Why Urbanisation Matters

In this debate the PBL report ‘Why Urbanisation Matters’ serves as a framework for the session. Urbanisation influences the availability of resources and the overall well-being of populations worldwide. Uneven urbanisation patterns—across regions, countries and even within cities—create differentiated benefits and trade-offs that shape development outcomes both globally and locally. These uneven trends raise questions of spatial justice and call attention to the need for innovative urbanisation policies that address disparities in access and opportunity, in order to come to sustainable urban living environments. At this session, the PBL report ‘Why Urbanisation Matters’ will be presented and discussed from different perspectives: from practice in partner countries, from academia and from and policy. The aim is to understand the drivers, themes, collaborations and potential stakeholders involved in developing strategies for sustainable urban development. The discussion will cover opportunities and challenges at various policy levels. The aim is to provide insights into how donor and partner countries can engage more strategically and coherently with urbanisation, for example through targeted interventions, strengthened cross-sectoral cooperation or improved partnership building that leverages expertise and experience. As a follow-up, the session will produce key reflections and policy-relevant recommendations to be circulated among the participants and shared with policymakers and relevant stakeholders. It could be used to inform international urban policy processes, including contributions to the New Urban Agenda mid-term review.