--- title: About us date: 2023-06-14T10:16:08Z modified: 2026-10-26T12:11:34Z permalink: "https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/about/" type: page status: publish excerpt: "" wpid: 163203 featured_image: "https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2-6.jpg" timestamp: 2026-10-26T12:11:34Z tags: [] --- # World Cities Culture Forum is the leading global network of cities placing culture at the heart of city planning, investment and the future of urban life. ![](https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Group-photo-end-of-Summit-683x1024.jpg) World Cities Culture Summit – Amsterdam 2025 Photo credit: Jorrit Lousberg/Light at Work PhotographyFounded in 2012, World Cities Culture Forum brings together civic leaders from over 50 creative cities across six continents – representing a combined population of more than 260 million people. Together, we share ideas, exchange policies and build the evidence base for culture as a driving force behind equitable, prosperous and sustainable cities. We have established the principle that culture is a golden thread running through city life – sustaining communities, improving health and wellbeing, attracting visitors and powering economies. At a moment when cities face unprecedented pressures, from the climate crisis to rapid technological change and growing inequality, we provide a global platform for civic leaders shaping the world. > “At World Cities Culture Forum, we are practical problem solvers. By working together, we are learning in real time what is happening on the ground in major global cities, which allows us to accelerate change at a rapid rate across the world. As the world continues to change at an unprecedented pace, cities need culture more than ever. We are building a global movement to unlock the potential of culture in our cities.” – **Justine Simons OBE, Founder and Chair, World Cities Culture Forum and London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries** **OUR VISION, MISSION AND VALUES** **Vision** - We are building a world where culture is at the heart of thriving cities. **Mission** - We are civic leaders sharing our best ideas to accelerate change and improve lives. - Together, we are meeting the challenges of the 21st century by placing culture at the heart of our cities. **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. **WHAT WE DO** **We work at three levels** From civic leaders to entire cities and the global stage, our work is designed to create change, amplifying culture’s role in world cities. **City leaders — We empower civic leaders** The most effective cultural policies are driven by leaders with the skills, networks and knowledge to make the case for culture at the highest levels of city government. We provide the tools and connections to make that happen. **[The World Cities Culture Summit](https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/programme/summit/?output_format=md)** ![](https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/DSCF2069-3-1024x683.jpg) ## **[Global Fellowship](https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/programme/global-fellowship/?output_format=md)** ![](https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/JLOUSBERG_251016_1115_WCCS_BIMhuis_R6_0321_MR-1-1024x683.jpg) **Cities –** **We share policies with a track record of success** Great cultural policies shouldn’t stay in the cities that created them. We make it possible for cities to learn directly from one another – identifying what works, understanding why, and accelerating the pathways to replicate it. [**Leadership Exchange Programme**](https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/programme/leadership-exchange/?output_format=md) ![](https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/WhatsApp-Image-2026-04-14-at-10.22.00-3-1-1024x683.jpeg) **[Policy Accelerators](https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/programme/accelerators/?output_format=md)** ![](https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/WCCF-Summit251017_EYE-Filmmuseum_025_Nisha-edited-2-1024x680.jpg) **Global voice –** **We champion culture as a global force for good** No single city can shift global policy alone. Together, our network uses data, evidence and collective civic influence to make the case for culture at the international level. **[The World Cities Culture Report](https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/report/?output_format=md)** ![](https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/WCCF-Report-Leaflet-29.04.26-1-1-pages-1-1-1024x717.jpg) ## **Founded and led by civic leaders** World Cities Culture Forum was founded by Justine Simons OBE, London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries. Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, is the Charity’s Patron. The Charity is governed by a Board of Trustees and advisory groups led by our cities. > “Global cities are at the forefront of tackling some of the biggest issues the world faces today – from powering our economies and creating high quality jobs for our citizens, to working hand in hand across borders to solve the climate crisis – we lead the way, working together to build a better and more prosperous future for all. Culture has a central role to play in all aspects of city life and that’s why I have made it a priority in London and why I am delighted to be the Patron of the World Cities Culture Forum, which is building a world where culture is at the heart of all thriving cities.” – Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London