Karsa CityLab participated in the World Cities Summit (WCS) 2026 in Singapore, represented by Board of Brain Trust members Bambang Susantono and Tom Lembong, Managing Director Dedi Wijaya, Deputy Director William Reynold, and Board of Expert Rionaldi Gunari.
Held from 14–16 June 2026, this prestigious global forum was themed “Livable and Sustainable Cities: ACT Now!”, emphasizing the collective commitment to building cities that are more livable, resilient, and sustainable. Officially opened by Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, the summit convened city leaders, policymakers, experts, and international organizations from around the world to exchange ideas and shape the future of urban development.
As one of the world’s leading urban platforms, the World Cities Summit featured a wide range of high-level forums and collaborative sessions designed to foster dialogue among city leaders. Karsa CityLab actively participated in several key programs, including the Mayors Forum, a global platform where mayors and urban leaders share experiences, discuss pressing urban challenges, and explore innovative solutions for sustainable city development.
In collaboration with WRI Indonesia, Karsa CityLab also took part in the Sessions and Masterclasses, a series of interactive discussions that brought together mayors, policymakers, and city delegations from across the globe. During the session, Tom Lembong, Board of Brain Trust at Karsa CityLab, shared perspectives on how Asian cities can strengthen climate resilience through integrated approaches that combine nature-based solutions, resilient infrastructure, and effective urban governance.
Demonstrating its commitment to advancing the future of cities, Karsa CityLab also partnered with Google to host a discussion titled “The Next Decade of City-Making: Innovation, Climate, and Community.” The session featured Bambang Susantono, Board of Brain Trust at Karsa CityLab, alongside Christopher Turner, Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google. Together, they explored how emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), to help support integrated public services, strengthen urban governance, and accelerate innovation in city development while placing communities at the center of transformation.
Through its active participation in the World Cities Summit 2026, Karsa CityLab continues to expand its international network and strengthen strategic partnerships that support the sustainable transformation of cities across Indonesia. By connecting Indonesian urban leaders with global ideas, collaborative opportunities, and international best practices, Karsa CityLab reaffirms the commitment to fostering innovation, strengthening urban leadership, and contributing to the development of more competitive, inclusive, and future-ready cities.
