The place where the battle for sustainable development will be won or lost

How can cities become inclusive and affordable drivers of economic growth and social development?

Join the Debate at the European Development Days

Thursday, June 8, 2017 - 10:45 to 12:00

Debate D1, Tour & Taxis, Brussels, Belgium

There has been a phenomenal shift towards urbanisation, with six out of every 10 people in the world expected to reside in urban areas by 2030. More than 90 % of this growth takes place in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. If planned and managed properly, urbanisation is a powerful tool for economic development, social inclusion and environmental sustainability. In October 2016, the United Nations adopted the New Urban Agenda, the global milestone agreement to guide worldwide efforts towards sustainable urbanisation. But how can the desired impact be achieved? How can we ensure that all levels of governments, relevant stakeholders and all social groups, including the poor and those living in informal settlements, are effectively engaged in the implementation?

Speakers:

- Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi. Secretary General of UCLG Africa
Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi represents local and regional authorities in Africa countries working on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda.

- Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat
As focal point for focal point on sustainable urbanization and human settlements, UN-Habitat has developed the Action Framework for Implementation of the New Urban Agenda.

- Elin Fabre, Coordinator Nordic Declaration
Elin Fabre is coordinating the Nordic Declaration, the regional approach of Nordic Countries towards the implementation of the New Urban Agenda.

Moderator:
Dagmar Dehmer, Journalist
Dagmar Dehmer is a journalist of the Berlin-based daily newspaper "Der Tagesspiegel". She reports on environmental issues, climate change, United Nations and development politics.

More information on: www.eudevdays.eu