Bloomberg CityLab 2022 gathers mayors and urban experts to solve global challenges

Amsterdam welcomed over 40 global mayors, city innovators, activists and artists to gather at the preeminent global cities summit Bloomberg CityLab 2022 to discover solutions for cities’ most pressing challenges. From leading communities through pandemic recovery to welcoming refugees, global conflict to climate change, the event highlighted the importance of cities as key sites of resilience and change.

Local lessons for global impact

Amsterdam’s open-minded and visionary spirit was praised as the perfect setting for the 2022 edition of CityLab. With a global reputation as a leader of cutting-edge developments on smart mobility, climate resilience and digital privacy and transparency, Amsterdam is at the forefront of creating adaptable and livable cities for its inhabitants and shaping replicable solutions for cities world-wide. 

Hosted at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, the 2022 conference programming included panel discussions, one-on-one interviews, interactive breakout sessions, artistic performances and unique off-site excursions around Amsterdam. 

Canal tours around the city let attendees experience first-hand how one of Amsterdam’s most important technical and cultural features can help other cities dealing with rising sea levels and increased flooding. Other excursions included bike tours and a ‘Walk with Amal’, a lifelike 3,5-metre puppet of a young Syrian refugee who led attendees through Amsterdam city centre. 

Bringing the city to CityLab 2022

Connecting the city’s network of municipal representatives, local artists and speakers with CityLab 2022 organisers was a key part of how the Amsterdam Convention Bureau supported the global cities summit. The central go-between for planners and local officials, Amsterdam Convention Bureau recommended speakers, provided promotional materials and offered expert advice on activities and local events to integrate as part of the summit’s programming.

Thanks to a collaborative effort by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Aspen Institute, the City of Amsterdam, and support from the Amsterdam Convention Bureau, CityLab 2022 saw through an impactful event in Amsterdam, unlocking sustainable and inclusive solutions for tomorrow’s challenges. 

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