Empathy in motion

When we move through the city and encounter strangers, are we truly aware of their experiences and challenges in the urban environment? To what extent does empathy shape the way we design and build our cities, particularly in terms of mobility?

This Special Session begins with the premise that embedding empathy into urban planning, particularly in mobility, is essential for building a more just and inclusive city. By doing so, we ensure that all residents—regardless of age, ability or socioeconomic status—gain better access to economic opportunities and can fully engage in community life. Cities are home to people with diverse mobility needs – there are 2.4 billion youth and children and nearly 800 million elderly people. Consequently, this Special Session will explore how adopting a life-cycle approach can help cities meet the evolving needs of individuals from childhood through old age, fostering lifelong inclusivity.

16% of the global population lives with a disability. Cities that are unfriendly to mobility necessities are places where inequality is inescapable: fewer people can get to their jobs, shop, seek healthcare or participate in daily life. This is a form of injustice which often goes unnoticed by the able-bodied and can therefore become naturalised. But there is nothing natural about urban environments that represent obstacles to many.

Hence, this session will centre the role of empathy as a principle of urban planning and how it can alert us to different needs and provide a roadmap for fairer cities. The Special Session will delve into mobility through the lens of inclusivity, highlighting its deep ties to the concept of proximity. It will also spark an engaging discussion on the shared responsibility of designing empathetic urban mobility solutions for all. 

Session highlights

• Participants will experience first-hand simulations, tune in to expert-led discussions and thought-provoking conversations.
• The Session will include segments with a discussion about accessibility to unpack how empathic planning can revolutionise urban spaces and mobility, life-course planning and the critical role the public sector places in creating equitable spaces.
• The Special Session will conclude with participant reflections; thoughts and reactions will be recorded in an interactive format and contribute to a global advocacy campaign.

Key messages

• A shift in perception is essential to recognise the transformative power of empathy in reshaping urban environments. 
• Cities that are unfriendly to mobility necessities are places where inequality is inescapable for many.
• Embedding empathy into urban planning, particularly in mobility, is essential for building a more just and inclusive city.