On November 18, 2025, the LivCom Forum & Finals Opening Ceremony was held in Avcilar Istanbul. Senior officials from multiple UN agencies, international organizations and the Avcilar Municipality, along with delegates from dozens of shortlisted countries attended the ceremony.

The 23rd LivCom Finals & Forum focus on the 'Urban Culture Innovation,' featuring 3-day activities including Finals presentations, technical conference, and UN training programme.

 

Opening Ceremony & Welcome Gala Dinner

Remarks by Rep of Mr.Yuksel CAN, Acting Mayor of Avcilar

Address by Angela Kane, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations & LivCom Chair

Senior representatives from UNESCO, UNCRD, UN-INIA, CEDARE, UCLG, local governments, and universities delivered speeches at the forum.

Arab Hoballah, LivCom Jury Chair, introduces the judging panel.

Entertainment Performance

Civic gifts exchange between LivCom delegates with vice mayors and senior officials of Avcilar

LivCom 2025 will be co-organized by the LivCom Committee, the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP), the International Institute on Ageing/INIA (United Nations-Malta), the United Nations Center for Regional Development (UNCRD), the UNESCO International Center for Human Sciences (UNESCO-CISH), the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), the Centre for Environment and Development for the Arab Region & Europe (CEDARE). The event is also supported by UNESCO-MOST BRIDGES, UN-Habitat, and Alanya University. A total of 30 cities and 38 projects from 35 countries have been invited to participate in the Finals both physically and virtually.