Urban Green Planning Discussed at Africa Conferences
Urban Green Planning Discussed at Africa Conferences
In 2025, Africa has been at the forefront of integrating green planning into urban development, hosting a series of pivotal conferences that underscore the continent’s commitment to sustainable and resilient urban growth.
Green and Resilient UrbanShift Africa Forum
From February 17 to 21, Nairobi, Kenya, hosted the Green and Resilient UrbanShift Africa Forum. This event convened over 250 participants from more than 30 cities, including mayors, city officials, national government representatives, financiers, businesses, and civil society organizations. The forum provided a platform to exchange knowledge on urban development and climate challenges, focusing on resilience, urban growth, and infrastructure development. Key partners such as C40 Cities, UNEP, ICLEI, and WRI contributed to the discussions, emphasizing the importance of integrated urban planning amidst rapid urbanization and climate breakdown. (g20land.org)
2nd African Forum on Urban Forests
In March, Johannesburg, South Africa, hosted the 2nd African Forum on Urban Forests under the theme “Green Horizons: Shaping the Future Resilience of African Cities through Urban Forests.” Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the City of Johannesburg, UN-Habitat, and the Centre on African Public Spaces, the forum aimed to assess progress in urban forestry initiatives and chart future advancements. Discussions centered on climate-proofing African cities, equitable access to green spaces, and making a business case for urban forests. The event also paid tribute to environmental advocates Wangari Maathai and Amos Masondo, highlighting their contributions to urban greening and environmental justice. (afuf.co.za)
Future Cities Summit 2025
July saw Abuja, Nigeria, hosting the Future Cities Summit 2025, themed “Smart, Sustainable & Resilient: Reimagining Green Building & Urban Governance for Future Cities.” This premier conference on sustainable urban development and green building brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and urban innovators to collaborate on creating inclusive, climate-smart, and resilient urban environments. The summit featured engaging discussions, expert panels, and hands-on workshops, aiming to inspire stakeholders to shape cities that support thriving communities and sustainable economic growth. (futurecities.ng)
RISE Africa 2025 Urban Action Festival
In May, Cape Town, South Africa, hosted the RISE Africa 2025 Urban Action Festival. This event served as a dynamic platform for thought leaders, practitioners, and innovators to engage in discussions and workshops focused on sustainable urban development. The festival emphasized themes such as planning and placemaking, mobility and transportation, inclusive cities, and climate action, fostering collaboration and inspiring actionable solutions for the future of African cities. (riseafrica.iclei.org)
IGU Urban Commission Annual Conference
August marked the IGU Urban Commission Annual Conference in Stellenbosch and Cape Town, South Africa. Under the theme “Cities and Urban Systems in Transition: Transformations, Resilience, and Policy,” the conference brought together geographers and urban researchers to discuss urbanization processes, climate change resilience, and urban policy. The event aimed to provide an open forum for exchanging ideas on geographical and urban issues, emphasizing collaboration and support for early-career researchers. (igu-urban.org)
Conclusion
These conferences reflect Africa’s proactive approach to integrating green planning into urban development. By fostering collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society, the continent is paving the way for sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban growth.
