Forming inclusive partnership and sharing innovative tools towards citywide slum improvement and secure tenure rights for all

While urbanization has been regarded as an important driver of national development, it has also contributed to the widening disparities among urban dwellers, with most of them residing in slums, bereft of the convenience of basic urban services and economic opportunities, lacking tenure rights, and excluded from participation in the building of their cities. This situation, prevalent in the Asian region, is further exacerbated by other challenges brought about by climate change, political instability, conflict and disaster. Given these, communities usually find it difficult to improve their capacities and resilience.

The proponents of this event recognize the need to address inequity in land and housing and promote rights and opportunities of all society members particularly the poor, women and vulnerable groups. The opportunities to take action and resolve these challenges were clearly manifested with the endorsement of the New Urban Agenda and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals particularly SDG 11 or making cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

With the theme, 'Forming inclusive partnership and sharing innovative tools towards citywide slum improvement and secure tenure rights for all,' this networking event aims to develop:

§ Enhanced capacity and knowledge on issues and measures for improving inclusive slum upgrading and securing tenure rights for all;

§ Strengthened multi-stakeholder network and partnerships advocating for an enhanced development agenda on land and urban development; and

§ Strengthened commitments with concrete action plans by various partners towards slum improvement and security for tenure for all.

Building on the recently held Regional Learning Exchange on Strengthening Land Governance for Sustainable Cities in Asia-Pacific last February 6-7, 2018, the networking event will highlight experiences from various land actors including good practices and innovative tools they have applied in their related projects and interventions, and shall work towards strengthening the coalition amongst various stakeholders including government, CSOs and grassroots organization to continue the engagement, learning exchange and capacity development beyond the World Urban Forum.