Addressing the Housing Affordability Challenge: A Shared Responsibility
On World Cities Day, Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, presents some recommendations on how to ensure affordable, accessible, and adequate housing for all.
Urban & Metropolitan Governance
Unplanned Housing in Bangladesh: The Problem with Housing Societies
When the government can’t provide sufficient housing, private co-operatives seem like a good idea – until they are not. Dr Mohammad Rezaul Karim provides a rare insight into the housing situation in urban Bangladesh and the consequences of unplanned housing.
An Epidemic Might Cure Venice
Researchers from MIT Civic Data Design Lab investigate Venice's tourism dynamics by employing spatial data on urban form and tourist facilities. Their goal is to envision what Venice's post-pandemic urban life could look like.
More Inclusive Cities for a Better Urban Future: Participatory Planning in Indonesia
Participatory budgeting in Indonesia is not new, but policy makers still rarely consult with citizens on large-scale urban projects – even though it leads to better and more sustainable results. John Taylor and Ahmad Rifai make a strong case for embracing people-based budgets.
Inclusive Policies need Inclusive Policymaking – Participatory Budgeting in Cameroon
Participatory Budgeting bridges the gap between governments and their people. Jules Dumas Nguebou and Achille Noupéou uncover what happens when disadvantaged Cameroonians suddenly have a say over city spending.
Bangladesh: In Quest of a Decentralised Local Representative Bodies
Are local government bodies in Bangladesh fully empowered? Dr Mohammad Tarikul Islam investigates this question and makes a case for strengthening local leadership through ensuring funds and participation.
Equity and Access in Times of Pandemic
The COVID-19 outbreak poses a severe threat to global health and the provision of city services, especially affecting persons with disabilities and older persons. Luis Artieda on challenges and ideas how to tackle them.
Towards Pan-African Spaces of Publics
African cities need to develop unique, context-sensible conceptions of public space, argues Ayanda Roji.
Restoring our Sound Equilibrium: Fighting Noise Pollution in Mexico City
Noise is one of the top environmental hazards. Facing ever-growing cities, one wonders: is there anything we can do? Yes, there is. Jimena de Gortari Ludlow, expert in urban acoustics, examines the unique soundscape of the world’s fifth largest city and offers practical solutions.
An Opportunity to Reshape the World in the Aftermath of the Pandemic – The UCLG Dialogue for the Post-COVID Era
Acknowledging that the international system needs to change substantially, United Cities and Local Governments Secretary General presents the organisation's political charter for a world after the pandemic.
Categorising South Africa’s Resilient Urbanisms
Urban planning during the apartheid regime specifically designed cities to displace and separate. Ngaka Mosiane, Mamokete Matjomane, and Avhatakali Sithagu argue for a concept of spatial culture that captures this particularity of South Africa's resilient urban history.
Migrants Hold the Key to Urban Resilience and COVID-19 Recovery
Migrants are critical to the resilience of cities all over the world and simultaneously some of the most vulnerable urban dwellers when disaster strikes. Michele Acuto and Daniel Pejic from Connected Cities Lab explain why addressing urban migrant vulnerability strengthens the resilience of cities and fast-tracks our recovery from COVID-19.
Kampala’s Inspiring Journey Towards a Cycling-Friendly City
Uganda’s capital leads the way towards an increasingly popular mode of transportation: biking. In times of urbanisation, recent policies indicate a shift towards greater sustainability. Amanda Ngabirano, Vice President of the World Cycling Alliance, highlights the developments in the city of seven hills.
Designing Streets for People, not for Cars: The Case of Khartoum
Rapid urbanisation does not have to be a problem as long as we commit to the development of sustainable public spaces. Khalafalla Omer highlights the situation in Khartoum and how urban interventions may improve the future of Sudan’s capital.
Cooperatively Recovering Water as an Urban Common
Water as a common resource that no one should derive profit from – an idea that stands in crass contrast to privatising urban water management. Kostas Nikolaou, professor and activist with the Greek water movement K136, portrays their successful fight against privatisation.