By 2030, around 60% of the world’s population will be living in urban deltas, where 80% of global GDP will be produced. This ever-expanding urbanization needs innovation, creativity and new ways of cooperation in order to provide for good living conditions with minimal impact. Closing the loops of resource flows in urban regions is a key strategy, in which cities hold leadership opportunities to pioneer. We will zoom in on the dynamics within cities and regions to deal with this challenge.
We often imagine urban futures of green and healthy cities in which ecosystems can thrive and waste and pollution are absent. The ‘in-between period’ however is often blurry. We know that change is needed and we know these needed changes will have an impact. Acknowledging this is a first and important step to develop transition strategies that are environmentally sound and socially just.
Prof. Saskia Sassen will introduce her thought-provoking perspectives, followed by a discussion with panelists exploring experiences, dilemmas, and questions such as: ‘Do we really need a multinational to have a cup of coffee in the neighborhood?’ ‘Can local interventions have global impact?’ ‘What are successful strategies for the 21st century urbanization?'
Date and time
Monday 25 February, 13:00 - 14:00
Location
Queen Elisabeth Hall
Hosted by
OVAM and KULeuven Faculty of Architecture and DRIFT
Speakers
- Prof. Dr. Saskia Sassen, Robert S. Lynd Professor of Sociology, Columbia University
- Dr. Graham Alabaster, UN-Habitat, Chief Waste & Sanitation Management Unit
- Mr. Majid Batambuze, Mayor of Jinja and Chairman of Urban Authorities Association of Uganda (UAAU)
- Unlocking the potential of urban resources through new use of urban spaces (Eurocities)
- Make and take design principles and solutions for closed material loops (VUB VIBE)
- The UrbanWINS approach: citizen-driven priority action for waste prevention, resources management and innovative circular business models (ICLEI)
- Circular Economy: Stimulating new business models in the building and real estate sector (German Sustainable building council)
- From city blight to urban might: Using circular urban design strategies to reuse and refurbish empty buildings (BBL)
- Interreg tracering C&D waste (VCB)
- Antwerp, a city where circularity matters (City of Antwerp)
- Blue Gate Antwerp - When a blackfield turns into a sustainable business parc, the infinity of circularity becomes clear (DEC/DEME)