The role of cities as agents of transformation is becoming increasingly pivotal as the world's population concentrates in urban areas. According to a United Nations forecast, by 2050, 75% of the global population will reside in cities. This makes urban centres critical in shaping both current and future social-economic and ecological developments. Cities are at the forefront of establishing new norms for prosperity, governance, and civic participation, and they are pioneering paths towards a fair, ecological, and innovative society. In the face of global challenges, including the climate crisis, war, social polarisation, and widening social inequalities, it is essential to harness the creative and catalytic potential of cities as urban areas are central to the socio-ecological transformation. To fully leverage their potential, strategic transnational exchanges on common challenges and best practices are crucial. This session aims to provide a space for such an exchange and to offer suggestions in the conceptualisation and implementation of social and ecological policy transformation measures.