BELFAST City Council brought a campaign to secure more powers to Stormont.
The debate at Parliament Buildings on Monday comes after councillors and officials last month travelled to London to call for a new "city deal", which would include an enterprise zone for Belfast, more access to borrowing and regeneration capabilities.
They attended a meeting in Westminster where they raised concerns that the city could lose out unless it is granted greater economic powers by the executive and government.
The council said Monday's debate focused on Belfast's ambition and energy but also how it needs to improve its competitiveness.
Council chief executive Suzanne Wylie said: "Belfast has always had distinguished history as a pioneering city - it now needs to take its place as a modern, international city that can successfully compete with others in global trade networks.
"Just like Manchester and Glasgow, we need to champion Belfast to have more powers to grow and prosper, to attract investors whilst also improving the lives of everyone in the city.
"Belfast certainly has the assets, the opportunity and the political will to implement a radical agenda for change that will transform the lives of those living in the city and further afield."
