URBAN THINKERS CAMPUS: Shaping Urban Futures: Sustainable Housing, Mobility, and Green Infrastructure

Date: October 8-10, 2024. Location: Amman, Jordan

An Urban Thinkers Campus (UTC) will take place in Amman from October 8th to 10th, centred on “Shaping Urban Futures with Sustainable Housing, Mobility, and Green Infrastructure.” This initiative, part of the World Urban Campaign by UN-Habitat, aims to unite diverse voices and perspectives to foster the development of a sustainable urban environment.

Amman faces many urgent challenges, including rapid population growth and inadequate housing and transportation infrastructure. Environmental concerns and the integration of displaced communities further complicate these issues. The UTC aims to tackle these intricate dynamics through collaborative dialogue and innovative solutions. Hosted by the Road Safety Centre of Excellence at the German Jordanian University, alongside esteemed partners such as Connective Cities, UHPH-MENA by Habitat for Humanity International, Habitat for Humanity Jordan, Resilient Urban Planning and Development (RUPD), TU Berlin, and Road Safety Management, School of engineering ESIB, Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, this event embodies a shared commitment to advancing sustainable urban development.

The UTC will centre around three key themes, each crucial for shaping a resilient urban future:

1. Awareness and Collaborative Engagement: The UTC aims to create a platform for policymakers, urban planners, academics, and community leaders to engage in meaningful discussions. By sharing insights and experiences, participants will examine the interconnected challenges of sustainable housing and mobility. The goal is to cultivate a shared understanding that empowers local communities and ensures that development initiatives prioritize inclusivity and equity.

2. From Vision to Action: A strategic vision is only as compelling as its implementation. The UTC will feature interactive sessions and a workshop to convert dialogue into actionable plans. Participants will engage in urban labs emphasising collaborative action planning and exploring innovative solutions tailored to Amman’s needs. By leveraging local knowledge and expertise, the UTC will help participants refine strategies for sustainable urban development.

3. Building a Sustainable Roadmap: The UTC is not merely a forum for discussion; it aims to produce concrete outcomes. Participants will collaborate to develop a roadmap of actionable measures addressing sustainable housing, mobility, and green infrastructure. This initiative will foster a collaborative environment for generating practical solutions aligned with the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda by bringing together stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, and the private sector.

As the UTC unfolds, participants will experience a spirit of collaboration and innovation. The first day will feature pre-UTC field visits, offering guests a unique perspective on Amman's urban challenges and opportunities. Over the following days, sessions will be dedicated to identifying and prioritizing local solutions. Each lab will provide a forum for discussing pressing issues and crafting strategies that enhance urban resilience and sustainability.

This UTC is a clarion call to action, a dedication to nurturing an urban landscape that is inclusive, sustainable, and forward-thinking. By harmonizing local insights with global best practices, we aim to develop effective strategies that resonate with the unique context of Amman.

As we gather in Amman, we embark on a transformative journey toward sustainable urban futures. Together, we will pave the way for innovative approaches to housing, mobility, and green infrastructure, fostering a resilient and thriving Amman for future generations.