Key urban mobility events in October 2024: Highlights from the CIVITAS Forum, European Week of Regions and Cities, and Walk21

October 2024 marked a busy month in urban mobility with several key events bringing together thought leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the future of sustainable mobility. Three major events—the CIVITAS Forum, the European Week of Regions and Cities, and Walk21—served as platforms for exchanging ideas and strategies on how to improve urban mobility systems. 

CIVITAS Forum (1-3 October 2024, Parma, Italy)

The CIVITAS Forum, held in early October in Parma, Italy, is a multi-day conference and the flagship event of the CIVITAS Initiative. It offers a platform for participants to learn about cities, individuals, and projects that are advancing innovation in smart, inclusive and sustainable mobility. The conference also facilitated networking and collaboration among urban mobility stakeholders from across Europe. 

European Week of Regions and Cities (7-10 October 2024, Brussels, Belgium)

Following closely on the heels of the CIVITAS Forum, the 2024 European Week of Regions and Cities took place in Brussels, Belgium from 7 to 10 October. The event attracted over 7,000 participants including policymakers, regional authorities, and mobility experts with discussions ranging in topics from sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMPs) and digitalisation of transport, to green public transport initiatives aimed at reducing congestion and promoting active travel. With 156 sessions, 500 speakers, and an array of exhibitions, this event continues to be the largest annual platform dedicated to EU cohesion policy.

Walk21 (14-18 October 2024, Lisbon, Portugal)

Building on the momentum of both the European Week of Regions and Cities and the CIVITAS Forum, Walk21 Portugal, held from 14 to 18 October, provided valuable insights into creating more walkable, inclusive, and sustainable cities, with global case studies and a focus on unlocking the full potential of walkability. As the conference's motto said, "Somos todos peões, Everybody walks."

Hosted by the Institute of Mobility and Transport, in partnership with the City of Lisbon and the Portuguese Government, Walk21 explored themes such as inclusive mobility, safe infrastructure, and comprehensive pedestrian networks.

A recap of each event, including insights and takeaways from some key urban mobility sessions, can be found here: 

CIVITAS Forum

European Week of Regions and Cities

Walk21

Author: Dearbhla Mullin

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.