Empowering Communities for Sustainable Urban Transformation Integrating Local Action with Urban Acupuncture.

This session centers on community-led participation and explores the potential of Urban Acupuncture approach as manifested in both the northern and eastern hemispheres, specifically exemplified by Germany and Egypt. It aims to evaluate and enhance community involvement in urban development projects, particularly for planning healthier cities. Given the recent challenges faced by Egyptian cities in terms of development, adaptation, and mitigation strategies, this exploration was conducted as part of a fellowship program at Alexandria University, under the DAAD Ta'ziz Science
Cooperations research project titled "Urban Acupuncture: A Strategy of Catalytic Interventions" in 2023.
The fellowship utilized innovative engagement methods to foster dialogue between academia, non-academic sectors, communities, and markets. By adopting a case-study approach focusing on the Al-Mahmoudeya Axis, this holistic approach emphasized local knowledge and perception to drive sustainable decision-making processes and urbanization strategies. The findings of this exploration offer valuable insights into the practical application of Urban Acupuncture in addressing urban challenges and promoting community-driven transformations. It highlights the importance of engaging with local constituents, both at the association and local government levels, and underscores the significance of community engagement in driving positive change.