Dialogue 1: Equitable Urban Futures - World Urban…

Dialogue 1: Equitable Urban Futures - World Urban Forum 11th Session (WUF11, 26–30 June 2022, Katowice, Poland)

Equitable urban futures are possible when all can achieve the right to the city, and institutional framework are reformed to provide opportunities and eradicate poverty for all. This requires well-designed socio-economic policies that mandate fair and equitable distribution of resources, while providing additional support to the most vulnerable populations.

The vision of an equitable urban future is hindered by persisting poverty, discrimination, violence and exclusion. Inequity in rights and opportunities to live a peaceful, safe and dignified life is perpetuating multiple forms of marginalization, suffered by the homeless, immigrants, ethnic minorities, refugees and persons with disabilities.

To be leaders in transformation, cities require appropriate legislative frameworks supported by competent urban planning and management that are well financed. This dialogue will bring together a diverse group of officials and professionals to shed light on new policies and partnerships that are helping to fulfil the right to affordable housing, and adequate social and health services, and which recognize new frontiers in progressing equity.

Cities that adopt a rights-based approach to human settlements for citizens, investors, and visitors alike can create inclusive, lively, and prosperous societies.

This Dialogue will bring together a diverse milieu of officials and experts to shed light on new policies and partnerships that can help fulfil the right to affordable housing, high quality services and social protection to all and that recognize the new frontiers in progressing social, technological, political, and environmental equity.

1. What are the new and transformative approaches that can be taken to address the needs of the most vulnerable groups? How can progressive urban social programmes be scaled up?  
2. What are models for human-rights based approach to reduce inequalities and promote equitable development in the built environment and urban systems?  
3. What interventions are necessary for multi-level institutional reforms to be pro-equity in the post-covid recovery?  
4. What are the new and emerging partnerships for social equity-oriented financing? How can the risks of privatization of public goods with engagement of non-state actors and other types of external donors be minimized and mitigated?  
5. What policies/procedures can be put in place to ensure that digital and technological innovations are aligned with the universal values?