In an effort to expand the debate around the issues and opportunities facing urban environments worldwide, UN-Habitat has designated October 31 as “World Cities Day”, an event celebrated annually since 2014. This year the events are centered around the theme “Act Local to Go Global”, with the aim to share experiences and approaches to local actions, the initiatives that were successful and those that were not, and to seek to understand ways in which local and regional governments can help create greener, more equitable and sustainable cities.
The theme was chosen based on the understanding that local actions are of critical importance in achieving the sustainable development goals set for 2030. The 2030 Agenda sets out the UN ambition to contribute to creating cities and human settlements more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The world’s largest cities are often the most unequal. This year’s theme suggests that there is a path forward through incremental changes and localized actions. By adapting to site-specific conditions, these actions can better respond to the individual needs of the communities, and the natural conditions of climate and topography and can help strengthen the cultural identity of urban environments.
Read on to discover a selection of the best features that explore the global impact of localized and site-specific actions in the effort to create more sustainable and resilient cities.
Local Identities
Can Local Architecture Help Cure the Ills of Globalism?
Does Urban Development Drive Gentrification?
Strategic Green Spaces: How to Make the Most of their Cooling Effects
Local Communities
From the Grassroots Up: How We Can Transform the Future of Cities One Startup at a Time
Tiktok’s Influence in Countrysides and Cities
Bringing Intersectional Feminism into Architecture and Urbanism
The Expert Citizen: A Change of Perspectives in Participatory Design
How Community Participation can Assist in Architectural and Urban Post-Disaster Reconstruction
Local Materials and Techniques
Crafts against Climate Change: Eco-materials from India
Construction Materials that Increase Resilience to Natural Disasters
The Use of Indigenous and Locally Sourced Materials in Philippines Architecture
Local Techniques in Big Cities: Beyond Earth and Bamboo
Traditional Techniques Applied to Contemporary Architecture in the Amazon
