YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAMME
A once-in-a-lifetime experience
The Young Leaders Programme is a special track of Urban Future events directed at passionate urban change-makers of 30 years or younger that want to change the future of our cities for the better.
It’s is a combination of skill workshops with renowned experts, exclusive networking formats and inspiring activities to get your own ideas ahead – all in the midst of participating in Europe’s largest event on sustainable cities.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
LEAD WITH US.
During the conference, Young Leaders have access to all “regular” conference sessions and workshops – plus exclusive programme and networking options specifically tailored to their needs. The aim of the programme is to get ambitious young CityChangers involved in the discussion about how our cities of the future should and will look like. We’re creating exclusive programme options that will push you and inspire you. These will provide you with a head full of new perspectives and a strong network for whatever career path you have chosen.
SKILL WORKSHOPS
LEARN FROM THE BEST
During these sessions, we’re connecting you with renowned experts from all over the world – on the topics of leadership, communication, or expanding your sphere of influence, for example. These workshops are focused on fostering skills and knowledge crucial to young leaders. Previous workshop hosts include Nourhan Bassam, Jan Kattein, Maria Vassilakou, Ronni Kahn, and Fabian Dattner.
FIRESIDE CHATS
PERSONAL MEETINGS
These are discussions in small groups of 6-8 attendees. In very “honest” and personal sessions, community-, business-, and city leaders share very unique experiences (eg. of being a politician). This is your chance to bug them with your burning questions. In these sessions, there’s a strong focus on individual experiences, skills, motivation, and how to deal with frustrations along the way. Previous fireside chat hosts include Jason Thorne, Xavi Matilla Ayala, Jennifer Keesmaat, Enrique and Gil Peñalosa, and Carlos Moreno.
BRAINCYCLING SESSIONS
COLLABORATE
Get together with your fellow Young Leaders and discuss your own projects – to broaden your horizon and channel different approaches and perspectives on topics that are essential to your vision of changing cities for the better.
CONNECT & GROW
ONE OF A KIND EXPERIENCE
We’re giving you exclusive networking options at the conference – for example at the official VIP and speakers’ reception – and will make sure that you get enough presence during the conference days: we want all conference participants to know who you are and to get to know you! This is your chance to get connected to over 2,000 CityChangers!
GET READY
THIS IS FOR YOU IF YOU ARE...
- ambitious and passionate about actively making your city more sustainable
- wanting to get inspired by and connect with the most amazing change-makers from around the globe
- longing for a network of like-minded peers to create a movement
- eager to learn how to advance your change-making skills
- ready to switch from talking to doing, and making change happen yourself
Want to get a taste?
WATCH OUR LITTLE RECAPS
2026 in Ljubljana
2025 in Lodz
Young Leaders Gallery
MEET OUR YOUNG LEADERS!
Young Leaders from all around the world and a variety of professional backgrounds were chosen to join current and past editions of the Urban Future Young Leaders Programme. Please meet all of the amazing young change-makers that have joined the programme so far!
Learn about their passions and projects, and get in touch to collaborate or know more.
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
No results..
2019
No results..
PARTNER UP
Interested in learning more?
Want to know more about the next edition? Want to support the programme?
Get in touch with Sigrid!
Sigrid Kovacic, Young Leaders Programme Director
ylp@urban-future.org