African cities are experiencing rapid urbanization, demographic growth and spatial transformation, creating opportunities for economic development while placing increasing pressure on housing, infrastructure, essential services and ecosystems. Climate risks and socio-economic inequalities further compound these challenges, which are interconnected and cannot be effectively addressed through isolated, sector-based interventions.
Integrated planning offers a framework for understanding cities as interconnected systems and translating evidence into coordinated spatial and investment decisions. Combining multi-scalar analysis with spatial, demographic, socio-economic and environmental data, participatory processes and cross-sectoral coordination, could help to identify priorities, anticipate wider impacts and develop coherent solutions.
Ultimately, regardless of how smart or innovative a plan may be, its value depends on whether it can be implemented. Plans risk remaining aspirational when strategic objectives are disconnected from evidence, institutional coordination, realistic investment priorities and available resources. Bridging the gap between vision and implementation requires an integrated, evidence-based approach that links spatial strategies with capital investment planning and feasible projects.
Drawing on UN-Habitat projects and methodologies, this webinar will explore how such approaches connect territorial and city-wide strategies with neighborhood-level action. Through practical examples of resilience planning and neighborhood design, participants will examine how evidence-based diagnosis and spatial planning can inform project prioritization and translate broader development objectives into tangible improvements in public spaces, infrastructure, essential services and local resilience.
Registration link : https://un-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Do4ySxCISSS9uVfLOLcc1g