Rotterdam to host 15th World Conference Cities and Ports

The 15^th World Conference Cities and Ports is set to be held in Rotterdam in 2016. The conference, organised by the AIVP (Association Internationale Villes et Ports), is concerned with the transformation of old ports and the social issues that face many of today’s port cities. The multi-day event – which our city is hosting thanks to the combined efforts of Stadshavens Rotterdam and Rotterdam Partners – is in keeping with Rotterdam’s international image as a global port city.

The arrival of the 15^th World Conference Cities and Ports also provides Rotterdam with the opportunity to showcase the Stadshavens Rotterdam partnership on the international stage. Next year will see the 10^th anniversary of this alliance between the City of Rotterdam and Havenbedrijf Rotterdam N.V. The projects undertaken by Stadshavens were part of what clinched the AIVP’s decision to hold their event in Rotterdam.

As a local partner Rotterdam has some say in decisions regarding the theme and programme of the 15^th World Conference Cities and Ports. The event is scheduled for November 2016 and the RDM Centre of Expertise with its renovated Onderzeebootloods (‘Submarine Wharf’) will serve as the conference venue. With a total of 400 participants expected to attend the conference, the event will also provide something of a boost to the local economy.

The 15^th World Conference Cities and Ports is organised by the AIVP, an international organisation dedicated to studying cities and ports and the relationship between the two. The organisation is concerned with the transformation of old ports and the social issues that face many of today’s port cities. By sharing their knowledge and experiences, the cities affiliated with the AIVP have become more resourceful over the years in taking advantage of economic opportunities and finding solutions to environmental issues, social challenges and other issues related to area development.

The AIVP is comprised of elected representatives from city governments and local maritime agencies, national governments, the business community, businesses based in the port cities, providers of maritime services, architects, city planners, universities and research institutions. The AIVP organises a smaller-scale annual European conference and, biannually, a global conference alternately held in Europe and another continent.

Rotterdam Partners and Stadshavens submitted their bid book to the AIVP board in Paris last week. The city’s immediate competitor was Barcelona, but the members unanimously voted for Rotterdam in the end.

www.stadshavensrotterdam.nl