Ha Noi, 30 January 2017 - Hoan Kiem District People’s Committee, in association with UN-Habitat, Korea Foundation and Ha Noi Institute of Socio-Economic Development Studies (HISEDS) recently organised an international workshop entitled Smart and Innovative Solution for Pedestrianized Spaces. Participants were drawn from cities, organisations, businesses, scientists, researchers, academics and local and international experts.

The pedestrianised space around Hoan Kiem Lake and its vicinity have been connected to existing pedestrianized streets in Ha Noi’s Old Quarter, has become a popular destination for locals and tourists. In order to promote the benefits as well as readjust the effectiveness of current activities, the experts at the event shared national and international experiences and made suggestions to Hoan Kiem District People’s Committee on the planning, management and operation of pedestrianized spaces.

“In many places around the world, pedestrianized spaces play a dynamic role in adding cultural, economic, social and environmental value to a city. In order to have such positive impact on urban development, people need to be fully engaged in the implementation process to ensure sustainability and equity in accessing opportunities.

Moreover, city authorities need to be proactive, with a high level of political commitment and facilitate the participation of stakeholders, such as international organisations, national and international businesses, young people and the creative community in public and pedestrianised spaces development”, Habitat Programme Manager Nguyen Quang said.

In addition to Israeli experiences on the roles of business incubators; the application of digital technology in South Korea on digital technology and European experiences of public transport in urban development, the experts also shared the good practices when developing community art project at Quang Nam’s Tam Thanh Mural Village and Ha Noi’s now defunct Zone 9 creative space.

Hoan Kiem District People’s Committee Chairman, Duong Duc Tuan said “National and international good practice and experiences, together with smart and innovative solutions from this workshop will support us in readjusting the development plan and innovating specific actions for the better development of the city’s pedestrianised spaces”.