The Cities in Placemaking project brought together 12 European cities to explore placemaking as a strategic tool for addressing urban challenges. Over two years, city representatives engaged in a structured learning programme, identifying best practices and systemic barriers while co-developing a roadmap for integrating placemaking into governance. These cities have come together not just to exchange ideas but to forge a shared roadmap, the Agenda for Making Placemaking Systemic, recognizing that the way we shape and govern public spaces is key to tackling our greatest challenges—from economic exclusion to climate change.

And there was no better place to mark this moment than in The Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice. For decades, The Hague has been a global center for diplomacy, human rights, and conflict resolution. A place of collaboration and civic responsibility, reminding us that cities are not just administrative units but active forces in shaping fairer, more inclusive societies.

A special thanks must go to the 50 civil servants who formed the core of the working group, representing every area of municipal governance—from health to planning to economic development. Their dedication and willingness to push beyond traditional silos have made this programme truly transformative. We are also deeply grateful to the cities that have opened their doors and hosted critical discussions and explorations—what we have called milestones—throughout the programme.