Vienna Connect Budapest 2026

The event brought together experts, decision-makers, academics, representatives of local governments and civil society organisations to discuss how urban development can incorporate different perspectives and create cities that are safer, fairer and more inclusive for everyone. The conference also provided an opportunity to exchange national and international experiences, successful approaches and ideas for potential new partnerships.

The morning panel discussions focused on gender-sensitive urban planning, the practical implementation of gender budgeting and gender mainstreaming, women's participation in social and local political decision-making processes, and the role of cities as employers and promoters of equal opportunities. The discussions addressed specific urban issues, including the use of public spaces, mobility, perceptions of safety, infrastructure, care work, work-life balance and women's opportunities in the labour market. In the afternoon, the programme featured a stage talk and a workshop for female founders on "Women in Business", organised in cooperation with the Vienna Business Agency and Female Founders.

At a networking event hosted by the City of Vienna's Budapest Office on the eve of the conference under the theme "30 Years of the City of Vienna's International Offices", the focus was on personal exchange and international networking.