Istanbul to host international urban forum next month

Istanbul will host an international urban forum next month to discuss urban-related issues and to contribute to the transformation of cities to make them more livable.

Marmara Urban Forum (MARUF) organized by Marmara Municipalities Union will be held at the Istanbul Congress Center between Oct.1-3.

The three-day event will bring together professionals from cities, national, regional and local governments, private sector, non-governmental organizations, universities and other stakeholders that play a crucial role in the design, transformation, and governance of cities.

Some 250 speakers from 25 countries are expected to attend the international forum, which will be held under the motto of "Cities Developing Solutions."

MARUF aims to "find alternative ways for discussing urban issues to contribute to the implementation of the new urban agenda," according to the official website of the forum.

The event also plans to "discuss how to strengthen the role of cities and local governments in case of emergencies and human mobility-related problems," the website read.

As part of the forum, workshops, exhibitions, plenary sessions city tours as well as cultural programs will be held.

City Networks, Urban Technologies & Innovation, Environment & Climate Change, and Migration are among the themes that will be discussed during the sessions.