The Cities of Tomorrow 2026 conference brings to the forefront concrete solutions for urban regeneration, in a context in which cities are simultaneously facing climate, demographic and economic pressures.
Organized by the Romanian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AHK Romania), the conference will take place in Bucharest from 28 to 29 April 2026 and will have as its theme “Urban renaissance: sustainable urban makeover through green and smart infrastructure”.
Climate change, the growth of the urban population, the need for economic competitiveness and an increase in the quality of life are leading to a redefinition of the way cities are conceived and managed. In this context, urban regeneration can no longer be approached in a fragmented manner, but requires integrated solutions, adapted to local realities and connected to European sustainability objectives.
The transformation of cities can be achieved through a coherent approach, in which green and smart infrastructure become drivers of urban development. Green infrastructure includes not only green spaces, but also energy-efficient buildings, sustainable mobility and climate change adaptation measures. In addition, smart infrastructure allows cities to function more efficiently through digitalization, integrated systems and technologies that optimize public services and resource management.
Cities of Tomorrow 2026 will present examples of good practices from Romania and other European cities, along with solutions applied for mobility, energy, urban regeneration, digitalization and public-private collaboration. The event aims to facilitate the exchange of experience and stimulate the initiation of joint projects between the public sector, the business environment, civil society and academia.
The program of this year’s edition includes seven online round tables, dedicated to topics such as circular economy, energy efficiency, urban safety, mobility, tourism, lifestyle and culture, digitalization and governance of cities, as well as the reconversion and revitalization of urban spaces. The experts participating in the discussions will provide a multidisciplinary perspective on urban development.
The main conference, which will take place on April 28, will feature two panels attended by representatives of public administration from Romania and Germany, along with representatives of companies from the two countries. The discussions will focus on transforming existing infrastructure into resilient urban ecosystems, including, among others, linear parks connecting neighborhoods and metropolitan areas, as well as blue green corridors, where nature and water are integrated with urban infrastructure. Another important topic is investments and their role in shaping the future of cities.
April 29 is dedicated to visits to relevant projects in Bucharest. Participants will have the opportunity to discover concrete initiatives and urban development plans under implementation and analyze their impact in the local context.
The event also includes a project competition with the theme “Green Cultural Corridors”, which aims to transform underused green spaces into cultural centers for the community, with a role in social cohesion, urban regeneration and networking for sustainable development. Initiatives with impact, bold projects with the potential to be put into practice are encouraged.
The deadline for submitting projects is March 13, 2026, to the email address: avram.celine@ahkrumaenien.ro
Cities of Tomorrow is the annual flagship event of AHK Romania, dedicated to urban and regional development. Its goal is to create a framework for dialogue between public decision-makers, investors and professionals, which will facilitate partnerships and initiatives capable of generating efficient, attractive and sustainable urban solutions. The event is aimed at actors involved in public administration, infrastructure, energy, digitalization, urban planning, architecture, real estate, the financial sector, academia and civil society, contributing to shaping a competitive and resilient urban future for Romania.