It was organised by the Engaged Centre for Innovative Universities as a network to collectively address complex research challenges related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11): "Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable". 

Across the ECIU network, university research is presented as challenge-based, use-inspired and to be conducted in collaborative teams of universities, NGOs, industry, government, and civil society to drive social impact. This strongly aligns with QCAP's work which is underpinned by the need to support place-based partners and communities across Belfast through academic research, engagement, and impact.

Chaired by Prof. Ronnie Munck from Dublin City University, the keynote panel offered QCAP the opportunity to showcase to a global audience its approach to engaged research based on its practical experiences to date and reflect on what is needed to help academic institutions facilitate more effective models of public engagement. QCAP also distilled this contribution to the wider conference report through a section that aims to find more workable definitions of university-driven public engagement as well as a better understanding of the challenges and possibilities of working in this space with policymakers and communities.

Further to its contribution to the keynote panel, QCAP attended various sessions, notably on sustainable housing solutions which were delivered by MAD House. The discussion centred on creating regenerative, inclusive, and climate-resilient homes and provided some key learning to transfer back to some of QCAP's programmatic partners such as BUILD and the You're Home project.

Finally, QCAP participated in the wider global interactive forum to discuss common challenges, explore potential collaborations, and contribute to the implementation of shared policies to enhance the resilience of urban communities. As an outworking of this forum, QCAP will explore the feasibility of developing an ECIU all-Ireland network which would include input from engaged researchers working in higher academic institutions like Dublin City University.