The Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) and Mayors’ Forum will bring together over 1,000 regional influencers.
With more than 80 Asian cities represented, along with Mayors and CEOs of local government, the Summit is a powerful regional knowledge exchange. In the Asia Pacific region, new city dwellers are expected to number 4 billion over the next 50 years.
Cities in Asia are the heartbeat of communities and home to international students.
The 11-13 October summit is in Brisbane, the host of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The lead-up to the Games will shine a spotlight on Brisbane, Queensland and spread across Australia’s other cities and regional areas, showcasing education offerings.
Australia already punches above its weight. The 2024 QS Best Student Cities rankings show 6 cities in the global top 50:
- Melbourne 4th
- Sydney 7th
- Brisbane =22nd
- Adelaide 26th
- Canberra =30th
- Perth =34th
Coincidently? Sister Cities Australia will also host a conference on 12 October. With a directory (last updated 2021) shows that over 220 Australian city councils have more than 500 collective global sister city relationships, many of these deliver educational partnerships and student outcomes.
Cities are thriving natural ecosystems for international education – key influencers, connectors and contributors to the sector.
The Economist Intelligence Unit 2023 world’s most liveable cities index also places 5 cities in the top 20:
- Melbourne 3rd
- Sydney 4th
- Adelaide =12th
- Perth =12th
- Brisbane 16th
So, it should come as no surprise that Australian cities are on the global stage for education offerings, student experience and liveability.
Many bodies, including Study Queensland with their International Education and Training Strategy 2022-2027, are recognising the power of the cities and regions. This strategic Qld education initiative supports the Queensland-India Trade and Investment Strategy 2023-2027, bolstered through the Brisbane and Hyderabad sister city relationship.
Understanding how cities function, the priorities and aspirations for residents and international engagement is vital to growing educational partnerships, curating the international student experience and highlighting the diplomacy and relational elements of education.
This Summit, a platform for connection, continues the exchange of knowledge through a focus on ‘shaping cities for our future’ and three sub-themes;
- Cities of Connection – Technology, data and the people
- Cities of Sustainability – Adapting to growth, inclusivity and wellbeing
- Cities of Legacy – Creating events for prosperity and longevity
APCS will bring business and industry together to build relationships for the success and future sustainability of cities, the cities that host educational institutions, education partners and prospective students.
Check out the full forum program here.
Fun fact: Between 2016 and 2020, Bundaberg Regional Council was twice awarded Australia’s best sister city relationship with Nanning in southern China.
With Australian #intled folks gathering in Adelaide that same week, you can follow APCS socials via #2023APCS
