Moscow Presented Its Sustainable Urban Development Experience at the Metropolis 2025 World Congress in Seoul

From September 29 to October 1, the Metropolis 2025 World Congress was held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the international organization Metropolis, which unites the world’s largest cities and metropolitan areas. The event was attended by representatives of government authorities, international organizations, and scientific and business communities from dozens of countries.

The delegation of Moscow was led by Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Government of Moscow,  Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations. Moscow’s participation in the congress was part of the Department’s systematic work to strengthen the capital’s international ties and promote best urban practices on the global stage.

The main theme of the forum was rethinking the future of megacities. Key challenges of modern urbanism were discussed during the congress: sustainable development, digitalization, environmental transformation, and social cohesion.

Sergey Cheremin spoke at the panel session “Urban Solutions Spotlight: Ensuring Balanced Urban Ecosystems and Improving Social Cohesion,” dedicated to creating balanced urban ecosystems and strengthening social cohesion.

Sergey Cheremin presented Moscow’s experience in implementing the “Moscow Housing Renovation Program,” noting that this project is aimed not only at renewing the housing stock but also at creating a modern, comfortable urban environment and developing social and transport infrastructure. “The main goal of the renovation program is to improve the quality of life of Muscovites and to build a sustainable, convenient, and modern city,” Cheremin emphasized.

The report received a wide positive response from congress participants and experts. The presented Moscow practices were noted as one of the most successful examples of comprehensive urban renewal that combines social, infrastructural, and environmental aspects.

During the trip, the Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations also took part in the opening ceremony of Smart Life Week 2025. The event reflects Seoul’s vision of inclusive technology and serves as a global platform for exchanging practical approaches to smart city development among government representatives, business, experts, and citizens.

The motto of Smart Life Week 2025 – “AI for Humanity: Smart Cities Leading Tomorrow” – is based on Seoul’s philosophy that technology should evolve alongside care for the most vulnerable segments of the population. This year, special attention was paid to concrete and practically applicable technological solutions. The delegation of Moscow toured the exhibition part of the forum and explored Seoul’s digital twin.

Moscow’s participation in the Metropolis congress continues the active work of the Moscow Department for External Economic and International Relations in developing international cooperation in sustainable development, digitalization, innovation, and urban governance. The department promotes Moscow’s practices at leading global venues, facilitates experience exchange among megacities, and builds partnerships with international organizations and foreign regions.

Participating in forums of this level helps strengthen international cooperation at the city level and promotes Moscow’s experience as an example of effectively addressing global urban challenges.