---
title: LONDON SUMMIT 2015
date: 2023-09-22T13:22:35Z
modified: 2024-02-01T10:54:55Z
permalink: "https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/events/summit/summit-2015-london/"
type: page
status: publish
excerpt: Defined as world cities because of their scale, dynamism and diversity, which create fertile conditions for innovation and radical thinking in economic, social and cultural policy, those attending the summit wanted to highlight the benefits that culture brings to cities – which is where most of the world’s population lives - not just in terms of quality of life, but socially and economically.
wpid: 168344
featured_image: "https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/London_2015_Summit_5_Munira-Mirz.jpg"
---

# Navigating uncertainty: World cultural leaders converge to address economic and social challenges



##  Theme: Culture and inclusive growth in world cities



![](https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/London_2015_Summit_4_Group-Shot-At-City-Hall-Steps.jpg)

> “We will take a critical look at where and how culture fits into the future growth equation of world cities.”
> 
> Justine Simons OBE, Chair, World Cities Culture Forum

The World Cities Culture Forum Summit took place in London from 18 – 20 November 2015.

Hosted by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, the fourth **World Cities Culture Summit** brought together representatives of 31 cities for high level talks aimed at sharing experience and expertise and formulating long-term policies that put culture at the heart of future city planning and development.

Cities taking part included: Amsterdam, Austin, Bogota, Brussels, Buenos Aires, Dubai, Edinburgh, Hamburg,Hong Kong, Istanbul, Lagos, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Melbourne, Montreal, Moscow, New York City, Paris, Rome, San Francisco, Seoul, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore, Stockholm, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo, Toronto, Vienna and Warsaw.

![](https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/London_2015_Summit_5_Munira-Mirz-1024x858.jpg)

Defined as world cities because of their scale, dynamism and diversity, which create fertile conditions for innovation and radical thinking in economic, social and cultural policy, those attending the summit wanted to highlight the benefits that culture brings to cities – which is where most of the world’s population lives – not just in terms of quality of life, but socially and economically.

With the global economy still fragile, political uncertainty in different parts of the world and concerns about growing inequality, the summit looked at how embedding culture into overall policy development – as opposed to being seen as an add-on or a luxury – can contribute to the continued social and economic growth of world cities. At the same time, the participants at the three day forum want to tackle perennial problems affecting world cities. Each has its own story to tell about successes and specific challenges.

![](https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/London_2015_Summit_1_Speaker-at-City-Hall-1024x858.jpg)

London, has weathered the financial crisis remarkably well and its reputation as a centre for finance, trade and culture has never been higher. Yet, as it enjoys continued growth, there are fears that this success could in the longer term be at the expense of culture, creativity and innovation, with artists and other practitioners increasingly unable to afford to live and work in the city.

![](https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/London_2015_Summit_11_Montreal-Delegates-1024x858.jpg)

## Key takeaways from the London Summit:

- Cities are facing considerable challenges. As the World Cities Culture Summit 2015 showed, city governments across the world develop innovative solutions. They have started working with a range of people – private developers, other government leaders and, of course, the cultural sector. They recognise the need for growth that is inclusive. They have also started drawing on the huge resource the Forum represents, sharing ideas and working with each other beyond the annual Summits.

- Culture has the potential to become the central connector of urban policy, helping to address our cities’ challenges. However, more work is needed to get to this stage. A key part in achieving this ambition will be the effective use of evidence and research for making the case for culture.

![](https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/London_2015_Summit_10_Gala-Dinner-Quartet-1024x858.jpg)

- The challenges of ongoing urban development are bigger than ever before. City governments need to take the lead to develop solutions on the same scale. And they will need to act quickly before cities are transformed into endless copies of each other: privatised, sanitised and lifeless spaces.

- Finally, governments can define the argument about the value that culture brings to city life. Rather than focusing on what artists need, city leaders suggested emphasising what residents need to live in vibrant and interesting neighbourhoods. It is this demand which should set the course of urban planning and convince key players. The alternative, neighbourhoods that are devoid of artists and cultural life, offers a soulless, dull and unattractive vision of a city’s future.

![](https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/London_2015_Summit_8_Gala-Dinner-At-Kensington-Palace-1024x858.jpg)

Images Courtesy © WCCF