Living Cities Forum 2026: Reimagining cities through care

This August, Living Cities Forum 2026 returns to Melbourne and Sydney, bringing together leading thinkers, architects, planners and policymakers to explore a central question for modern cities: How can we create places that genuinely care for the people who live in them?

Presented by the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, the Forum is now in its eighth edition and will be held in Melbourne on 25 August and Sydney on 28 August under the theme Cities Made With Care.

At a time when cities are being reshaped by population growth, housing pressures and changing community expectations, this year’s program considers housing as more than a commodity. It explores housing as part of civic life, shaping identity, connection, wellbeing and belonging.

2026 program highlights

The 2026 program features an international line-up of speakers whose work is helping shape new thinking on urban development, housing and social innovation.

Speakers include Anupama Kundoo, globally recognised architect and educator known for sustainable and resource-efficient design; Finn Williams, architect and urbanist from the City of Malmö; and Ludwig Engel, futurologist and HouseEurope! campaigner. Together, they will bring global perspectives to the question of how cities can become more equitable, adaptable and people-centred.

Join the conversation

For Committee for Melbourne members and partners, the Forum offers an opportunity to engage with global expertise and contribute to a broader conversation about Melbourne’s future. Its multidisciplinary approach encourages collaboration across business, government, universities, planning, property and civic leadership.

For those interested in urban development, infrastructure, architecture, sustainability, housing policy or community building, Living Cities Forum will provide timely perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping Australia’s urban future.

As part of the Forum, Committee for Melbourne will host a Committee member exclusive satellite event on 26 August, in collaboration with the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, and with support from venue sponsor Hassel. Save the date here and stay tuned for more details: Upcoming Committee for Melbourne events.

To learn more about the program, speakers and ticketing, visit the Living Cities Forum website.