About the conference

Our annual conference dedicated to the sustainable development of Romanian cities and regions is already at its 12th edition and has consolidated its position as a top event for the business environment, urban development & architecture and the public administration.

Encouraging the sustainable development of the country, promoting measures to increase the attractiveness for new investments and stimulating the country’s competitiveness are essential factors for us. Cities of Tomorrow offers a platform for the exchange of ideas, concepts and know-how between the public and private sectors, with the ambition of creating the proper context for partnerships and projects leading to concrete actions and results.

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Theme 2024

Beyond infrastructure for sustainable urban living

CITIES OF TOMORROW brings to the public eye the concept of the post-infrastructure city or city beyond infrastructure. This emphasizes tackling challenges that extend simple construction and physical development, focusing on solutions and innovations that contribute to a sustainable lifestyle in the urban environment and bring added value. “Beyond infrastructure for sustainable urban living” represents a commitment to go beyond physical infrastructure, taking a holistic approach to create sustainable and resilient cities. This involves integrating advanced technologies, promoting sustainable mobility, strategic urban planning, energy efficiency, circular economy and social equity to ensure a healthy and prosperous urban environment for future generations.

Continuity, maintenance and education are key elements for a sustainable and prosperous city.

2023 Cities of Tomorow’s Event Photos

11

EDITIONS

2.770+

PARTICIPANTS

75

TOPICS

201

SPEAKERS

73

EXHIBITORS

30.000+

SOCIAL MEDIA
INTERACTIONS

61

ROUNDTABLES

1.450+

MEDIA APPEARANCES

Key-Note Speaker

Prof. Wulf Daseking is an urban planner, architect, professor for city sociology and former Head of Urban Planning in Freiburg and visiting professor for city & town planning at the University College London.

He grew up in Goslar, Northern Germany, and studied Architecture and Urban Planning at the Technical University of Hannover. From 1984 – 2012, he was the Head of Urban Planning for the City of Freiburg, where he was involved in the development of the AoU’s Frieburg Charter for Sustainability.

Wulf’s philosophy centers on the belief that urban planning is more than just a technical task—it’s about striking the right balance between economy, ecology, and social issues, with cultural diversity playing an essential role. His emphasis on public spaces as the ‘stages’ of cities resonates with his broader vision for social and environmental planning.

Speakers

Mihai Jurca is City Manager of Oradea & Interim General Manager of ADLO (Local Development Agency Oradea). With extensive experience in coordinating vital city departments, such as the Local Development Agency, Public Transport Company, and Oradea’s Heritage Directorate, Mihai has played a crucial role in transforming Oradea into a modern, thriving city. Notably, he has led the development and implementation of the “Smart City” concept, advancing urban innovation and efficiency. His work and his efforts exemplify the integration of technology, public services, and cultural heritage in shaping sustainable urban environments.

With over 20 years of experience in urban planning and architecture, Eugen Pănescu brings a wealth of expertise in transforming cities through innovative and sustainable strategies.

After studying and working in Hamburg, Eugen co-founded Planwerk, a Romanian-German planning office in Cluj, that has been shaping the future of urban spaces for nearly two decades. His projects focus on the rebirth of public spaces, adaptive reuse of built heritage, and promoting civic action alongside innovative public governance in urban planning. His holistic approach links social and economic equity with responsible urban transformation.

Jens Hoffmann is an experienced architect and Chief Operating Officer at LAND Germany GmbH. With a Master’s degree from Politecnico di Milano and international experience across inner-city brownfield redevelopments, he has been a strong advocate for innovative and sustainable design. His work focuses on creating projects that enhance urban life, respect the environment, and ensure a financial return for clients. Having joined LAND in 2020, Jens continues to lead projects that balance design excellence, construction expertise, and sustainability. His extensive experience in redeveloping urban spaces across different countries provides valuable insights that are highly relevant to the future of Romanian cities.

Eva-Viorela Sfârlea is Urban Consultant at the World Bank Group. With a wealth of experience in inter-jurisdictional cooperation and governance at the level of functional/metropolitan areas, strategic planning and sustainable urban development, urban regeneration, sustainable mobility, climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, cohesion and European policies, Eva has made a significant impact on the future of urban living.Her work represents a forward-thinking approach to sustainable mobility, urban regeneration, and strategic governance. She has been involved as an expert in the preparation of Romania’s Urban Policy, is the author of the Guide “Good Practices in Urban Development in Romania” (2018), and co-author of several publications, such as “Metropolitan Romania” (2019), “Romanian City 4. 0” (2021), “The Urban Assets of the Romanian Railways – Guide for Valorization and Sustainable Regeneration” (2022).

Ionut Oprea is an experienced journalist and B2B strategist, business promoter, contributing editor for print and online media, PR consultant, brand manager for the monthly magazine Transilvania Business.  

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Impressions from past Cities of Tomorrow