Urban Transformation in Russian Cities in times of Mega-events and Economic Transition: learning from the adoption of the New Urban Agenda and the implementation of the SDG11

This networking event will explore the current urban transformations of the Russian Federation and discuss the results of the adoption of the New Urban Agenda and SDGs, in particular SDG11 and the investments in infrastructures and facilities to host mega events such as the World Cup Football, Winter Olympics, Youth Festivals and others.

From the Arctic Circle to Eurasia, Russian cities and agglomerations are undergoing profound but largely un-noticed changes, at all scales, with significant impact on people's life, urban ecosystems and the urban sustainability of regions. Moscow plays the role of a growing global gateway city and implements a proactive metropolitan strategy. Major urban areas and mid-sized agglomerations are supporting new development agendas focusing on health and quality of living, digital transformations, smart cities and broad multi-stakeholder partnerships.

The presentations for the debate will highlight how investments in infrastructures, knowledge, design, skills and human capital, from Moscow, Saint-Petersburg, to Kazan, Yakutsk, Sochi or Tomsk…are creating new opportunities for balanced regional development and to address the sustainable management of natural resources.

The event will showcase the key role of universities and university-cities as globally connected catalysts for innovation and urban change, such as in Tomsk with the combination of Tomsk Living Lab, Tomsk Boiling Point, Tomsk University Mile and the Trans Siberian Scientific Way (TSSW).

The panel will gather high-level representatives from ministerial, regional and municipal governments, leading Russian universities involved in the federal excellence program 5/100 and international experts.