WUF12
WUF12: It all starts at home
Can 24,000 minds solve the world's urban woes? Laura Puttkamer delves into WUF12's ambitious agenda in Cairo, where gender parity and African voices took centre stage in reimagining our cities' future.
UNEA-6
Where the Rubber Hits the Road: Localising Climate Action in Cities
Since COP28 in Dubai in December 2023, the role of cities and local governments in implementing climate and sustainability goals has come to the forefront. At the recently concluded United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 6) in Nairobi, the Cities Summit on February 23rd focused on localising climate action, Laura Puttkamer reports.
COP28
Cities and Climate Change: The Buildings Breakthrough at COP28
The way we build our cities now will determine future emissions. Read Laura Puttkamer’s insight report from COP28 on the role of cities in battling climate change.
cop27
Policy and Financing for Net Zero Carbon Buildings: Insights from COP27
November 17 was Solutions Day at the recent climate conference COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. To discuss how to combine financial modalities with city-level policies to facilitate public and private investment in low- and zero-carbon buildings, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development co-hosted an event with the Cities Climate Finance Leadership Alliance. By Laura Puttkamer
WORLD URBAN FORUM
World Urban Forum 11: Now is the Time to Transform National Urban Policies into Local Action
Laura Puttkamer concludes URBANET’s spotlight on the eleventh session of the World Urban Forum in Katowice, Poland.
From Timber Cities to Integrated Urban Planning – How to Make Our Cities More Climate-Friendly
The 11th of November was Cities Day at the recent climate conference COP26 in Glasgow. Together with BMZ and Cities Alliance, GIZ organised an event entitled “Cities built4climate – Shaping the global transformation in construction”. Considering that the construction sector is responsible for about 40 per cent of global CO2 emissions, it is particularly relevant to find ways to cut down emissions in construction.
Localising SDG 11 Through Inspirational Advocacy
Can design drive positive change? This was the question at the core of London’s Design Biennale 2021. Laura Puttkamer was there and gives you the latest on the future of the urban designs that are here to change the world.
Gamification in Urban Planning: Participation Through Minecraft
Minecraft is one of the most popular computer games in the world. Like a virtual version of Lego, it invites players to create their own world of buildings, villages, and other spatial elements. Every month, more than 110 million people play Minecraft – but did you know that it can also be used for urban planning?
Creating Culturally Vivid Urban Spaces and Places – Lessons from the 10th World Urban Forum
In February 2020, one of the most important events for urban planners took place: The 10th World Urban Forum. This year, it was Abu Dhabi’s turn to host the conference with an attendance of about 13,000 international guests and the theme “Cities of Opportunity: Connecting Culture and Innovation”. While one might argue that cities have more pressing issues to tackle these days, such as climate change, inequality, or immigration, there were some interesting lessons to be learned, Laura von Puttkamer reports from Abu Dhabi.
Building Community in the East of Mexico City
In neglected parts of Mexico City, the work of the NGO ENSAMBLE shows how investing into community and togetherness can change poor urban areas for the better, including all residents in a highly participative process.
Reviving the City: How an Asphalt Plant Turned Into a Public Park
In Mexico City, residents organised to convince the city government to build a public park instead of developing an area for office buildings. The Parque Imán can serve as an example for successfully greening neighbourhoods, and reclaiming public space in a participatory and transparent manner.