Amsterdam to host the 14th World Cities Culture Summit in October

Described as a ‘Masterclass in cultural policy’, the World Cities Culture Summit is the flagship annual event of the World Cities Culture Forum. Bringing together Deputy Mayors, Culture Commissioners and city policymakers, the Summit provides a unique platform to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas. collaborating to develop cultural policy solutions that enhance lives and transform cities. It is solutions-driven, t that encourages city leaders to collaborate to improve the lives of their citizens through culture: with over half of previous attendees implementing or improving cultural policies in their cities as a result of attending.

• Policy sharing: Delegates will share innovative policy ideas from cities around the world. 

• Debating city challenges: Topics such as the climate crisis, social inequality and the rapid rise of generative AI will take centre stage. 

• Cultural opportunities: Discussions will highlight culture’s role in creating sustainable tourism, inspiring climate action, building inclusive cities and explore opportunities for city collaboration. 

The 2025 Summit will launch the 5th edition of the World Cities Culture Report, the most comprehensive dataset on urban culture.  

Sessions will take place across Amsterdam’s diverse cultural venues, offering Summit delegates the chance to learn more about the city’s innovative cultural policies and projects in situ. 

The first city in the world to formally appoint a"Night Mayor" in 2014, Amsterdam’s innovative cultural policies have influenced many cities across the world. Nearly 100 cities now have appointed night-time positions. 

Under Deputy Mayor Touria Meliani’s leadership, the city is making access to culture a priority. Its inclusive Night Vision for Culture has secured €2.2 million to boost nightlife, create new venues and support young talent to kickstart nightlife businesses. 

Home to world-renowned institutions like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam has significantly expanded its cultural infrastructure over the past two decades. More than 25 institutions have been built or refurbished, including the central public library and the Stedelijkmuseum Museum. Nationaal Slavernijmuseum, a new national museum documenting the history of transatlantic slavery will open its doors to the public within the next few years. 

Main Image: Justine Simons OBE (left), Founder and Chair of World Cities Culture Forum and Touria Meliani (right) Amsterdam’s Deputy Mayor announce Amsterdam as the host city of the World Cities Culture Summit 2025. Photo by Marie Dingemans.