Port cities are increasingly at the epicenter of global transformations. Facing the consequences of climate change, geopolitical shifts, and growing socio-economic inequality, these complex urban-maritime centers are tasked with designing and implementing adaptive strategies to increase their resiliency and balance global trends with local concerns. The usual tensions that are present in port cities have been exacerbated, motivated by global shifts questioning societal challenges and forcing unexpected changes on trade and development policies.
The 20th World Conference Cities and Ports, to be held in New York City from November 18th to 21st, 2025, co-organized by AIVP and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYC EDC), will address how port cities are responding to these challenges—anchoring resilience through innovation, inclusive governance, and environmental stewardship.
This new edition, titled “Navigating Change: Innovating Ports, Cities and Climate,” will take place in the aftermath of major international discussions such as the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) and COP 30. These conferences emphasize the urgency to act to reduce the impact of climate change and to protect our oceans. In this global framework, port cities must rethink their infrastructure, economies, and governance models, embracing their crucial role.
Around the world, cities are reimagining their waterfronts—not only as hubs of maritime logistics, but as vital public spaces, nodes for innovation, and catalysts for low-carbon transition. New York City offers an ideal context to explore how port territories can respond to rising sea levels, growing public demand for water accessibility, and the combination of urban and port planning.
This conference will convene a broad range of stakeholders to exchange knowledge on emerging paradigms such as the blue economy, the role of port cities in green energy sources, and sustainable mobility. We will learn together how to navigate these changing times, with shared knowledge, innovative practices, and long-term vision. The 20th AIVP Conference will strengthen the capacity of port cities to meet global challenges with local solutions.
Let us meet in New York to reinforce the bonds between ports, cities, and their communities—and to chart a resilient course for the decades ahead.
Programme
Tuesday - 18th November
From 5 p.m.
- General Assembly (For AIVP members)
- Welcome cocktail
Wednesday - 19th November
From 7.30 to 18.00
- 7.30 : shared breakfast
Networking and registration
- 9:00 Opening ceremony
- 10:00 Double Keynote
Climate Change adaptation and resiliency
- 11:00 Plenary session – Port City Interface
The port–city interface is where economic ambition, urban life, and environmental responsibility meet. This high-level plenary will gather leading voices to explore innovative approaches for connecting ports and cities, creating spaces that are both competitive and livable.
- 12:00 Plenary session – AIVP Cooperation
This plenary session will present AIVP’s collaborations with international organizations, highlighting joint initiatives, shared goals, and coordinated efforts to address global challenges in port city development.
- 12:30 Lunch
Networking and discovering the projects on display
- 13:30 Parallel session 1 : Water Logistics & Flow Management
This session will explore sustainable mobility solutions, focusing on waterborne logistics and the efficient management of flows within port cities. Speakers will share innovative projects that reduce congestion, lower emissions, and improve urban–port connectivity.
- 13:30 Parallel session 2 : Digital Innovation
From data management to realtime monitoring, this session will showcase how digital innovation is transforming port–city cooperation. Speakers will highlight collaborative projects and technological tools that enhance efficiency, transparency, and decision-making.
- 13:30 Parallel session 3 : Environmental Protection
Protecting the environment and preserving biodiversity are central to the sustainable future of port cities. This session will present strategies, partnerships,
and innovations aimed at safeguarding ecosystems while enabling responsible economic activity.
- 15:00 Technical session 1 : Sustainble Mobility and Logistics in urban areas
This technical lab will focus on the shift to electrification in maritime operations and logistics, from port equipment to vessel propulsion. Experts will discuss challenges, technological solutions, and the impact on efficiency and emissions reduction.
- 15:00 Technical session 2 : Energy Transition
Exploring pathways to a lowcarbon future, this lab will examine how port cities are driving the energy transition. Case studies will highlight renewable energy projects, decarbonization strategies, and collaborations between ports, cities, and industry.
- 15:00 Technical session 3 : Sustainable Dredging in Rivers and Waterways
Dredging is essential for navigability but must be managed sustainably. This lab will explore new methods, environmental safeguards, and innovative practices that minimize ecological impact, while also examining how dredged material can be reused in circular economy projects.
- 16:00 Coffee Break
Networking and discovering the projects on display
- 16:30 Workshop 1 : Port City Culture
Cultural initiatives strengthen the bond between ports and their cities. This workshop will explore how such projects are developed and managed, and assess their social, economic, and identitybuilding impacts on port communities.
- 16:30 Workshop 2 : Governance and Communitty Engagement
Strong governance and active community participation are key to successful port–city development. This workshop will bring together experiences and tools for building trust, fostering dialogue, and ensuring inclusive decision-making.
- 16:30 Workshop 3 : Port City Resilience
Faced with climate change and rising seas, port cities must adapt. This workshop will present strategies and innovative solutions for coastal resilience, from infrastructure redesign to nature-based protection measures.
Thursday - 20th November
From 7:30 to 23:00
- 7:30 Shared Breakfast
Networking and Registration
- 9:00 Antoine Rufenacht Prize – Interview with the laureats 2024
An interview with the winners of the first Antoine Rufenacht Prize, presenting their projects and discussing their contributions to port city development.
A debate featuring the finalists of the first edition of the Antoine Rufenacht Prize alongside representatives from the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYC EDC), discussing key themes in port city development.
- 10:45 Visit Newlab – Brooklyn Navy Yard
- 12:00 Boat tour of New York’s main port-city developments
Lunch and workshops on board. Among the projects to discover among the sites visited: Brooklyn Navy Yard / BATWorks / Bus Terminal / Pier 6 / South Brooklyn Marine Terminal / Governors Island / Downtown Skyport / Fidi Seaport / etc.
- 20:00 Gala dinner
Friday - 21st November
From 7:30 a.m. to 16.00
- 7:30 Shared Breakfast
Networking and Registration
- 9:00 Plenary session – Financing Innovative Projects in Port Cities
This plenary session will explore financing mechanisms and strategies that support innovative projects in port cities, highlighting successful models and challenges in mobilizing resources for sustainable development.
- 10:00 Deep dive – Port Cities Leading the Response to Society’s Most Pressing Challenges
This deep dive features a double interview with port and city leaders discussing how their ports and cities are addressing today’s most urgent societal challenges. They will share insights on innovative solutions, resilience, and collaborative approaches shaping the future of port cities.
- 10:30 Coffee break
Networking and discovering the projects on display
- 11:00 Plenary session – Social and Territorial Integration
This plenary session will explore strategies and initiatives that promote territorial cohesion and social integration in port cities, fostering inclusive growth and stronger connections between ports and their urban communities.
- 12:00 Deep dive – Port City Cooperation, the case of A Coruña (Spain)
This in-depth conversation will explore how the port and city of A Coruña have built a cooperative relationship to address shared challenges and opportunities. Through this case study, we will uncover practical lessons and strategies that can inspire other port cities worldwide.
- 12:30 Lunch
Networking and discovering the projects on display
- 13:45 Port City Debate
A concluding debate with international experts to synthesize key insights and draw conclusions from the various discussions held throughout the conference on port city development.
- 14:45 AIVP Prize Antoine Rufenacht – Launch of the 2026 Edition
Official launch of the 2026 edition of the AIVP Prize Antoine Rufenacht, recognizing innovative urban development projects that contribute to improve the port city relationship.
- 15:15 Closing ceremony