The future viability of our cities is subject to a narrowing field of tension between ecological, economic and social demands. A fundamental rethink is required in all three dimensions. The key to securing the future of our cities may lie in aligning our planning activities more closely with the principles of diversity, self-control and sufficiency inherent in nature.

In order to find adequate answers to this at the local level, participants were invited to discuss together what constitutes a sustainable city for urban society.

Under the patronage of Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende, renowned experts such as

• Prof. Uwe Schneidewind, Mayor of Wuppertal,
• Ms. Karolin Pannike from the City of Leipzig’s Planning Office, and
• Ms. Monika Saxer, board member and resident of Kalkbreite, a sustainable communal housing project in Zurich, and
• Dr. Martin Berchtold, urban planner and owner of the firm berchtoldkrass space&options

engaged in an expert discussion on the topic of sustainable urban development with Camillo Huber-Braun, head of the City Planning Office, and Dr. Klaus Friedrich, head of the Environmental Office.

Moderator: Anja Bierwirth, Wuppertal Institute

In the accompanying symposium, approximately 16 representatives from the political parties (CDU, SPD, Alliance 90/The Greens, Volt, and—at a later time—the FDP and The Left), the City Departments IV (Urban Development and Construction), V (Environment, Green Spaces, and Transportation), VI, Social Affairs, Education, Housing, and Integration), as well as municipal corporations (GWW and SEG), key areas of action for sustainable urban development.

The “rules of the game for sustainable urban development” are now being tested in several pilot projects throughout the city.