Cities are not just built. They are imagined.
In October, I had the privilege of representing The University of Queensland at the Asia Pacific Cities Summit in Dubai, Brisbane City Council’s flagship international event that brought together mayors, innovators, and urban leaders to shape the cities of tomorrow.
Walking through Expo City Dubai, a place designed as a living model of sustainability and innovation, I was struck by how intentional city making can be, when guided by purpose. Being part of this global platform allowed me to share youth perspectives on sustainable innovation and benchmark Brisbane’s journey toward the 2032 Olympics against cities that have already redefined what future ready can look like.
At the Young Professionals Forum, I led discussions on how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and data driven governance, can help public institutions become more transparent, efficient, and citizen focused. Our group collaborated to create practical pathways for integrating circular economy ideas and public and private collaboration into city planning. It was energising to see how young leaders from around the world approached complex challenges with optimism and creativity.
Beyond the formal sessions, I had the opportunity to engage with leaders including the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, the Mayors of Tokyo and Hoima, the Deputy Mayor of New York City, the Chief Executive Officer of Expo City Dubai, and many others. Hearing their perspectives reminded me that even though every city faces unique challenges, the spirit of innovation is universal. A highlight of the summit was the gala dinner hosted by Apparel Group, where conversations about entrepreneurship showed how ambition, scale, and social impact can work together.
This experience reinforced a belief I have carried from my time at UQ and within the Liveris Academy. Young people should not just be consulted; they should be empowered to lead. Brisbane has a valuable opportunity to turn the momentum of 2032 into long term transformation in sustainability, inclusion, and talent development.
Imagine challenges across Brisbane that draw on student innovation, collaboration between universities and local councils, and spaces where young people can speak directly with decision makers. The potential already exists across our campuses and communities. What is needed now is focus, initiative, and the courage to turn that energy into meaningful impact.
I am deeply grateful to the UQ Global Experiences team and the UQ Liveris Academy for making this opportunity possible. Dubai did not just broaden my view of what cities can become. It strengthened my understanding of how imagination, collaboration, and purposeful leadership can turn ideas into places that truly serve people.
