The congress aims to be "the place to collectivize urban strength, increase the strength of cities, identify business opportunities, establish partnerships and contribute to enact common policies. A place to share research, good practices and common solutions, achieved through an effective collaboration". From the organization they explain that "we must give cities a powerful global voice, as well as an innovative platform for common urban action".

The event is the meeting point for governments, companies, entrepreneurs and research centers, where cities meet with other cities, show their projects and find new solutions and where companies do business.

The 2016 edition hosted 16,688 attendees and 420 speakers from more than 600 cities, reaffirming itself as the leading global event for cities.

Until September 4, there are various open calls for participation in the 2017 edition: awards and solutions. The call to participate as the speaker has already closed.

The registration is already open and there are different types of tickets.