The rapidly growing number of people moving into cities all over the world also present a challenge of unprecedented size. It is crucial to find ways to make urbanisation a source for wealth, health and sustainability – which is shared.

The integration of equity into the urban agenda is perhaps the most important contribution. Access to public space and social justice are pillars for opportunities and democracy for citizens, and the concept of equity adds the dimension of ‘needs’ and outcomes

Mistra Urban Futures is will be hosting a conference about the ‘Just City’ and how it can be realised. The two-day conference, 19-20 September, focuses on lessons learned of co-production, the significance of sharing knowledge and developing supporting governance structures. The third day offers optional workshops for those wishing to take an active part in the shaping of projects and agendas for ‘Realising Just Cities’. See programme details.

Mistra Urban Futures works with co-production to create and gather knowledge about sustainable urban practice, for local implementation and global comparisons and collaboration. Sustainable urban development encompasses all areas of citizens’ lives: housing, health, work and family life. Social sustainability is promoted through democratic participation in society, creating places for community development and co-production of knowledge.

ACC representatives – Warren Smit, Zarina Patel, Rike Sitas, Liza Cirolia and Ronald Muyingo – will be participating in the conference. The proceedings will be live streamed on the Mistra Urban Futures website.