Press release – AIVP World Conference

World Conference Cities and Ports by AIVP in Lisbon " Open Piers: Steering flows between people, planet, and port cities" Lisbon, Portugal – 15th of April, 2024 – The International Association Cities and Ports (AIVP) is proud to announce the hosting of the World Conference Cities and Ports, which will take place from November 27th to 29th, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal, under the presidency of Edouard PHILIPPE, Mayor of Le Havre (France). This significant event, themed "Open Piers: Steering flows between people, planet, and port cities", will bring together experts, decision-makers, and key stakeholders from around the world to explore the challenges and opportunities related to the relationship between port cities and their environment. This event is co-organised with the Port of Lisbon. Piers are the ultimate interface between land and water. They are the connection between port cities and the planet. Their accessibility has been a key indicator for the evolution of the port-city relationship. They changed from being accessible in the past, to gradually becoming off-limits. Fortunately, there is an ongoing tendency to reopen the piers, establishing a new kind of port-city relationship. How permeable are these relationships today? What flows are shaping these interactions? How are port cities presenting local answers to global trends? How do they fit together? And how are ports reopening their piers? Climate change is modifying how society relates to rivers, coasts, and seas. Geopolitical tensions affect cargo flows, with consequences on port activities and their surrounding territories. Demographic pressure in coastal areas is increasing. Biodiversity loss is a serious threat. Port cities are pivotal in accelerating certain transitions but also striking a balance,…