10th Urbanization and Development Conference 2026

We are pleased to highlight the upcoming 10th Urbanization and Development Conference, a premier global gathering co-organized by the World Bank, George Washington University, the International Growth Centre (IGC), and Johns Hopkins University. This two-day event is essential for town planners, economists, and development practitioners interested in how cities in developing economies drive structural transformation and job creation.

Key Themes & Discussions This year’s conference moves beyond general urbanization trends to explore the specific economic mechanics of cities. Discussions will be anchored in three critical pillars:

• Structural Transformation: Analyzing how tradable and non-tradable sectors evolve within urban economies, including the vital role of the informal sector and secondary cities.

• Urban Labor Markets: Investigating how demographics, AI, and green transitions are reshaping the future of work.

• Firms & Productivity: Examining how urban form, spatial dynamics, and agglomeration economies influence firm performance and wages—a key area of interest for spatial planners.

Distinguished Speakers The event features a lineup of renowned keynote speakers, including Edward Glaeser (Harvard), Gilles Duranton (Wharton), Douglas Gollin (Tufts), and Namrata Kala (MIT). Their insights will provide a rigorous academic foundation for understanding the policy challenges facing modern cities.

Registration & Logistics While the call for papers has officially closed, pre-registration for attendance is currently open. Participation is free of charge, though attendees must secure their own travel and visas. Please note that Day 1 will be hosted at the World Bank, followed by Day 2 at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center.

For professionals looking to deepen their understanding of the intersection between spatial planning and economic development, this conference offers a unique platform to engage with cutting-edge research.