River Cities Lunch Session #2: Urbanization Trends in Global Comparison - Bernhard Müller in Conversation with Bernd Herger

Cities are increasingly shaping the trajectory of the 21st century—economically, environmentally, socially, and culturally. More than half of the world’s population already lives in urban areas, and this proportion continues to grow, making cities the primary arenas where global transformations become tangible. They concentrate economic activity, innovation ecosystems, infrastructure, and cultural production, while at the same time facing mounting pressures related to housing affordability, social inequality, climate change, mobility, public health, and democratic participation. Urban regions are both drivers of prosperity and hotspots of vulnerability: they generate the majority of global GDP and emissions alike. Against this backdrop, cities have emerged not only as administrative units but as strategic actors in global governance networks, experimenting with new forms of sustainability policy, participatory planning, and resilient infrastructure.

This session adopts an international comparative perspective on contemporary urbanization trends and governance models. Drawing on examples from different metropolitan regions, it explores how cities respond to demographic change, ecological transition, digitalization, and shifting economic structures. Particular attention is given to questions of integrated urban planning, climate adaptation, smart-city strategies, and social cohesion. By examining both best practices and structural constraints, the discussion aims to critically assess the opportunities and risks associated with the “city of the future” and to reflect on the role of political leadership and institutional design in shaping sustainable urban development pathways.

Date:
11 March, 12:00 CET

Register:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/Vxat5PuSQr6m-oyJWQbP9w

About the speaker:
Bernhard Müller is the former mayor of Wiener Neustadt and currently Secretary General of Urban Forum, a leading institute for urban research and policy. He brings long-standing experience from both municipal governance and strategic urban development. Over the course of his political and professional career, he has been closely involved in urban transformation processes, infrastructure development, and inter-municipal cooperation. His dual perspective—combining executive responsibility at the local level with analytical engagement in urban policy networks—provides valuable insights into the practical and strategic dimensions of contemporary city governance.