Marmara Urban Forum (MARUF25) convenes “on the shore of all possibilities” on 1-3 October in Istanbul

With the motto of “Cities Developing Solutions”, MARUF brings together global agendas with local needs and priorities, fostering a collective search for solutions with all urban stakeholders. This year, MARUF25 will be held under the theme “on the shore of all possibilities.” The forum will provide a platform to address a wide range of urban issues—from disaster management to climate crisis, infrastructure, mobility, social policies, governance, sustainable development, care, housing, artificial intelligence—offering opportunities for collaboration and dialogue among urban stakeholders. The forum will bring together policymakers, experts, practitioners and urban thinkers from all over the world around passionate debates on how to make cities more livable, sustainable, resilient, just and inclusive.

Since its inception in 2019, MARUF has been organized biennially by Marmara Municipalities Union in collaboration with over 120 partners as part of Urban October. The forum positions cities not only as centers of problems but also as hubs of creative solutions in a world full of challenges, crises, and uncertainties. MARUF aims to inspire participants with practical and innovative practices that can be implemented in cities, striving to be the starting point for lasting and tangible changes.

Highlights from Previous Years:

• In 2019, MARUF19 brought together 250 speakers and 5,440 participants from 25 countries in Istanbul. Over three days, the inaugural forum featured sessions, panels, workshops, showcases, movie screenings, exhibitions, and field trips that addressed urban issues comprehensively.
• In 2021, MARUF21 was held online as the world’s largest virtual urban forum held to date. In partnership with UN-Habitat and 100+ partners, the forum was realized under the theme “Re-think & Co-act” following the enormous impact of pandemic in cities. MARUF21 hosted more than 500 speakers from over 50 countries and thousands of participants at more than 100 sessions.
• In 2023, with respect to the multiple crises the cities face all around the world, MARUF23 explored the theme of “Resilience and Beyond” together with 120+ partners. The forum welcomed over 380 speakers and more than 5,000 participants from more than 62 countries. Events marking the World Metropolitan Day were also hosted within the scope of MARUF23 in collaboration with Metropolis and UN-Habitat.

What Does MARUF25 Offer?

Over three days, MARUF25 will provide participants with a forum experience that fosters strong and long-term collaborations by offering opportunities to meet new people, partners, and networks. Beyond thematic sessions, MARUF will offer an interactive experience through diverse and original events like Urban Cinema, Urban Library, Urban Routes, Urban Atelier, Good Practice Showcase, networking sessions, exhibitions, serious games, field trips, and stakeholder-organized side events—enabling participants to explore urban issues from diverse perspectives.

Let’s meet at MARUF25 on 1–3 October 2025 at Haliç Congress Center in Istanbul and shape the present and future of cities—together. Because all possibilities are here right where we stand.