Urban Labs have emerged globally as a valuable public policy tool, enabling regular collaboration among diverse stakeholders to co-create innovative solutions for complex urban challenges. These platforms emphasize participatory, cross-sectoral, and inclusive approaches. However, the implementation and experiences of Urban Labs vary significantly from city to city. 

This event aims to bring together urban practitioners and city representatives from Southeast Europe and Germany, along with experts from multiple sectors, to explore and discuss the transformative role of Urban Labs in shaping sustainable and resilient cities. 

The gathering will promote knowledge exchange, foster new partnerships, and inspire actionable strategies among key stakeholders in urban planning, sustainability, and innovation. 

In addition, the GIZ Georgia bilateral project Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) has produced a publication titled “Urban Labs: Tried and Trusted”. This publication offers an in-depth overview of the Urban Lab concept, highlighting their practical impact across different cities. It outlines how Urban Labs operate, showcases real-world examples, and explores the key phases, internal processes, and external factors critical to their success. 

Target Audience 

• City representatives and urban practitioners  

from Southeast Europe, Germany and other European countries engaged in urban transformation and policy development. 

• Non-Governmental Organizations:  

Organizations involved in urban development, community engagement, climate action, sustainability, and social innovation. 

• Academic Institutions 

Researchers, scholars, and students focusing on urban studies, innovation, sustainability, and public policy. 

• Urban Planning and development Experts: 

Urban planners, and municipal representatives from Georgia and other SEE countries with an interest in urban innovation and sustainable city development. 

• International Experts:  

Representatives from international organizations and professionals with practical experience in designing, implementing, or supporting Urban Labs around the world. 

Participation and contact

We herewith kindly invite you to participate in the upcoming Insight Session taking place on Thursday, 17^th July 2025, 13:30 – 15:30 CEST. The event is addressed to urban practitioners from local governments as well as from academia, the private sector and civil society. The conference language is English with simultaneous translation in Georgian.

Further information and enrolment here: https://community.connective-cities.net/en/insightsession-urbanlabs

If you have any further questions about the programme or your participation, please do not hesitate to contact us:

Ketevan Papashvili – Regional Coordinator in Southeast European Region: Ketevan.papashvili(at)giz.de

Jimmy Yoedsel – Junior Advisor Connective Cities: jimmy.yoedsel(at)giz.de 

Date:    Thursday, 17^th July 2025, 13:30 – 15:30 (CEST, Berlin time)
Location:    Virtual Event on Connective Cities Community
Enrolment: https://community.connective-cities.net/en/insightsession-urbanlabs

Conference Tool:            Big Blue Button (best operated with Chrome or Firefox)
Conference language:    English/Georgian