Engage, Innovate, Empower, Redefining Urban Planning Through Inclusive and Collective Community Engagement

In a time where cities are facing challenges associated with high urbanization rate at which urban expansion is defeating plans for urban development and the ability to finance infrastructure and housing projects, the need for responsive and inclusive urban planning remains evident. Additionally, fragmentation and lack of documentation of land ownership and the absence of a strong institutional framework for involvement of stakeholders also hinder the ability to develop implementable urban plans that can catch population growth. One of the most significant challenges at the level of local reality is the culture of reluctance, lack of participation, and single thought faced with the lack of tools or frameworks that encourage and mainstreams effective participation and inclusivity.
Challenges persist in finding the best formula for effective community engagement that works in a certain context given the social norms, economic status and other elements. The event will showcase real life examples of how to improve community participation and how to provide the community and direct stakeholders a voice in various projects and interventions.