Dec 04 | 2025
For over 20 years, Nordic City Network has worked to strengthen democracy, quality of life, and resilience in Nordic cities by exploring themes such as the third urban space, co-creation, and urban activities. After careful consideration, the board has concluded that the network can no longer continue in its current form, and we have therefore decided to conclude NCN’s work.
Nov 29 | 2025
Future urban development requires a shift in mindset toward reuse, flexibility, and systemic solutions, supported by strong collaboration and long-term political commitment. Climate, social, and economic resilience depend on proactive investment, citizen engagement, and integrated strategies that prioritize wellbeing, equity, and nature-based approaches. Above all, cities must move beyond siloed efforts to create adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable systems that thrive over time.
Nov 28 | 2025
The Bauhaus Goes North project, funded by Interreg NPA aims to bring the New European Bauhaus (NEB) concept to life in the Northern and Arctic regions of the Nordics, promoting circularity in construction and creating sustainable, inclusive, and beautiful living environments.
Nov 23 | 2025
During the three days in Linköping, many politicians from our member cities participated, contributing to deeper discussions and interesting exchanges throughout the different parts of the lab. On the final day, politicians from across the Nordic countries gathered for a conversation about the municipality’s role in the urban development of the future.
Nov 17 | 2025
Anne Juel Andersen, Architect at the Municipality of Aalborg, contributed with useful observations during the NCN Jubilee Lab in Linköping. Here is a summary of her key takeaways.
Nov 11 | 2025
During the NCN Jubilee Lab in Linköping, Søren contributed with valuable insights on the future of urban development. Here is a summary of his key takeaways.
Nov 04 | 2025
The Swedish politician Mauri Hultgren contributed with her view on future urban development during the NCN Jubilee Lab in Linköping. Here is a quote from Mari.
Nov 03 | 2025
This year, Linköping invited Nordic City Network to celebrate its anniversary and to explore the theme of the cohesive city. Through the two cases, Stångebro and Skäggetorp, participants examined how the development of two neighborhoods with completely different conditions can help reduce both mental and physical distances within the city. Explore Linköping’s main insights from the lab:
Oct 30 | 2025
During the second and third day of the lab in Linköping, participants worked on two cases related to the theme “cohesive city.” Below is a summary of the municipality’s key takeaways from the results of the group work on the cases of Stångebro och Skäggetorp.
Oct 07 | 2025
The board of Nordic City Network (NCN) has published a joint opinion piece in the Swedish architecture journal Arkitekten, titled “Nordic Cities Can Lead the Way – Together”. The article is a call to action for stronger political leadership, cross-sectoral cooperation, and a renewed commitment to inclusive and sustainable city-making.
Sep 20 | 2025
This year marks 20 years of collaboration and knowledge exchange within Nordic City Network. To celebrate, we’re hosting an anniversary conference in Linköping. One of our inspiring speakers is Finn Williams, city architect at Malmö City Planning Office. "Finn will contribute with a Nordic perspective and focus on how architecture can be used as a tool for democracy."
Sep 15 | 2025
This year marks 20 years of collaboration and knowledge exchange within Nordic City Network. To celebrate, we’re hosting an anniversary conference in Linköping on October 1st – and you’re warmly invited to join us, free of charge. One of our inspiring speakers is Maria Klint from Dark Matter Labs, who highlights some of the most pressing issues facing Nordic cities.
Sep 10 | 2025
This year marks 20 years of collaboration and knowledge exchange within Nordic City Network. To celebrate, we’re hosting an anniversary conference in Linköping on October 1st. One of the inspiring speakers is Holly Lewis, architect and co-founder of We Made That. She highlights a crucial question for the cities of tomorrow.
Aug 25 | 2025
Lene Mürer, new board member of NCN since earlier this year presents herself and her thoughts on Nordic City Network.
Jun 27 | 2025
This spring, Gehl hosted two sessions based on the material gathered by the member cities – exploring the theme of resilience. Get the key takeaways from Gehl on the meetings here — and don’t miss the next opportunity on August 28!
Jun 23 | 2025
On September 8–9, Nordic City Network through chairman Marcus Horning will take part in the Rethink Cities Summit in Sønderborg — spotlighting Nordic perspectives. Curious about our contribution and the conference?
Jun 20 | 2025
Jun 11 | 2025
In an opinion piece in Altinget, the NCN board writes that despite increasing national protectionism and unstable global cooperation, Nordic cities must continue to lead the way in fostering a positive outlook for the future and solving challenges together.
May 19 | 2025
Get the key Takeaways from the first reference group meeting on the joint analysis.
May 12 | 2025
Get the key takeaways from the first board meeting with the new board!
Apr 30 | 2025
We're excited to announce that we have a new board for the Nordic City Network! Get the update here.
Apr 28 | 2025
In 2025, a reference group consisting of some of the network's members will work on deepening the analysis of the material we have collected in our project on contemporary Nordic urban development.
Apr 24 | 2025
Are you part of the academia? Or do you know of any individuals in academia who could contribute to our analysis?
Apr 11 | 2025
Read more about the concept of this years lunch inspiration meetings.
Apr 10 | 2025
Read more about the status of our project Contemporary Nordic Urban Development and a great offer for new members.
Mar 27 | 2025
October 1st to 3rd, Nordic City Network invites both our members and external participants to celebrate our 20th anniversary and analyze contemporary Nordic urban development. Read more about the program here!
Feb 19 | 2025
Get the latest news from the first Members meeting and Board meeting of the year.
Jan 20 | 2025
In this conclusion, you'll gain insights from the past NCN year, featuring perspectives from the NCN secretariat, Gehl, Lund Municipality and Nordregio.
Jan 20 | 2025
Get the reflections from Gehl on the “morning inspiration” arranged by NCN during 2024.
Jan 20 | 2025
September 25-27th, the network gathered in Lund for the annual Lab. Read more about the thoughts and takeaways from Nordregio and the host city.
Jan 20 | 2025
Nordic City Network celebrates its 20th anniversary! We will mark this occasion by taking the pulse of contemporary Nordic urban development. Read more about the start-up in 2024 of this new project and the plans for 2025.
Dec 06 | 2024
September 25-27th, the network gathered in Lund for our exciting annual Lab. For three days, we took off our urban glasses to explore how the village of Genarp can develop into a vibrant and sustainable community. How does rural development differ from urban development? And what can we learn from it? Read more about the Lab here!
Dec 06 | 2024
Nordic City Network turns 20 years old and we will celebrate this in 2025! During the year we will explore where the Nordic urban development stands today, what has changed in the last 10 years and what the future looks like. Read more here about the anniversary and the project New Nordic Urban development!
Dec 06 | 2024
During the autumn three board meetings were held. Here you can find some of the points the board would like to communicate!
Nov 05 | 2024
Susanne Lykkegaard Ryding, new board member of NCN since earlier this year presents herself and her thoughts on Nordic City Network.
Oct 21 | 2024
Next up in Meet the Board is Anna Flatholm, City Architect of Umeå, sharing her thoughts on NCN.
Oct 09 | 2024
Birita Wardum, new board member of NCN since earlier this year presents herself and her thoughts on Nordic City Network.
Jun 18 | 2024
In 2025, Nordic City Network has its 20th anniversary. Read more about the upcoming celebration.
Jun 15 | 2024
The NCN publication 450 byprojekter celebrates 10 years and lot has happened since then. Where does the Nordic urban development stand today, compared to 10 years ago? Read more about the update that is underway.
Jun 12 | 2024
The second members' meeting of the year was held June 11th. Together with the new board of NCN, the first half of 2024 was summed up and upcoming events were discussed - read more about it here.
Jun 06 | 2024
Three inspiring morning meetings have been arranged during the spring with lots of participants. But what do we take with us from these meetings? Read more here in the summary from Gehl!
May 08 | 2024
The third board meeting of the year took place in May, and the board would particularly like to communicate the following:
Mar 25 | 2024
We are so pleased to reveal that this year's Lab will take place in Lund September 25-27th. The secretariat and our friends in Lund are in full swing with the planning of it all.
Mar 12 | 2024
In 2024, the Nordic City Network is exploring the theme of ‘Livable and vibrant cities – How do we develop attractive cities and urban environments?’ On March 5th, the first morning meeting of this spring delved into the question of how we create lively city centers.
Feb 16 | 2024
The first board meeting of the year took place in January, and the board would particularly like to communicate the following:
Feb 16 | 2024
Time flies! Celebrating its tenth anniversary, NCN's publication "450 Byprojekter" showcases the evolution of Nordic cities from industrial communities to post-industrial urban societies.
Feb 16 | 2024
In 2024, attractive and sustainable urban environments are the focus of NCN. Under the title “Levande byer – hvordan udvikler vi attraktive byer og bymiljø?” we will hear nine different lecturers in three morning meetings. The aim of the morning inspiration is to make us wiser on how to develop more livable city centers, districts and regions.
Feb 16 | 2024
In 2024, the Secretariat will consist of a blend of familiar and fresh leadership, steered by AFRY.
Nov 07 | 2023
Next up in the series Meet the Board of NCN is Marcus Horning, Director of City Planning in Malmö stad, sharing his thoughts on learning and sharing, as well as the future and development of Nordic City Network
Nov 07 | 2023
Rune Brandt, new board member of NCN since earlier this year presents himself and his thoughts on his biggest contribution of the development of Nordic City Network.
Nov 07 | 2023
Hi Alisa Basic, new board member of NCN since earlier this year! We would like to know you a bit more and hear your thoughts on your biggest contributions to come of the development of Nordic City Network.
Jul 04 | 2023
Carl Arnö, chairman of Nordic City Network on his contribution to the network, and what he likes to most about NCN
Jul 04 | 2023
At the third, and last, morning meeting of the year, we explored and experienced this year's theme 'Neighbourhood development - how do we ensure inclusive and healthy neighbourhoods?' through focusing on partnerships for health and well-being.
May 23 | 2023
To further reach out and connect with our network and members we recently launched our own LinkedIn page. The plan is to showcase and share good examples of sustainability an urban planning between members and to grow our community. Please join us!
May 23 | 2023
At the first morning meeting of 2023, we discussed different urban strategic approaches to neighbourhood development.
Mar 10 | 2023
As a follow-up to the theme and the discussions in 2022, NCN will in 2023 continue to focus on health and social inclusion, and how this can be done more concretely through urban planning.
Mar 10 | 2023
In the spirit of sharing, exploring and learning, Nordic City Network has hosted a series of digital Morning Meetings as well as an urban lab in Västerås throughout 2022.
Mar 10 | 2023
One of the conclusions from last year is that there is a need for an even greater degree of understanding of the local context, the potential that exists locally - and how that knowledge can be included and used in development processes.
Nov 11 | 2022
In mid-November, the board met in Trondheim for its annual strategy day.
Oct 17 | 2022
On September 27th-29th we meet in Västerås to discuss the development of a safe inclusive City Center.
Oct 03 | 2022
In connection with the lab in Västerås, the board held its fourth meeting for this year. On the agenda were, among other things, new members, planning of the board’s strategy day and VAT on membership fees.
Sep 30 | 2022
In connection with the lab in Västerås, the local newspaper published an article about the event.
Jun 28 | 2022
At the beginning of June, Nordic City Network participated in City expot H22 in Helsingborg at Nordregio's seminar on the theme "Successfully implementing Agenda 2030". The seminar is part of the international conference Urban Future.
Jun 28 | 2022
During the autumn, Gehl will work on compiling a conclusion of this year's themes and the discussions that have taken place during the year in labs and morning meetings. The conclusion will be presented at the end of the year at a digital launch meeting where we will discuss the result. Both the network and external guests will be invited to the meeting.
Jun 22 | 2022
Nordic matchmaking activities coming up in October: Share your knowledge and learn from others!
Jun 21 | 2022
The series of morning meetings in 2022 is now over. Under the heading ‘Health and social cohesion’, we have held three morning meetings, where we have delved into issues of inclusion, social mix, health culture in urban planning, and most recently housing policy and segregation.
Jun 03 | 2022
On May 13, Nordic City Network's new board had its first and constituent meeting.
Mar 18 | 2022
Nordregio and the Nordic Council of Ministers welcome you to join five launch events live or digitally as we tour the Nordics on 23 March – The Nordic Day.
Mar 07 | 2022
Den 9 februari höll vi vårens första morgonmöte på tema hur vi planerar för blandning och jämlikhet.
Feb 03 | 2022
I utlysningen Visioner: i norr har kreativa yrkesgrupper bjudits in till att skissa och diskutera framtidens städer och samhällen. Umeå är en av sex kommuner i Norrbotten och Västerbotten som får chansen att tänka fritt tillsammans med arkitekter, konstnärer och designers i satsningen Visioner: i norr.
Jan 26 | 2022
Den 21 januari höll NCN:s bestyrelse sitt första möte för året. Vi har ett spännande år framåt oss och på agendan stod bl.a. program för morgonmöte, Lab Nordregio och Lab Västerås.
Jan 26 | 2022
Under våren arrangerar Nordregio en webbinarieserie om Agenda 2030 på lokal nivå. Del 1 ordnas den 3 februari och har fokus på styrning och ledarskap: ”How to integrate SDGs and navigate goal conflicts at the local level”.
Jan 24 | 2022
Anmäl dig till ICLEI World Congress 2021-2022: the Malmö Summit som äger rum 11-13 maj 2022. Ett toppmöte med fokus på hur städer världen över driver utvecklingen för en hållbar urban framtid.
Dec 15 | 2021
NCN har genom åren producerat ett stort antal publikationer som utforskat teman som banbrytande byutveckling, urbana fælleskaber och det fjärde stadsrummet. I början av nästa år kommer nätverkets publikationer åter vara tillgängliga på hemsidan.
Dec 15 | 2021
Vid bestyrelsens sista möte för året den 13 december beslutades om budget och verksamhetsplan för 2022.
Dec 15 | 2021
Höstens tredje morgonmöte den 15 dec fokuserade på ensamhet respektive gemenskaps/fællesskabs betydelse för vår hälsa och hur vi kan planera en fysisk miljö som främjar möten och inkludering.
Nov 25 | 2021
Den 7 december kl. 13.30-16.00 bjuder samverkansarenan samhällskontraktet in till seminariet Hur kan framtidens offentliga platser främja hållbart välbefinnande? Samhällskontraktet är en unik samverkansarena där forskare, offentlig sektor, näringsliv, civilsamhälle och invånare möts för att tillsammans hitta lösningar på komplexa frågor.
Nov 03 | 2021
Den 3 november samlades Nordic City Networks bestyrelse under en heldag i Malmö för att planera nästa års verksamhet.
Oct 15 | 2021
Den 12 oktober höll nätverket medlemsmöte. På agendan stod information från bestyrelsen, presentationer av Nordiska ministerrådets arbetsgrupp för hållbara städer och Nordregio samt diskussion om tema och inriktning framåt.
Oct 12 | 2021
I höstens andra morgonmöte på tema hälsa, fördjupar vi oss i grönskans betydelse för vår hälsa/sundhed.
Oct 07 | 2021
I hösten första morgonmöte får vi höra tre olika perspektiv på hur vår omgivning påverkar oss och diskuterar hur framtidens byar kan främja vår hälsa.
Jun 17 | 2021
Den 26 maj höll Nordic City Network sitt andra digitala lab och det första någonsin på den danska västkusten. På temat ”Från vision till verklighet” utforskade vi frågeställningar om politiskt ledarskap, byliv och täthet.
Jun 17 | 2021
Vår nätverksmedlem Umeå tävlar i New European Bauhaus Prize med det arbete de gjorde inom ramen för Nordic City Stories!
Jun 08 | 2021
I början av maj höll Nordic City Networks bestyrelse sitt första (konstituerande) möte. Nedan har ni fem punkter från mötet samt mer information om rollerna i styrelsen.
Jun 08 | 2021
Under våren har nätverket testat digitala morgonmöten som en ny form för kunskapsdelning och inspiration. Morgonmöten har varit ett flexibelt forum där relevanta teman och frågor kan lyftas utifrån behov och intresse hos medlemmarna. Möten har under våren växlat fokus mellan internt erfarenhetsutbyte i nätverket och extern inspiration där professionella utanför nätverket presenterat ett case. Vi kommer att fortsätta med konceptet under hösten bl.a. för att testa teman som vi kan dyka djupare ner i framåt.
Apr 16 | 2021
Nordiska ministerrådets vision för 2030 är att Norden ska bli världens mest hållbara och integrerade region. Därför inleder Nordregio, Nordic City Network och Nordiska Ministerrådets arbetsgrupp för hållbara städer ett samarbete för att främja utbyte mellan forskning, policyutveckling och praktik.
Apr 15 | 2021
Från Akerselva i Oslo till Örebro i Sverige. Genom Jyväskyläs gröna loop till Aalborgs nya park och Elliðaárdalur i Reykjavik. 15 lärande exempel på hur man kan skapa goda livsmiljöer med hjälp av stadsgrönska. Exempelsamlingen är framtagen av Boverket och Nordiska ministerrådets arbetsgrupp för hållbara städer.
Mar 29 | 2021
Den 26 mars höll NCN sitt första digitala morgonmöte! Ämnet för dagen var lärdomar och erfarenheter från de lokala Stories-processerna där Umeå och Malmö delade med sig av resultat och reflektioner.
Mar 15 | 2021
Med overskriften ’Fra vision til virkelighed’ fokuserer vi på de processer, der starter med et overordnet ønske om forandring, og som med en lang række store og små beslutninger skal ende ud i en forandring i fysikken – i den virkelige virkelighed.
Mar 15 | 2021
Nya samhällsutmaningar ställer nya krav på hur vi arbetar och organiserar oss. Nordic City Network har under det senaste året gått mot en mer medlemsdriven och demokratisk organisering. 2021 är det dags att ta ett ytterligare steg i denna riktning!
Mar 15 | 2021
Som supplement til NCN Labs, hvor I som medlemsbyer på skift er vært, vil vi 2021 starte et nyt koncept op, der har til formål løbende at bidrage til faglig inspiration og udveksling i netværket.
Jan 18 | 2021
Join Nordregio's digital launch on 26 January from 13.00-15.00 (CET) of Green Visions: Greenspace Planning and Design in Nordic Cities.
Dec 16 | 2020
Urban communities around the world are facing great challenges in form of climate change, lack of trust in democratic institutions, increasing inequality and health differences. Many actors need to cooperate to adress these complex issues. And to succeed, we need to work together - not just to formulate solutions - but also defining the problems. For 3 years, the member cities of Nordic City Network have focused on seeing, understanding and changing their communities to make them more inclusive, resilient and innovative. Through theses, tests and evaluation, the cities have produced new ideas and methods for urban development. Read more about the conference on November 24th.
Dec 14 | 2020
Henrik Poulsen berättar om bakgrunden till arbetet och de slutsatser han kommit fram till. Hela skriften finns också att ladda ned som pdf.
Dec 10 | 2020
Det var med stor bestörtning som vi i slutet av november mottog beskedet att Dag Johansson, stadsbyggnadsstrateg i Norrköping gått bort. Våra tankar går till Dags nära och kära och till kollegorna i Norrköping. Även i Nordic City Network kommer Dag att lämna ett stort tomrum efter sig.
Dec 02 | 2020
Welcome to a Nordic knowledge-exchange webinar series from December 2020 through February 2021. A series made for you, working with sustainability issues and SDGs in Nordic municipalities or regions – building on last year’s conference on the topic. This time, on behalf of the Nordic Council of Ministers, we invite you to six thematic sessions. Learn and share your experiences – good and bad – on implementing and monitoring select SDGs: from climate and gender to housing and procurement. Our virtual meeting rooms will be open for discussions and networking.
Nov 24 | 2020
The essence of Nordic City Network is sharing, exploring and learning for sustainable cities in the Nordics. We are now developing our organization to be able to include more members!
Nov 23 | 2020
In 2018 Nordic City Network launched the initiative Nordic City Lab focusing on exploring and testing new ways of working, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and co-creation. With the overall aim to support sustainable, innovative and competitive cities across the Nordic region, collaboration and co-creation has been identified as a key parameter to succeed.
Nov 23 | 2020
Engagement is by no means a new thing in the development and planning of cities. In the past decades, the question of how best to do engagement processes has been high up on the agenda in many urban debates.
Nov 17 | 2020
When we tell stories, we engage with each other. Stories are created to evoke feelings and opinions and have the power to be immersive and invite people to take part. Storytelling forges connections among people, and between people and ideas. Stories are used by leaders to influence and inspire.