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Introduction

Port cities are on the frontlines of major societal transformations, deeply affected by geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty. After a period of strong momentum toward a greener future, we are now entering a critical phase where the collective response to climate change risks losing pace. In this context, citizens continue to demand more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable urban environments. Port cities must rise to the challenge, leading the way through turbulent tides and charting a resilient path forward.

The 20^th World Conference Cities and Ports will serve as a global platform for exchanging visions, solutions, and practices that promote adaptive, sustainable, and people-centered port city ecosystems.

At the heart of this effort is the AIVP Agenda 2030, a framework of ten strategic goals designed to guide port cities toward a more sustainable and resilient future. With just five years remaining to meet the objectives of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, this is a decisive moment to evaluate progress, scale up action, and accelerate transformation.

We invite proposals for individual presentations that align with one of the ten goals of the Agenda 2030 by AIVP. Applicants are encouraged to share innovative projects, research findings, policy developments, or practical experiences that can inspire and guide others in building the river and coastal port cities of tomorrow.

1. Climate Change Adaptation

Keywords: Resilience, Risk Management, Infrastructure, Emergency Preparedness

Guiding Questions:

• How are port cities assessing and mitigating climate-related risks?
• What infrastructure adaptations are being implemented to withstand climate impacts such as sea level rise or extreme weather events?
• How are emergency preparedness plans integrated into port operations?
• What collaborative approaches are being used to enhance climate resilience?
• What nature-based solutions are providing best results in port cities?
  
  

2. Energy Transition and Circular Economy

Keywords: Renewable Energy, Decarbonization, Waste Reduction, Sustainable Practices

Guiding Questions:

• What strategies are ports and port cities employing to transition to renewable energy sources?
• How is the circular economy being integrated into port operations?
• What measures are in place to reduce carbon emissions in port activities?
• How are stakeholders collaborating to promote sustainable practices?
• How are green shipping corridors moving forward?
  
  

3. Sustainable Mobility

Keywords: Multimodal Transport, Accessibility, Soft-mobility, Planning, Water transport

Guiding Questions:

• How are port cities enhancing multimodal transport systems?
• What initiatives are improving accessibility between ports and urban areas?
• How are port cities providing good, sustainable transport for port workers?
• How is public soft and water mobility being developed in port cities worldwide?

4. Renewed Governance

Keywords: Citizen and Stakeholder Engagement, Transparency, Policy Innovation, Collaborative Decision-Making

Guiding Questions:

• How are port city decision-makers fostering citizen engagement in governance processes?
• What measures are enhancing transparency and accountability?
• How is policy innovation being pursued to address emerging challenges?
• What collaborative decision-making models are being implemented?
  
  

5. Investing in Human Capital and Blue Economy

Keywords: Education, Innovation, Blue Economy, Makers districts, Capacity Building, Knowledge Sharing

Guiding Questions:

• What programs are in place to educate and train the port workforce?
• How are ports investing in capacity building for sustainable development?
• What partnerships are facilitating knowledge sharing and innovation?
• What are the most promising sectors in the emerging blue economy?

6. Port Culture and Identity

Keywords: Heritage Preservation, Community Engagement, Cultural Promotion, Identity Building

Guiding Questions:

• How are ports preserving and promoting their cultural heritage?
• What initiatives are engaging communities in port culture?
• How is cultural identity being integrated into port development?
• What role does culture play in shaping the identity of port cities?

7. Quality Food for All

Keywords: Food Security, Supply Chains, Local Production, Sustainable Practices

Guiding Questions:

• How are ports contributing to food security and supply chain efficiency?
• What initiatives are supporting local food production and distribution?
• How are sustainable practices being implemented in food logistics?
• What collaborations are enhancing access to quality food?
  
  

8. Port-City Interface

Keywords: Urban Integration, Land Use Planning, Accessibility, Shared Spaces, innovation districts

Guiding Questions:

• How are ports and cities collaborating on land use planning?
• What strategies are improving accessibility between ports and urban areas?
• How are shared spaces being developed at the port-city interface?
• How are hybrid port-city areas being developed?
  
  

9. Health and Life Quality

Keywords: Public health, Environmental justice, Cruise impact, Urban well-being

Guiding Questions:

• How are port cities addressing the environmental and social impacts of cruise tourism?
• What strategies are in place to monitor and reduce air, water, and noise pollution in port cities?
• How are port authorities and city governments collaborating to ensure that the growth of the cruise industry contributes positively to local communities?
• What actions are being taken to improve overall quality of life for residents living near port areas?
  
  

10. Protecting Biodiversity

Keywords: Ecosystem Conservation, Habitat Restoration, Environmental Monitoring, Marine Life Protection

Guiding Questions:

• What measures are ports taking to protect and restore ecosystems?
• How is environmental monitoring being conducted to safeguard biodiversity?
• What strategies are in place to protect marine life in port areas?
• How are ports balancing development with biodiversity conservation?