Belfast will host a landmark gathering of civic leaders, policymakers, business representatives and urban experts next month as all twelve cities on the island of Ireland come together for the first time ever at the 2026 Summit of the Cities. Tickets for this landmark event are available at www.summitofthecities.com
The event, which will take place at Belfast City Hall, explores the future of cities and urban life across the island, with discussions focused on regeneration, housing, transport, arts and culture, economic development, infrastructure and artificial intelligence.
The Summit of the Cities is being organised by MW Advocate in partnership with Belfast City Council, InterTradeIreland, Queen’s University Belfast, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, BCF Lending, Ards & North Down Council Borough Council and NIE Networks.
Among those attending a launch photocall at Belfast City Hall were High Sheriff of Belfast Councillor Frank McCoubrey, Alistair Stewart from Queen’s University Belfast, Gareth Graham, CEO of BCF Lending, Leah McStravick from InterTradeIreland and Sibley Berty from MW Advocate.
The Summit will feature keynote addresses from former Mayor of New York City Bill de Blasio and Sue Gray, Chair of Consello UK, former civil servant and former Chief-of-Staff to UK Prime Minister.
Other speakers include Richard Shakespeare, Caroline Campbell and David Skaith, alongside Lord Mayors, Mayors and Council Chairs from cities and councils across Ireland.
Sibley Berty of MW Advocate said:
“The Summit of the Cities is a genuinely historic event and the first time every city on the island of Ireland has come together in one room to discuss the future of urban life on this island.
“Cities are increasingly at the centre of conversations around economic growth, housing, sustainability, culture, infrastructure and innovation. This Summit creates an important platform for collaboration, idea-sharing and new partnerships across Ireland and beyond.
“We are delighted to be welcoming internationally recognised speakers alongside civic leaders from every part of the island for what promises to be an ambitious and forward-looking conversation about the future of our cities.”
Former Mayor of New York City Bill deBlasio said:
“Belfast is proud to host this important all-island event and I look forward to welcoming delegates from across Ireland and beyond to City Hall for what will be a significant discussion on the future of our cities and communities.”
The Summit of the Cities will bring together representatives from local government, business, academia, the arts and the wider civic sector as Belfast becomes the focal point for discussions on the future direction of cities across the island of Ireland.