, and data-driven cities and communities."

Contact

Tamlyn Shimizu, [email protected];  Jeanne Tallon, jeanne@bable-smartcities