Urban Policies and the Right to the City: towards Good Governance and Local Democracy
Day / Time Thursday, June 22nd / 13:30 - 15:30
Event Description
This session will discuss "Urban Policies and the Right to the City: towards Good Governance and Local Democracy". UNESCO first discussed the concept of "the Right to the City" in 1995 at a Conference on "City of Solidarity and Citizenship". UN-HABITAT addresses this topic as part of the Global Campaign on Urban Governance and its emphasis on the Inclusive City . The aim of the session is to discuss the notion of the Right to the City and share the views of city stakeholders, such as local government, civil society and grassroots groups, on what is meant by the concept of the Right to the City. The session will also discuss existing urban policies at regional and municipal levels, as well as practices and approaches to promoting the Right to the City. There will be brief presentations by panellists, followed by a discussion on social cohesion and inclusiveness in urban management and development and how to take this concept to international level.
Session Language
English
French
Speakers
Gerald Tremblay, Mayor of Montréal ( Canada )
Raquel Rolnik, National Secretary of Urban Programmes, Ministry of Cities ( Brazil )
Maria Fides Bagasao, Huairou Commission ( Philippines )
Host Organization
UNESCO
Host Organization Description
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was born on 16 November 1945. This UN agency works as a laboratory of ideas and a standard-setter to forge universal agreements on emerging ethical issues. The Organization also serves as a clearinghouse that disseminates and shares information and knowledge while helping Member States to build their human and institutional capacities in diverse fields. In short, UNESCO promotes international co-operation among its 191 Member States and six Associate Members in the fields of education, science, culture and communication. UNESCO works to create the conditions for true dialogue, based upon respect for commonly shared values and the dignity of each civilization and culture.
Website
www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/charterofrights
www.bcn.es/centre_interreligios
Report
Title of Event: Name of Organisation: Date and time of the session: |
"Urban Policies and the Right to the City: Towards Good Governance and Local Democracy" UNESCO June 22nd, 13:30 - 15:30 |
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2. What were the core issues identified in your event as they relate to the theme and sub-themes of WUFIII? The transition from a needs based approach to a rights-based approach to urban development and planning to allow all city dwellers to fully enjoy urban life with all its services and advantages |
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3. What were the main points raised by panellists and participants in relation to these different issues? What new ideas have been generated as a result of the discussion? The Ministry of cities of Brazil, represented by Mrs Raquel Rolnik shared the experience of Legal and governance reforms and land regularization programmes. The equal importance for citizens to both acquire rights and assume responsibilities with regards to urban life is included in Montreal Charter for rights and responsibilities as demonstrated by Gerald Tremblay, Mayor of Montréal. However members of civil society mentioned vigorously the importance of the role of inter religious councils in conflicts resolution and of the proper management, valuation and sharing of water to prevent urban water conflicts. All supported the absolute necessity to support migrants' participation in urban governance. |
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4. What process steps have been identified in your event that could help turn ideas into operational reality? The creation of legal urban reform at state level, the creation of city charters inclusive of the right to the city concept or the creation of inter-religious city councils |
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