The Berlin Conference on SUMP development and implementation brought together mobility planners, public officials and other stakeholders on 19 and 20 June 2024 in Berlin, Germany, for NaKoMo’s 6th annual conference. Organised by the National Competence Network for Sustainable Mobility, the event served as a forum for exchange across local, state and federal levels in Germany on how to plan and deliver more efficient, affordable, sustainable and accessible transport systems.
The conference focused on sustainable urban mobility planning, with particular attention to the European Commission’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) guidelines. Over two days, participants followed presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions on the practical steps needed to develop and implement SUMPs. The programme addressed both strategic planning and operational issues, including how mobility policy can improve quality of life, create more people-oriented public spaces and support functional urban areas.
Other topics reflected the broader implementation challenges cities face: public participation and communication, the use of data and indicators for monitoring and evaluation, forecasting future mobility needs, and institutional cooperation across administrative levels. The event was designed for professionals involved in urban mobility policy and planning, as well as decision-makers and practitioners working on local and regional transport systems.
Germany’s Federal Minister for Digital and Transport, Dr. Volker Wissing, delivered the keynote speech. He underlined that effective urban mobility planning requires tailored solutions and coordination across all modes of transport, and said that public involvement is essential.
The European Commission’s Urban Mobility Observatory highlighted the conference as a practical exchange on SUMP development rather than a policy showcase, with emphasis on implementation, governance and citizen engagement.