The Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action by all countries – poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection. More important than ever, the goals provide a critical framework for COVID-19 recovery. 
The World Urban Forum
The World Urban Forum (WUF) is a prestigious international conference, organized by UN-Habitat for urban growth and human settlements. This is the most important global event concerning municipal policies, transformation and development.
It is held every two years and hosts over 20 thousand participants representing governments, regions, cities, non-governmental organizations and financial institutions.
The upcoming tenth edition will take place in 2020, in Abu Zabii - the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The previous two meetings were convened in Kuala Lumpur in Malesia and in Quito, in Equador.
In November 2018 Katowice was selected as the Polish candidate for the host of the conference scheduled for the year 2022. On 20 May 2019 the UN-Habitat informed that Katowice would hold the status of the host of the eleventh edition.
News
Why Katowice?
CITY TRANSFORMATION
Revitalization of the former coal mining area enabled the establishment of the Culture Zone – a unique space on the national scale. The new headquarters of the Silesian Museum, NOSPR (Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra) and the International Congress Centre in the vicinity of the legendary "Saucer" bring prestige to the city, attracting both locals and tourists to its center.
METROPOLIS
Katowice is not only a city inhabited by approximately 300 thousand people but also the heart of Upper-Silesia and Zagłębie Metropolis, integrating 41 cities and municipalities, populated by more than 2 million people. The urban body created in July 2017 is an expression of joint commitment and concern for the welfare of the region, which offers a real opportunity for accelerated, dynamic development.
ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION
The region which is traditionally associated with coal mining and heavy industry gradually strives to become a leader in innovation and new technologies. These ambitions are reflected in the development of modern business sectors and sustainable investments.
CITY OF EVENTS
Katowice, as the host of many international events, is perfectly prepared to host large conferences. The state-of-the-art congress centre, well-developed hotel facilities and transport network are the characteristics that make the capital of the conurbation the city of business tourism.
ECO-RESPONSIBILITY
The city with extensive experience in levelling the effects of long-term environmental degradation. Thanks to the efforts made, the quality of air, the condition of the environment as well as the standard of inhabitants’ life are clearly improving.
TRANSPORT
Three international airports (KTW and KRK, OSR), two motorways, national and regional roads, modern rail and public transportation make up an extensive transport network that provides the possibility to easily reach the city from almost every part of the country and the world.
About Katowice
KATOWICE - WORTH TO KNOW!
The festivals and cyclical events organised in Katowice include also supra-regional and international projects. Music lovers, theatre fans and enthusiasts of unusual experiences every year visit the capital of the agglomeration to learn about current trends, listen to world stars and feel the unique atmosphere. The Silesian Jazz Festival, the Rawa Blues Festival, the Off Festival or the Tauron Nowa Muzyka have become a permanent fixture in the calendar of important music events, and the A PART International Theatre Festival, the International Summer Theatre Garden and the Festival of Directing Art are significant events in the theatre community.
WUF11 friendly
WUF11 Participant,
Welcome to Katowice!
Meet our WUF11 Friendly Program:
Especially for you, we have prepared a list of recommended places in our city, where you can eat well, do interesting shopping and have fun. From the list below, select the places that interest you, remember to take the ID and enjoy! Places chosen by us will serve you in English and prepare a special offer for WUF11 guests.
Check our hospitality!
