The 12th World Urban Forum, hosted in Cairo, brought together global thought leaders, urban planners, and organizations to discuss sustainable and inclusive urbanization. A key highlight of the event was the contribution of the Bartlett School of Planning from University College London (UCL), a leading academic institution known for its research on urban sustainability.
The World Urban Forum serves as a critical platform for engaging with key urban issues, particularly in light of the pressing challenges faced by rapidly growing cities worldwide. This year’s discussions focused on two major themes: resilient urban recovery and sustainable, equitable development. Experts emphasized the need for effective academic collaboration in creating solutions that are not only environmentally sustainable but also inclusive of marginalized communities. The Bartlett School of Planning played an active role in this dialogue by sharing its innovative research on urban regeneration, mobility, and affordable housing.
One of the key takeaways from the forum was the growing recognition that urban sustainability cannot be achieved without addressing the socio-economic inequalities that exist within cities. Urban planning must therefore adopt a holistic approach that integrates social inclusion with environmental protection. For example, the Bartlett team presented case studies that highlighted how cities in the Global South, including India and parts of Africa, are integrating community-driven design principles into their urban planning processes. By giving local communities a voice in the development of their neighborhoods, these cities are fostering more resilient and sustainable urban environments.
In addition, the forum underscored the importance of resilience in urban planning, particularly as cities face increasing threats from climate change, pandemics, and economic disruptions. Urban resilience, according to experts, should be seen not just as an adaptation to climate impacts, but also as a way to ensure that cities remain livable and inclusive for all their residents, especially the vulnerable.
As cities continue to grow and evolve, the collaboration between academic institutions like the Bartlett School of Planning and policymakers will be crucial in crafting solutions that address both climate change and urban inequality. The forum provided a unique opportunity for participants to exchange knowledge and strategies on how to make cities more resilient, sustainable, and equitable for the future.
References:
- “World Urban Forum 12: Reflections on Sustainable Urbanization,” University College London, 2023. Retrieved from ucl.ac.uk
- “The Role of Academic Institutions in Urban Sustainability,” World Urban Forum News, 2023. Retrieved from worldurbanforum.org