“We empower global civic leaders to create the equitable, prosperous and sustainable global cities of the future.”

World Cities Culture Forum

World Cities Culture Forum is the leading global network of civic leaders from over 40 creative cities. Our city partners span six continents representing a total population of over 245 million. Our network of over 40 global cities share ideas and solutions to build a world where culture is at the heart of thriving cities, acting as a driver to create equitable, prosperous and sustainable places to live, work and play. 

Our network of city leaders shares solutions to meet the challenges of the 21st century – from climate change to growing affordable workspace in our cities, developing strategies for cultural tourism and the night-time economy, and increasing diversity in the public realm – by placing culture at the heart of city planning and investment. 

World Cities Culture Forum was founded in 2012 around the belief that global cities can achieve more by working together and being generous with ideas. It was founded and is chaired by Justine Simons OBE, London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries. Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, is the Patron. 

A decade on, we’ve established the principle that culture is a golden thread in cities: supporting our communities, our health and wellbeing, attracting tourists and boosting economies. Our leaders learn from one another to build a world where culture is at the heart of thriving cities. We champion practical solutions through our Global Summit and partnerships with leading institutions. We grow civic leadership with our Leadership Exchange Programme and Digital Dialogue Masterclasses. And as a global thought leadership group, we make the case for culture with leading research, data and case studies.

Our Vision

We are building a world where culture is at the heart of thriving cities. 

Our Mission

We are civic leaders sharing our best ideas and designing culture policies that change lives. World Cities Culture Forum is a network of more than 40 global cities spanning six continents. Together, we are meeting the challenges of the 21st century by placing culture at the heart of city planning and investment. 

Our Values

We believe in the power of culture to transform people, place and planet. We empower global civic leaders to create the equitable, prosperous and sustainable global cities of the future. We are generous with our ideas and collaborate to drive change.