São Paulo: 8th São Paulo City Conference

The 8th São Paulo City Conference consisted of a broad participatory process held in 2025 with the objective of formulating proposals for the sustainable and inclusive urban development of Brazil’s largest metropolis. In a context marked by the revival of national conferences, the initiative mobilized more than 3,500 people at Pacaembu Stadium to deliberate on key themes such as housing, mobility, sanitation, climate change, and democratic governance.

The innovative methodology was structured in territorial and municipal stages. Initially, 15 Regional Meetings ensured broad territorial coverage of the debate, reaching residents from peripheral neighborhoods and historically marginalized groups. These contributions were compiled in the “Official Notebook of the 8th Conference,” which presented 27 priority guidelines, strengthening the technical debate for the final stage. Inclusion was a central pillar of the process, with gender parity in the organization, accessibility through Brazilian Sign Language (Libras), and reserved seats for diverse social groups, ensuring that the diversity of São Paulo was represented.

The process resulted in the election of 270 delegates for the higher stages and in the consolidation of proposals that will influence the new National Urban Development Policy. More than an isolated event, the Conference strengthened participatory democracy by institutionalizing dialogue between government and civil society. Through this articulation, São Paulo reaffirmed its role as a center of innovation in urban policy, demonstrating that planning for large cities can—and should—be built collectively, transparently, and with resilience in the face of contemporary social and environmental challenges.

More information:
https://conferenciadacidade.prefeitura.sp.gov.br/