Melbourne Assembly live: World-leading thinkers spark crucial conversations about the city’s future

Professor Carolyn Evans, the new University of Melbourne vice chancellor, will deliver the opening address in one of the first public speaking engagements in her new role.

One of Australia’s most decorated journalists, The Age’s investigative reporter Nick McKenzie, will address the conference.

The forum’s keynote speakers, former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and 15-minute city pioneer, Professor Carlos Moreno, will then take centre stage in conversation with The Age’s Victorian affairs editor Annika Smethurst.

Smethurst will lead another discussion, with Evans and John Harnden, chief executive of Melbourne Park, followed by a Q&A session with all four opening night speakers.

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Melbourne Assembly keynote speakers, Bill de Blasio and Carlos Moreno, toured the city earlier today.

Watch the video below to see what these leading urbanists thought of Federation Square – the central CBD spot that’s been dividing opinions since it opened in 2002.

As we discuss the future of Melbourne, the most important voice is yours.

We invite you to share your experiences, vision, and solutions for a better Melbourne.

You might have an idea about the future of education and innovation, a thought on how we could improve community health and wellness, or a concept for a new arts or sports festival. Whatever your thoughts may be about the city’s future, we’d love to hear from you.

Please share your ideas below.

Here is a look at the opening night of Melbourne Assembly.

Professor Carolyn Evans, the new University of Melbourne vice chancellor, will deliver the opening address in one of the first public speaking engagements in her new role.

One of Australia’s most decorated journalists, The Age’s investigative reporter Nick McKenzie, will address the conference.

The forum’s keynote speakers, former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and 15-minute city pioneer, Professor Carlos Moreno, will then take centre stage in conversation with The Age’s Victorian affairs editor Annika Smethurst.

Smethurst will lead another discussion, with Evans and John Harnden, chief executive of Melbourne Park, followed by a Q&A session with all four opening night speakers.

Welcome to our live coverage of Melbourne Assembly, hosted by The Age and the University of Melbourne.

The milestone three-day public forum, held at The Edge at Federation Square, begins at 6pm today. It brings together world-leading thinkers, key decision-makers and the community to shape our city’s future.

Keynote speakers, former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and world-leading urban planning expert and 15-minute city pioneer, Professor Carlos Moreno, will share their vision at the opening session, alongside Carolyn Evans, the new Melbourne University vice chancellor.

At a conference featuring compelling talks, panel discussions, and audience Q&As, key leaders will confront the friction between rapid growth and liveability across four critical pillars: shaping the city, innovation and education, healthy places and people, and sport and the arts.