PROGRESS 2050: Toward a prosperous future for all Australians

Progress 2050




Friday, 13 June 
Allianz Stadium






Friday, 13 June 
Allianz Stadium

Human cities put people at the center and drive better social, health and economic outcomes for all.


Half of the world’s population is already living in a city, and this number is expected to rise to 66% by 2050, meaning that nearly 7 out of 10 people globally will be living in an urban environment.

The challenges of urban growth are more pressing than ever. How we plan, build, and optimise our urban environments will define the future health and prosperity of our communities. To ensure that cities are not only smarter but also more resilient and equitable, innovative approaches to policy making, urban planning and development are essential. 

The 2025 Human Cities Summit brings together over 300 representatives from urban development, planning, construction, engineering, government, community groups, the arts, business and academia to ask; 
How we can reimage our cities in a generation?

From transport, climate resilience and cutting-edge technology to social infrastructure and affordable housing, this event will provide a comprehensive look at the strategies, solutions, local and global best practice shaping Australian cities of tomorrow. 

Building on the success of CEDA’s annual National Infrastructure Conference, this new look event is set to become the premier forum for discussing the future of Australian cities. 

Human cities put people at the center and drive better social, health and economic outcomes for all.


Half of the world’s population is already living in a city, and this number is expected to rise to 66% by 2050, meaning that nearly 7 out of 10 people globally will be living in an urban environment.

The challenges of urban growth are more pressing than ever. How we plan, build, and optimise our urban environments will define the future health and prosperity of our communities. To ensure that cities are not only smarter but also more resilient and equitable, innovative approaches to policy making, urban planning and development are essential. 

The 2025 Human Cities Summit brings together over 300 representatives from urban development, planning, construction, engineering, government, community groups, the arts, business and academia to ask; 
How we can reimage our cities in a generation?

From transport, climate resilience and cutting-edge technology to social infrastructure and affordable housing, this event will provide a comprehensive look at the strategies, solutions, local and global best practice shaping Australian cities of tomorrow. 

Building on the success of CEDA’s annual National Infrastructure Conference, this new look event is set to become the premier forum for discussing the future of Australian cities. 




Hear from our compelling line up of leading experts, policymakers and innovators.


Confirmed speakers include:

The Hon. Paul Scully MP

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

Karen Walsh

National CEO, Shelter

Tim Reardon

Chief Commissioner, Infrastructure Australia

Michael Rodrigues

24-Hour Commissioner

Melinda Cilento

Chief Executive, CEDA

Danika Adams

Senior Economist, CEDA

The Hon. Paul Scully MP

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

Karen Walsh

National CEO, Shelter

Tim Reardon

Chief Commissioner, Infrastructure Australia

Michael Rodrigues

24-Hour Commissioner

Melinda Cilento

Chief Executive, CEDA

Danika Adams

Senior Economist, CEDA


Key themes:
Key themes for discussion include: 

Smart and
data driven cities


Transport infrastructure


Addressing the
housing crisis


Building climate
resilient cities


Cities with soul:
supporting creative economies


Regional cities


Social infrastructure


Public-private partnerships
& alternative investment models


Bold thinking:
The big ideas reshaping
cities in a generation



"The US election result 
served as another reminder 
that economic growth and 
development must bring 
tangibly better living standards 
and wellbeing to people."

CEDA CEO, MELINDA CILENTO



"The US election result 
served as another reminder 
that economic growth and 
development must bring 
tangibly better living standards 
and wellbeing to people."

CEDA CEO, MELINDA CILENTO


SUPPORTING CEDA TO DRIVE THESE DISCUSSIONS

MAJOR SPONSOR

Sponsorship opportunities available.