Article

The World Urban Forum (WUF)

The World Urban Forum (WUF) is a prestigious international conference, organized by UN-Habitat for urban growth and human settlements. This is the most important global event concerning municipal policies, transformation and development. It is held every two years and hosts over 20 thousand participants representing governments, regions, cities, non-governmental organizations and financial institutions. Last - tenth - edition of the Forum took place in 2020, in Abu Dhabi - the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The previous two meetings were convened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and in Quito, Ecuador. In November 2018 Katowice was selected as the Polish candidate for the host of the conference scheduled for the year 2022. On 20 May 2019 the UN-Habitat informed that Katowice would hold the status of the host of the eleventh edition.

KATOWICE

City Transformation

Revitalization of the former coal mining area enabled the establishment of the Culture Zone – a unique space on the national scale. The new headquarters of the Silesian Museum, NOSPR (Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra) and the International Congress Centre in the vicinity of the legendary "Saucer" bring prestige to the city, attracting both locals and tourists to its center.

Metropolis

Katowice is not only a city inhabited by approximately 300 thousand people but also the heart of Upper-Silesia and Zagłębie Metropolis, integrating 41 cities and municipalities, populated by more than 2 million people. The urban body created in July 2017 is an expression of joint commitment and concern for the welfare of the region, which offers a real opportunity for accelerated, dynamic development.

Economic Transformation

The region which is traditionally associated with coal mining and heavy industry gradually strives to become a leader in innovation and new technologies. These ambitions are reflected in the development of modern business sectors and sustainable investments.

City of Events

Katowice, as the host of many international events, is perfectly prepared to host large conferences. The state-of-the-art congress centre, well-developed hotel facilities and transport network are the characteristics that make the capital of the conurbation the city of business tourism.

Eco-responsibility

The city with extensive experience in levelling the effects of long-term environmental degradation. Thanks to the efforts made, the quality of air, the condition of the environment as well as the standard of inhabitants’ life are clearly improving.

Transport

Three international airports (KTW and KRK, OSR), two motorways, national and regional roads, modern rail and public transportation make up an extensive transport network that provides the possibility to easily reach the city from almost every part of the country and the world.

Source: WUF11 & KATOWICE

Image credits

Icon image: WUF logo