With increasing urbanisation and even more people set to move to cities by 2050, CLGF Secretary-General took to the lectern at the Africities conference to address delegates on the subject of urban and territorial planning.

Different approach for economic development

Dr Munro told the diverse audience of local government stakeholders from across Africa and beyond that it is vital for us to focus on integrating cities, towns and rural areas in planning. He went on to call for a different approach for economic development - the local economy, informal sector; and stressed the need for innovative financing mechanisms for infrastructural development.  Dr Munro also cited three additional focal areas:

• disruptive technologies;
• disaster risk reduction; and
• healthy cities.

Balanced and thoughtful planning

Ensuring that urbanisation goes hand in hand with balanced and thoughtful planning is a key priority for CLGF. The Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Network was created to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and best practice on what needs to take place to create cities that are safe and resilient; fair and sustainable and that deliver the best prospects for all citizens. Both the urban and rural economies can prosper if there is effective linkages.

Dr Munro was speaking with Dr Hassan Radoine from Morocco and President Parks Tau of SALGA at a UN Habitat / SALGA session of the Africities Summit which is taking place from 20 to 24 November in Morocco. A flagship pan-African event, Africities takes place every three years in one of the five regions of Africa and brings together local authorities in African countries, as well as financial institutions, civil society groups and development partners at continental and international level.

Find out more about the discussions at Africities from the summary of recommendations