This week, London became the meeting place for a new global conversation about the future of cities.

It was a privilege to welcome leaders from across the built environment to Guildhall for the inaugural Built World Summit, held in association with the Office for Investment, City of London, the Mayor of London, London & Partners, and Opportunity London. Opened by Dan Labbad, Chief Executive of The Crown Estate, the Summit marked the next chapter in NLA's year-round Built World Exchange programme.

What made the day so significant was not simply the calibre of those in the room. From leading global investors to partners including Arup, Gensler, JLL, Places for London and Savills, there was a shared recognition that the challenges facing our cities can no longer be tackled in isolation. Housing, climate resilience, infrastructure, health and economic growth all demand a more joined-up approach from everyone involved in shaping the built environment.

That shared ambition was reflected in the signing of the Built World Declaration. Alongside NLA, leading organisations from across Europe, the UK and North America, including EPRA, Fondation Palladio, ULI and RE-UK, committed to a common vision for the future of cities and a more collaborative approach to shaping them. More than a statement of intent, the Declaration reflects an ambition for the built environment to speak with a stronger, more unified voice as we enter a new development cycle focused on adaptation, resilience and long-term stewardship.

For NLA, this is only the beginning. Through the Built World Exchange and future Built World Summits, we will continue to convene the global conversation from London. We will bring together international leaders, ideas and partnerships, foster greater collaboration and shared learning, and help build a common narrative about the vital role the built environment plays in creating prosperous, resilient and inclusive cities.

The conversations we've started are only the beginning. By continuing to work together across disciplines, organisations and borders, we have a genuine opportunity to shape better places, stronger cities and a more sustainable future.

I hope you'll join us for the next Built World Summit on 5 July 2027 as we continue to grow this international platform together.

I look forward to continuing that journey with you.

Nick McKeogh
Chief Executive, NLA