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International conference about urban planning

Local authorities and sustainable development

Urbanization and sustainable development are buzzwords of the day. Rapid population growth and migration of people to cities in search of work and better life is one of the most transformative global trends. It has massive effects on people, economies and environments of cities around the world. The international community has recognized these challenges by adopting a comprehensive New Urban Agenda that will guide urban development and planning in the coming decades.

However, cities and local governments have a role to play in this process, too. What they can do and how they can better plan housing and infrastructure for the cities is discussed at the international conference Sustainable Cities – New Challenges and Opportunities for Municipalities in Sofia, Bulgaria, on May 28 and 29, 2018. It is organized by Habitat for Humanity Europe, Middle East and Africa and Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria. The conference is under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria and is part of Build Solid Ground project funded by the European Union. Event is also supported by the Bulgarian Embassy of Kingdom of the Netherland, National Association of Municipalities in Republic of Bulgaria and Municipal Network for Energy Efficiency EcoEnergy.

 

Bringing experts together

The event serves as a venue to discuss better planning and management of cities and present examples of good practices and innovations. It brings together experts from local municipalities across Bulgaria as well as architects and urban planers from other countries in Europe and representatives of city authorities from Africa. Among many represented countries are Estonia, Ireland, Netherlands, Macedonia and Uganda.

As part of the program, participants will have an opportunity to visit the Old Bath building to see how smart solutions for thermal heating are used on a cultural heritage monument.

 

Build Solid Ground

Build Solid Ground is a project implemented by a consortium of 14 nonprofit organization in seven EU countries over next three years. It aims to educate Europeans on current urban and housing challenges and inspire city authorities, governments and citizens to work together to find solutions to urban problems in both developed and developing countries.

To find out more about the conference in Bulgaria, check out the agenda

 

This page is created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Habitat for Humanity Europe, Middle East and Africa and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

logo of the European Union, project Build Solid Ground and Habitat for Humanity EMEA