Building Connections: Towards a Latin American and Caribbean Network of Planning Institutes

Elcio Batista

Facilitator

November 7, 2024 | 17:00 - 18:30

Multipurpose room 19

The forum of Ministers and High Authorities on Housing and Urbanism from Latin America and the Caribbean (MINURVI)

Brazil

English

Reference:

NE 19-09

WUF12

Networking Events

Summary

The event "Building Connections: Towards a Latin American and Caribbean Network of Planning Institutes" calls for cooperation between the planning bodies of Latin American and Caribbean cities.
The World Urban Forum, which brings together governments, renowned professionals, policy-makers, and academics worldwide, is crucial in promoting interconnection and synergy between Latin American and Caribbean planning institutes.
In the cultural similarities and diversity and the variety of city contexts that characterize the region, sharing the challenges and advances of municipal public management in city planning presents itself as a beacon of hope in building a more inclusive and sustainable urban future. To create strong ties and promote mutual understanding, participants will participate in intense discussions and opportunities that can catalyze collective action.
Moreover, "Building Connections" is a one-off event and a launch pad for a lasting network of cooperation. Diplomacy between cities is at its most effective regarding urban policies. Participants will have the opportunity to lay the foundations for ongoing partnerships, joint projects and information-sharing mechanisms, thus ensuring sustained momentum towards shared goals long after the event.
By fostering a sense of solidarity and common purpose, "Building Connections" aspires to transcend borders and barriers, creating a robust and resilient network of planning institutes that will shape the future of Latin America and the Caribbean. This event represents a fundamental step towards realizing a more integrated, inclusive and sustainable future for the region, built on the foundation of collaboration and collective vision.
In particular, we are building on the connections already established by the Brazilian Network of Planning Institutes (InREDE) and the Mexican Association of Municipal Planning Institutes (Asociación Mexicana de Institutos Municipales de Planeación A.C.), which have already been establishing dialogues, building publications, developing concepts and carrying out exchanges to enhance the planning capacity of cities in the 21st century.
Brazil is now at the head of the Forum of Ministers and Highest Authorities for Housing and Urban Planning in Latin America and the Caribbean - MINURVI, and is supporting Latin American and Caribbean cities to join together to strengthen and institutionalize local planning processes.

Objectives

1. Network cooperation: the exchange of good practices between the Planning Institutes of Latin American and Caribbean Cities is essential for the integration, improvement and institutional strengthening of each member and the agendas defended by the network, enabling inclusive spaces for technical and political cooperation.
2. Promoting sustainable development: One of the main objectives is to foster debates and initiatives that promote sustainable development practices in Latin America and the Caribbean. This involves exploring innovative strategies for balancing economic growth with environmental conservation, increasing resilience to the impacts of climate change and promoting inclusive development that benefits all segments of society.
3. Addressing the challenges of urbanization: With rapid urbanization being a dominant trend in the region, the event aims to address the complex challenges associated with urban growth. It includes discussions on best practices in urban planning, strategies for managing informal settlements, promoting affordable housing solutions and improving urban infrastructure to enhance the quality of life in cities and towns.
4. Promoting social equity: Social equity is at the heart of sustainable development efforts. The event explores strategies to promote social inclusion, reduce inequality and improve access to essential services such as healthcare, education and housing. Discussions will also focus on empowering marginalized communities, addressing systemic barriers to opportunity and promoting greater social cohesion.
5. Promoting collaborative planning: Promoting collaborative planning approaches is central to the event's objectives. The event seeks to facilitate knowledge exchange, networking and collaboration on shared challenges by bringing together planning institutes, policymakers, practitioners and other stakeholders. Through interactive sessions and workshops, participants will have the opportunity to co-create solutions and forge partnerships that transcend borders and sectors.
Overall, the main objectives of "Building Connections" are to catalyze collective action for sustainable development, resilience and social equity in Latin America and the Caribbean. The event aims to lay the foundations for a more integrated, inclusive and sustainable future for the region by addressing these objectives.