Deena Khalil
Moderator
The event aims at highlighting challenges associated with finding the best formula for effective community engagement that works in a certain context given the social norms, economic status and other elements.
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.
- Emphasize the basic blocks of an effective community engagement framework in the context of urban planning interventions.
- Showcase stories of impact and lessons learnt from the implementation.
- Activating a platform for dialogue and fostering collaboration across different sectors and stakeholders who are relevant to inclusivity.
- Empower local leaders and representatives to lead discussions and share their experiences in applying inclusive and participatory processes
- Encourage policymakers to standardize inclusivity and effective community engagement in planning laws and regulations.