Academia Roundtable

The World Urban Forum (WUF) serves as a platform for demonstrating the importance of academic engagement in the promotion of urban sustainability. WUF allows higher education institutions to showcase transformative examples of educational and research programmes, as well as their support to urban stakeholders.

June 29, 2022 | 13:30 - 15:30

Auditorium

Polish, Spanish, English, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic + ISL [Polish + English]

WUF11

Roundtables

Summary

This event brings together representatives from academic institutions around the world to discuss the role of academia in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, specifically SDG 11 and components of SDG 4 (quality and inclusive education for all) in line with the global frameworks for urban sustainability and education.

Important global agendas continually underscore the need for innovative research that serves as the catalyst for evidence-based, well-informed and impactful policies. This event aims to bring to the fore the role of innovation in research and higher education in achieving this.

Sub Title

Exploring the innovative contributions of academia to urban sustainable development

Guiding Questions for discussions

What innovative methods can academia use to influence evidence-based urban policy decisions?
- Links: evidence-based decision making; data

How is digital innovation for learning being leveraged by academia to contribute to urban sustainable development?
- Links: digital innovation for learning

How can triangular cooperation be foregrounded in the work of academic institutions, particularly in sharing and developing higher/professional education curriculum and programmes?
- Links: triangular cooperation

Important global agendas continually underscore the need for innovative research that serves as the catalyst for evidence-based, well-informed and impactful policies. This event aims to foreground the role of innovation in research and higher education in achieving this.

An opportunity for discussion around access to educational resources has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. North/South inequalities in the world academic system can be counteracted with the help of triangular cooperation and a focus on learning offers. Meanwhile, trusted research outcomes are critical in policy debates for enhancing the capacity of all stakeholders involved.

Digital innovation for learning offers an opportunity to upscale educational and capacity-building efforts and multiply effective North/South, South/South collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Exchanges between researchers and higher education institutions will help to uncover successful practices and outcomes in the academic world.

The academia roundtable will provide a platform for exchange amongst academic entities and other stakeholders in their efforts to trigger policy changes in urban development practice through evidence-based and innovative approaches. Similarly, it will provide an exciting space to discuss the latest urban trends that impact upon the transformation of cities for a better urban future. It will encourage collaborative actions and partnerships across the academic community, stretching to include governments, private sector and non-governmental organizations.