Vienna Connect Budapest 2026

29. - 30.9.2026

The International Offices of the City of Vienna, a Wien Holding company, organised the conference "Women & the City – Gender Perspectives in Urban Development" on 30 September in cooperation with the City of Budapest. Experts, decision-makers, academics, representatives of local governments and civil society organisations discussed how urban development can incorporate different perspectives and create cities that are safer, fairer and more inclusive for everyone. This benefits all city residents.

The conference took place as part of the Budapest Democracy Festival. Another important milestone was Budapest's announcement of its intention to join the European city network FemCities. The Budapest City Assembly had previously approved the city's accession on 25 September. The initiative to join the network came from the International Office of the City of Vienna in Budapest. FemCities promotes the international exchange of good practices at municipal level and cooperation between cities, with the aim of advancing gender equality and improving women's quality of life in the long term.

More Gender-Sensitive Urban Planning – Better Quality of Life

The morning panel discussions focused on gender-sensitive urban planning, the practical implementation of gender budgeting and gender mainstreaming, and women's participation in social and local political decision-making processes. Elke Hanel-Torsch, Executive City Councillor for Housing, Housing Construction, Urban Renewal and Women's Issues of the City of Vienna, emphasised the importance of broad public support in her speech: "If we want our measures to create a city that is fair to women to succeed, we must convince the entire population. And that is exactly what we are doing." Mayor of Budapest Gergely Karácsony also highlighted this aspect in his opening address: "In Budapest, we support all initiatives that make a tangible contribution to helping women feel more comfortable and safer in the city, thereby improving the well-being of society as a whole."

Participants were presented with concrete approaches and experiences from both cities. These included Europe's first women's assemblies, established in two districts of Budapest, as well as projects promoting sustainable economic practices and the circular economy. The morning panels explored how different perspectives could be better integrated into municipal planning and decision-making processes. These discussions were further developed in closed workshops in the afternoon.

Women in the Urban Economy

The city's role as an employer and a promoter of equal opportunities was another key focus of the conference. "Equipping women with the necessary skills and knowledge and providing them with equal opportunities is a crucial factor in the positive economic development of European metropolitan areas," emphasised Deputy Mayor of Vienna Barbara Novak.

Practical advice for women looking to start their own businesses was provided at the side event "Unlocking the Power of the Female Economy", organised by the Vienna Business Agency and Female Founders. Experts, representatives of business agencies and chambers of commerce, as well as women entrepreneurs from Vienna and Budapest, examined current challenges facing women in leadership positions and explored innovative approaches.

The conference provided an opportunity to exchange national and international experiences, share successful approaches and explore opportunities for new partnerships.

Vienna Connect

With Vienna Connect, the International Offices of the City of Vienna have introduced a flexible and dynamic format on behalf of the City of Vienna to strengthen Vienna's international positioning as a business and innovation hub. Experts from Vienna contribute their expertise wherever relevant discussions are taking place – at international conferences, within strategic networks and through direct dialogue with partner cities. The format serves as a platform that is open to a wide range of topics, encourages dialogue and adapts to changing circumstances. In this way, Vienna drives new initiatives, strengthens existing partnerships and builds new connections.

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