Co-design, training on participatory change processes and urban form as enablers for social inclusion

The way cities are planned, developed and function has a fundamental impact on the well-being of citizens and their ability to contribute to the development of their cities. Properly planned and managed cities and towns are places where people meet, work and access public space and services, and enjoy good health, safety, comfort and quality of life. Urban improvements can directly reduce poverty by improving access to services, resources, markets and employment. It can also create change processes with long term effects regarding eg public space and inclusion for children, elderly and people of different gender. Inclusive participation, active citizenship and stakeholder involvement thus enable citizens to become 'makers and shapers' both in short and long term. Participation of diverse stakeholders contributes to good urban planning, poverty reduction and sustainable development.

This training event provides participatory tools and methods for the development of inclusive and integrated solutions that supports the implementation of the New Urban Agenda 2030. The point of departure is the local reality in Apartadó, Trans Nzoia and Dawei, three specific cities in Colombia, Kenya and Myanmar. The aim with the workshop is to explore solutions and institutional changes with the goal of improving life quality for all stakeholders identified in the cities. The event is implemented in collaboration with these three cities that currently are working for sustainable and inclusive urban development.

The tools build on two ongoing global projects, SymbioCity at SKL International and the Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE) at Monash Sustainable Development Institute, which support the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and Agenda 2030 (especially SDG 11) through bridging the gap between sectors and stakeholders and by providing various methods and tools to be practically used by local stakeholders.

(i) SymbioCity is a holistic and inclusive approach to sustainable urban development. SymbioCity provides methods and tools that: a) ensures a holistic and visionary approach to urban development; b) identifies synergies between different urban systems and supports collaboration and interaction between different sectors and disciplines; c) invites urban citizens, private sector, academia, and civil society to participate with their insights, experiences and perspectives; and d) promotes and integrates gender and pro-poor perspectives in urban development processes. The approach integrates spatial, environmental, socio-cultural and economic dimensions with urban systems and institutional perspectives in ways that are mutually supportive or synergistic.

(ii) RISE is pioneering a healthier and more environmentally-friendly approach to urban water management in 24 informal settlements in Makassar, Indonesia and Suva, Fiji. The program aims to demonstrate a new approach to water and sanitation management in informal urban settlements through Co-design of upgrading works with communities and local partners. A key challenge that developing countries face when experiencing rapid urbanisation is limited capacity to manage water, sanitation and hygiene needs, especially in informal settlements. RISE aims to address this issue through a water-sensitive approach that integrates ecologically and economically sustainable water infrastructure (also known as 'nature-based solutions') into buildings and landscapes.