MARUF23 Report

The MARUF23 Report is the comprehensive overview of the Marmara Urban Forum held from October 4 to 7, 2023, in Istanbul. With over 380 speakers from diverse sectors, including municipal leaders, academics, and civil society, the forum attracted significant participation, underscoring the global urgency of urban resilience. Themed "Resilience and Beyond," MARUF23 aimed to foster dialogue and collaboration on critical urban challenges.

MARUF23 was held in Istanbul from October 4th to 7th, 2023, with the main theme of "Resilience and Beyond". World Metropolitan Day (October 7), organized in cooperation with Metropolis and UN-Habitat, took place this year within the scope of the Marmara Urban Forum, hosted by the Marmara Municipalities Union. MARUF23 brought together over 5000 participants, including over 380 speakers from more than 45 countries. Throughout the event, there were more than 140 sessions, 6 exhibitions, 20 urban routes, 4 film screenings, and 16 booths.

Sessions and Participation

MARUF23 featured over 140 sessions, including panel discussions, workshops, and urban routes, allowing participants to engage with multifaceted topics ranging from climate adaptation to social equity in urban planning. The diverse representation of speakers, including international experts such as Maria Vassilakou and Louisa Vinton, facilitated rich exchanges of ideas and strategies.

Cultural and Educational Initiatives

In addition to formal discussions, MARUF23 included cultural activities, such as guided tours of Istanbul and performances by artists utilizing recycled materials, exemplifying the theme of sustainability. 

World Metropolitan Day

The event coincided with the celebration of World Metropolitan Day, reinforcing the forum’s commitment to global urban dialogues. Claudia López, Mayor of Bogotá, and Jordi Vaquer, General Secretary of Metropolis, highlighted the imperative of integrating biodiversity and multi-level governance in urban management, challenging traditional paradigms of city planning.

Conclusion

The insights and recommendations generated at MARUF23 will significantly contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding sustainable urban development. This report serves as a vital resource for stakeholders aiming to implement actionable strategies for resilient and inclusive cities. The collective efforts showcased at the forum reaffirm the critical need for collaborative approaches in addressing the complex challenges faced by urban environments today.