The role of local actors in cities is fundamental to face the main urban and social challenges and takes place through different formats and approaches, such as neighbourhood associations, exchange networks, volunteer groups or social movements to fight inequality and poverty, discrimination and racism. The pandemic has deepened all existing inequalities and increased the demand for local action, which has been essential in the effective response to prevent and mitigate the adverse effects of COVID-19.
With the theme "Valuing our communities and cities", World Cities Day seeks to emphasize the importance of the role of local actors in building a better urban future. UN-Habitat encourages that the involvement of these actors should go beyond occasional actions, requiring more strategic and systematic participation in urban planning and the design, implementation and monitoring of public policies.
The capacity of cities to mobilize their communities and integrate diverse actors, from different localities and economic conditions, will be determinant for success in facing current and future challenges, such as the OVID-19 pandemic, climate change and social inequality. Ensuring that the participation of local actors is strengthened and comprehensive during and after the pandemic will be essential to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11, which seeks to "make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable" and also healthy.
The World Cities Day event will bring together experiences and perspectives that highlight the innovative, active and strategic aspect of local communities for post-COVID-19 resilience and recovery. The participating panelists will share their experiences regarding the valorisation of local efforts in the construction of more inclusive and sustainable cities, based on the economic, social, environmental and innovation axes.
For full list of speakers check: www.circuitourbano.org