Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Seoul to host world cities summit marking Metropolis’ 40th anniversary
Seoul City Hall / Yonhap
By Kim Hyun-bin
More than 300 delegates, including mayors from 70 major cities and representatives from 30 international organizations, will gather in Seoul later this month for the World Association of the Major Metropolises’ 40th anniversary congress, the city said Sunday.
The 2025 Seoul Congress, set for Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, will bring together global city leaders to share visions for urban development, quality of life and future strategies. It marks the 15th general assembly of the association, known as Metropolis, and the second time Seoul has hosted the gathering since 2002.
Metropolis was founded in Montreal in 1985 as a network for cities with more than 1 million residents to jointly address shared challenges. Seoul joined in 1987 and was elected co-president at the 14th general assembly in Brussels in 2023.
This year’s participants include the mayors of Rabat, New York City, Buenos Aires, Barcelona, Tokyo, Guangzhou, Johannesburg and Istanbul. Global organizations such as the International Anti-Corruption Academy, Mori Memorial Foundation, and United Cities and Local Governments will also send delegations.
The conference will feature sessions on inclusive growth, digital innovation and transparency in governance. Seoul will highlight policies such as Seoul Learn, an online education platform to narrow learning gaps among diverse student populations, and its “stepping-stone income” program to support vulnerable groups.
Mayor Oh Se-hoon is expected to outline Seoul’s vision under the theme of “The Future of Metropolises” during the opening ceremony. Delegates will also visit policy sites such as Smart Life Week 2025 at Coex and urban landmarks including Bukchon Hanok Village and Ttukseom Han River Park.
“This congress is an opportunity to share Seoul’s inclusive policies and unique attractions with the world,” a Seoul city official said.