Urban development experts from across the globe are gathering in Dublin this weekend for a major summit focused on the future of city centres and how they can adapt to modern challenges.
Hosted by Dublin Town, the International Downtown Association’s 2026 World Towns Leadership Summit will run from Sunday through Wednesday, bringing together around 60 “place managers” — professionals responsible for the day-to-day development and improvement of urban areas.
The event will examine key issues facing cities worldwide, including regeneration, sustainability, and evolving patterns in how people use urban spaces. Delegates will also hear how Dublin is attempting to revitalise its own city centre following the publication of the City Centre Task Force report in late 2024.
Dublin Town CEO Richard Guiney is expected to outline both the opportunities and ongoing challenges facing the capital.
“Dublin City centre is at a pivotal moment, and while there are real challenges, there are also huge grounds for optimism,” he will tell attendees.
The summit will feature contributions from key figures involved in shaping the city’s regeneration strategy, including taskforce chair David McRedmond. Discussions will centre on the taskforce’s roadmap, which sets out a long-term vision for improving the capital’s commercial, social, and cultural environment.
Organisers say the gathering is also an opportunity to showcase Dublin’s progress while learning from international counterparts.
“We’ll be sharing in-depth research and practical experience from Dublin and other global cities to spark meaningful discussion around the challenges we all face,” Mr Guiney said.
He pointed to the role of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), such as Dublin Town, in driving urban renewal through collaboration between public and private sectors.
“Across the western world, the BID model has proven vital in rejuvenating city centres by bringing stakeholders together with a shared purpose,” he said.
Despite this, Mr Guiney warned that progress in Dublin has been slower than needed and called for increased government investment to deliver on key proposals.
“More funding is essential if we are to implement the ‘10 big moves’ identified for Dublin city centre,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of planning for future generations.
“We need to ensure that younger people, including Gen Z, are at the heart of how we reimagine the city,” he added.
Following its Dublin leg, the summit will continue in Dundalk and Belfast later in the week, where further discussions on urban innovation and city management will take place.
Organisers hope the event will not only highlight Dublin’s ambitions but also provide fresh insight from some of the world’s leading urban thinkers.
“We firmly believe that Dublin City centre’s best years lie ahead,” Mr Guiney said.
