Real Estate industry embraces actions to deliver ESG agenda at MIPIM 2023

23,000 delegates representing 90 countries gathered in Cannes for MIPIM, the international real estate event that brings political leaders and the real estate community together to find solutions to the challenges facing the built environment. With the largest delegation since the pandemic, the industry embraced the need to overcome difficulties and deliver positive change for people, communities and the planet.

Led by higher attendances from the France, UK, Germany, and Italy delegations, the 32nd edition of MIPIM saw a 15% increase in visitors and exhibitors compared with 2022. European delegates at MIPIM 2023 were joined by representatives from Japan, Canada, the USA, Brazil, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, amongst others, making MIPIM a truly global event. Cities and countries showcased pioneering new opportunities to improve urban planning and advance greater sustainability and prosperity.

Nicolas Kozubek, MIPIM Director, said: “In an uncertain global environment, MIPIM acts as a catalyst for innovation and a focal point for the transformation of real estate. More than ever, we experienced an incredible energy from political leaders, investors and the wider real estate community that are collaborating to create better, more sustainable buildings and places. With the decarbonisation of cities foremost on the agenda this year, MIPIM has signed the Road to Zero Alliance together with fellow real estate leaders to affirm our sustainability commitments. We’re excited to continue these endeavours at MIPIM New York in November.”

Senior political, economic and environmental leaders including Jeremy Rifkin, an American economic and social theorist, Christophe Béchu, Minister for Ecological and Territorial Cohesion of France, Olivier Klein, Minister Delegate for Urban Affairs and Housing of France, Cristina Gamboa, World Green Building Council, and Lord Dominic Johnson CBE, UK Investment Minister, spoke to the world’s real estate community, bringing unique insights about global challenges and their plans for tackling them.

Lord Dominic Johnson CBE, Minister for Investment - Department for Business and Trade, UK, commented: “With the majority of UK real estate capital coming from overseas, it’s vital that we remind global investors of the UK’s leading position as an investment destination. MIPIM is the perfect place to source investment.”

76 of the world's top 100 investment managers, advising on €4 trillion of assets, took part in a dynamic new format of MIPIM exhibitions, discussions and panel talks, including Isabelle Scemama, global head at investment manager AXA IM Alts, as well as Commerz Real’s chief executive, Henning Koch.

The new Road to Zero area combined 400 sqm of exhibition, networking and conference space with a focus on groundbreaking methods to decarbonise the real estate industry. As part of this ongoing decarbonisation journey, MIPIM has signed up to the “Road to Zero Alliance” of high-profile businesses, including PWC and real estate investment trust Icade, to take faster, more effective action.

MIPIM 2023 also saw the launch of the popular Co-Liv Summit, held in response to the growth in alternative ways of living. The new Infrastructure Stage highlighted the urgent need to consider every aspect of the urban realm in a holistic way, addressing the impact of water, energy, data centres and transport on property development.

These crucial conversations will continue at MIPIM Asia on 5-6 December in Hong Kong and the recently launched MIPIM New York (MIPIM NY) on 29-30 November in the US. Organised in partnership with MetaProp, MIPIM NY will be a complementary event to MIPIM, focusing on sustainability, data ethics, urban planning, ESG, innovation, and more.

MIPIM returns to the Palais des Festivals in Cannes 12-15 March 2024.