Urban event announced by Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy

For five days from the 26th to the 30th June, Katowice will become the capital of all cities in the world. The slogan of the Polish edition of the WUF is: 'Transforming our cities for a better urban future'.

For the first time the World Urban Forum is to take place in our part of Europe. Grzegorz Puda, Minister of Development Funds and Regional Policy says that this is an honour for Poland and an expression of trust from its UN partners. At the event, it will show the impressive transformation that its cities have undergone and share our experiences.

Discussions at WUF will revolve around seven themes:

• Fair cities
• A green future for cities
• Innovation and technology
• Building the resilience of cities
• Urban planning and management
• The future of urban economy and finance

In view of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the enormous destruction in Ukrainian cities, the topic of rebuilding cities after a war will be included in the programme at Poland's request.

Says Małgorzata Jarosińska-Jedynak, Deputy Minister of Funds and Regional Policy, who is also the Government Plenipotentiary for the preparation of the World Urban Forum: "It is very important to us that WUF11 is not only a meeting of experts and practitioners, but that it also becomes an attraction for the inhabitants of Katowice and all those who will visit the capital of the Silesian Voivodeship at that time.

"In this context, I would like to encourage you to participate in the Urban Expo and visit the 11 zones we have called 'WUF in the City'."

The Urban Expo is the most interesting attraction of the World Urban Forum, drawing the largest number of participants. At the Urban Expo countries, cities as well as companies set up their promotional pavilions. They are often impressive and interesting constructions.

Another attraction for the inhabitants will be thematic zones under the common banner of 'WUF in the City'. The urban space will host, among others, a science zone, an innovation zone, an urban cinema or a music stage.