Urban Fragility and the Future of International Development

Urban fragility is a multidimensional challenge. 

Cities  across the Global South are grappling with increasing instability driven by conflict, climate change, economic shocks, and deepening inequalities. These challenges  call for a fundamental rethinking of the international community’s approach to supporting vulnerable urban areas. 

Investing in fragile urban areas is not just about addressing humanitarian needs; it is a strategic imperative for fostering long-term development and ensuring global stability. 

With over 1 billion people living in informal settlements globally, many displaced by conflict and climate disasters, cities in fragile settings often struggle to deliver essential services. Left unaddressed, these pressures risk destabilizing local economies and communities, with far-reaching consequences.

The conference will explore how strategic investments in fragile urban areas, on key issues including infrastructure, governance, and basic services, can drive long-term development and strengthen local, regional, and global stability. 

The event aims to inspire European development actors to scale up investments in these contexts, particularly through Official Development Assistance (ODA), to help create resilient cities that can absorb shocks and promote sustainable development.

The Urban Fragility conference will feature thought-provoking discussions among policymakers, international cooperation agencies, governments, and private sector leaders, on how European support and multilateral cooperation can make a meaningful difference in addressing urban fragility and fostering long-term stability in cities across the Global South.

The one-day event will feature three sessions:

1. Exploring the connections between international development investments, social cohesion and global stability

2. Balancing crises and development: How European development funds can better address long-term urban resilience in fragile areas 

3. From fragility to resilience: Community-driven solutions for lasting urban change

Programme

09:30 – 10:00    Registration 

10:00 – 10:05    Welcome words: Mounia Tagma, Housing Policy Expert

10:05 – 10:15    Opening remarks: Maria Fernanda Espinosa, President of Cities Alliance, Former President of the United Nations General Assembly

10:15 – 10:40    Keynote address: Erica Gerretsen, Director, Human Development, Migration, Governance and Peace, DG-INTPA, European Commission

Session 1

10:40 – 12:10    Panel discussion: Exploring the connections between international development investments, social cohesion and global stability 

Moderator: Dora Meredith, Director ODI Europe

Speakers:
●    Jean Van Wetter, Managing Director, Enabel 
●    Johnathan Reckford, Chief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity
●    Greg Munro, Director, Cities Alliance
●    German Cooperation Agency GIZ (TBC)

12:15 – 13:30    Lunch

Session 2

13:30 – 15:00   Technical session: Balancing crises and development: How European development funds can better address long-term urban resilience in fragile areas

Moderator: Judy Baker, Senior Urban Advisor Cities Alliance, Former Global Lead, Urban Poverty and Housing, World Bank 

Speakers:
●    Cédric De Meeus, Vice President, Group Public Affairs & Social Impact, Holcim
●    Sergio Oliete Josa, Head of Unit, Sustainable Transport and Urban Development, DG INTPA, European Commission 
●    Audrey Guiral-Naepels, Head Urban Development, Planning, and Housing Division, Agence Française de Développement (TBC)
●    European Investment Bank (TBC)

15:00 – 15:15    Coffee break

Session 3

15:15 – 16:30    Round table: From fragility to resilience: Community-driven solutions for lasting urban change

Moderator: Dyfed Aubrey, Head of Brussels Office, UN-Habitat
Speakers:
●   Mathabo Makuta, National Director, Habitat for Humanity Zambia 
●   Yue Cui, Director, Signify Foundation
●   Olivia Nielsen, Principal, Miyamoto International
●   German Cooperation Agency GIZ (TBC) 

16:30 – 16:45    Closing remarks

• Maria Fernanda Espinosa, President, Cities Alliance
• Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity

Venue: Residence Palace, Polak Room. Rue de la Loi 155, 1040 Brussels, Belgium. 

This in-person event, will also be livestreamed. 

REGISTER