Dates: March 17–19, 2026
Location: Moscow, Russia
Main Venue: Expocentre Moscow
Satellite Venues: Moscow Urban Forum Pavilion; Public Forum Area, Moscow City Hall
Hosts:
The National Data Center of Sweden – SwedenData.com
Ministry of Housing and Public Utilities of the Russian Federation
Union of Russian Cities
Moscow Urban Forum
Co-organizers and Supporting Institutions:
Ministry of Science and Digital Development of the Russian Federation
Moscow Committee for Urban Development
Russian Railways RZD
High-Speed Rail Research Institute HRI
Proposal Submission Deadline: February 1, 2026
Contact Email: contact@SwedenData.com
I Summit Overview
The Global Urban Futures Summit – Moscow 2026 is the premier international platform for urban development, infrastructure, and policy innovation. It brings together government officials, city planners, engineers, researchers, investors, and technology leaders from around the world.
The summit provides opportunities to:
- Showcase innovative urban solutions and infrastructure projects
- Discuss economic, demographic, and environmental challenges facing modern cities
- Share insights on smart mobility, including high-speed rail systems and sustainable transportation
- Establish partnerships across public, private, and academic sectors
With collaboration among Russian authorities, leading research institutes, and global urban development organizations, this summit will become Russia’s most influential urban development conference.
II Key Themes
The 2026 summit will focus on shaping the cities of the future including:
1 Urban Governance and Policy – Strengthening efficiency, transparency, and public participation
2 Economic and Social Resilience – Building adaptable urban economies and sustainable communities
3 Population Dynamics and Livability – Managing migration, housing, and public services
4 High-Speed Rail and Mobility Systems – Exploring the transformative impact of rail networks on urban clusters, regional economies, and population flows
5 Sustainable Development and Climate Adaptation – Integrating energy-efficient, green infrastructure solutions
6 Digital Urban Transformation – Leveraging AI, geospatial data, and digital twins for smarter city management
7 Public Safety and Disaster Resilience – Preparing cities to withstand and recover from crises
III Why This Summit Is a Milestone
The Global Urban Futures Summit – Moscow 2026 represents a critical milestone in Russia’s urban development history. Participants benefit from:
- Unparalleled Networking Opportunities connecting city leaders, policymakers, and global experts
- Global Media Exposure through coverage from over 500 international media outlets including Reuters, Bloomberg, TASS, CGTN, Al Jazeera, and Financial Times
- High-Level Expert Participation with honoraria, travel, and accommodation provided
- Access to Emerging Urban Solutions in urban planning, high-speed rail, mobility, and digital infrastructure
- Collaboration Across Sectors engaging government, academia, and industry to shape urban strategies
High-Speed Rail Impact on Cities and Economy
A dedicated theme will examine the benefits of high-speed rail HSR including:
- Urban Benefits supporting metropolitan cluster formation and regional integration
- Economic Benefits stimulating investment, logistics, and industrial restructuring
- Population Benefits enhancing talent mobility, access to employment, and regional livability
IV Call for Proposals and Expert Participation
We invite researchers, engineers, urban planners, policymakers, and interdisciplinary teams to submit proposals by February 1, 2026. Accepted speakers will receive travel and accommodation support and honoraria.
Proposal Formats:
1 Panel Sessions – Full-length research presentations
3–4 speakers per panel
15–20 minutes per speaker
Submission requirements: Panel title, description, participant CVs 1–2 pages, abstract 50–150 words, contact email
2 Roundtables – Focused discussion sessions
3–4 participants, no individual presentations
Emphasizes dialogue and debate
3 Lightning Talks – Rapid presentations for early-career researchers
5–10 minutes per speaker
Abstract and CV required
4 Fishbowl Sessions – Highly interactive format for commemorative or cross-disciplinary topics
Encourages audience engagement and dynamic discussion
Evaluation Criteria
Relevance to urban development, policy, mobility, and sustainability
Interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation encouraged
Geographic and career-stage diversity strongly encouraged
V Registration and Participation
Item Details
Venue Expocentre Moscow Main; Moscow Urban Forum Pavilion; Public Forum Area Moscow City Hall
Dates March 17–19, 2026
Proposal Deadline February 1, 2026
Contact Email contact@SwedenData.com
Participants will gain access to exclusive networking sessions, project showcases, investment forums, and high-level policy discussions, making this event an unparalleled platform for advancing urban futures in Russia and beyond. Accepted contributing experts will receive honoraria. For speakers presenting onsite, in addition to the honoraria, all travel and accommodation expenses will be fully covered, including round-trip airfare from any city in China to Moscow, local transportation, and hotel accommodation. All selected experts, including those contributing written materials and those presenting onsite, will also receive a Certificate of Recognition from the organizers, acknowledging their professional contribution. In addition, participants will benefit from international exposure, with the summit covered by over 500 global media outlets, offering an excellent opportunity to showcase expertise and expand professional networks across public, private, and academic sectors.