Future Green City
Utrecht Netherlands | 23rd until 26th of September 2024The city with a future is green.
Green is the answer to almost all pressing challenges our growing cities and urban regions are facing. Green makes you healthy, happy, cools, purifies, provides renewable building materials and food, and provides a natural habitat for every kind of human and animal. All over the world, cities are therefore looking for a new balance between nature and culture and the connection between the city and countryside: the Future Green City.
Background
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.
What to Expect
On Monday 23 and Thursday 26 September, we will go in depth. Take part in 4-hour Workshops XL covering a wide range of topics or join Fieldtrips XL to other Dutch cities.
On Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 September, the Beatrix Theater will be the stage for a lively congress-in-festival format. Create your own programme with a wide selection of substantive topics and working methods.
On Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 September, combine your congress participation with a visit to the Vakbeurs Openbare Ruimte (Public Space Trade Fair).