Across the world, cities are on the frontline of the unfolding COVID-19 health crisis and are facing unprecedented disruptions across social, health care, economic and environmental systems. Public transit systems are struggling with financing as well as how to provide a much needed service while preserving public safety. Small and medium businesses that provide essential provisions, entertainment, and vibrance in urban neighborhoods are struggling to survive and many haven’t which is taking a toll on residents and city budgets.
Even before the current pandemic hit, big changes were needed for cities to meet the global goals outlined in the Paris Agreement, Sustainable Development Goals, and EU Urban Agenda.
To reach these goals, transformational changes are required for how we plan, build, manage, and live in cities. Such changes may have seemed beyond reach but now priorities are shifting at an unprecedented pace from housing to mobility to sustainable economic growth. A bold vision and rapid action is needed to change people’s understanding of what’s possible in cities and the courage to make it happen at scale.
Our panelists from Fort Collins, Guadalajara, Lyon, and the European Commission will share some of the specific bold actions being taken in their cities and in EU policy to create a more sustainable urban future.
For more information, please visit www.iuc.eu/na/home
