Speak at 2025APCS

Urban visionaries

Our call for speakers is now open. We welcome expressions of interest from urban visionaries, leading innovators and changemakers, and world- class speakers who are passionate about sharing expert insights which will advance urban development across the Asia Pacific and MEASA regions and beyond. This is your opportunity to shape the global agenda on cities.

Speak at 2025APCS

Shape the global agenda on cities and urban development at 2025APCS
Register your interest

Responding to our call for speakers

What we are looking for:

  • Expert insights on fostering sustainable urban development, enhancing quality of life and promoting resilience in cities and communities
  • Groundbreaking ideas, innovations and city solutions with the potential to improve urban living around the world
  • Fresh perspectives that unlock new opportunities for social, economic and environmental transformation in cities and urban contexts

To submit an expression of interest

  • Prepare a speaker pitch of not more than 500 words outlining your topic of choice and a case for the topic. Please ensure that your topic aligns with the theme, sub-themes of 2025APCS and lines of enquiry (see below)
  • Share a personal bio of not more than 500 words that includes your personal and professional background 
  • You will also be required to provide your contact information and references to previous panel sessions in which you have participated

Please study our programme lines of enquiry below before submitting your expressions of interest

All submissions will be assessed by the 2025APCS programming team panel, and shortlisted individuals may be contacted to provide further information.

Theme and sub-themes

Collaborate. Inspire. Transform.

Centres of Connection

The pivotal role of transportation networks, digital infrastructure and community spaces in driving economic opportunity and bridging geographic and demographic divides in cities

Centres of Solutions

How urban innovation can drive transformative change through scalable and adaptable solutions that balance technological advancement with community empowerment

Centres of Resilience

Fortifying cities against climate impacts, natural
disasters and economic instability, and creating urban environments that empower communities to thrive in the face of change

The 2025APCS programme: initial areas of enquiry and topics

Our lines of enquiry for the 2025APCS programme are not restrictive. We look forward to welcoming additional lines of enquiries that address our sub-themes and will advance our objectives around shaping the future of cities 

Connection

Areas of enquiry

  • How does a city remain human-centered in an era of AI-driven urban planning?
  • What factors determine whether an economic hub also becomes a cultural and social hub?
  • What role do local businesses play in making a city feel more connected and cohesive?
  • What are the urban ingredients that attract top entrepreneurial talent and creative minds?

Topics

  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Smart Mobility
  • Social Cohesion and Place-making
  • City Identity and Belonging
  • Human-centric Cities
  • City Branding
  • City Diplomacy
  • Tourism
  • Sports
  • Cities of Legacy
  • Education and Culture
  • MICE Industry

Solutions

Areas of enquiry

  • What unique urban solutions developed in your city have the potential to scale globally?
  • Can cities create a model where visitors and investors leave not just with insights, but with commitments and co-created solutions?
  • How can cities ensure that urban innovations enhance inclusivity rather than deepen socio-economic divides
  • Can a city’s cultural diversity accelerate urban innovation?

Topics

  • Smart Cities
  • Accessible Cities
  • Affordable Housing
  • AI in Cities
  • Basic Needs Tech (agri-tech, water-tech, green energy)
  • Cooling and Heating
  • Innovation Ecosystems
  • City-to-City Exchange

Resilience

Areas of enquiry

  • How can cities transform urban thinking for the ‘next big disruption’?
  • What unique urban solutions developed in cities have the potential to scale globally and what can other cities learn from them?
  • How do we future proof our cities, today, by shaping the future rather than responding to it?
  • How does social connectivity shape a city’s resilience during crises (natural disasters, pandemics, economic downturns)?

Topics

  • Built Environment
  • Access to Basic Needs (food, water, energy)
  • Climate Action
  • Data
  • Women’s Leadership
  • Nature-positive Cities
  • Coastal Cities
  • Urban Health and Wellbeing

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