This was the eighth contribution in our series 'On the Road to Future Green City' in which we explore the ingredients we need for a green city with a future, in the run-up to the Future Green City World Congress, Utrecht 23-26 September 2024.
Two worlds become one
The international character of the Future Green City World Congress 2024 is due to the involvement of two 'world clubs' from the City Network: World Urban Parks (WUP) and the International Federation of Municipal Engineering (IFME).
We ask the two CEOs about their contributions and expectations for the Congress: Luis Romano, CEO of World Urban Parks (WUP) and Sanne Hieltjes, IFME President and Board Member, Stadswerk.
What is your mission and what are currently the most important themes for you?
Sanne IFME is a global federation dedicated to the exchange of (technical) knowledge and experience between engineers in public space. With all that is happening in the world today, this is more important than ever. The main themes are:
- International knowledge exchange in the field
- The role of infrastructure and asset management in addressing global inequalities
- The impact of climate change
Luis Our mission is to create sustainable liveable cities. The following themes receive special attention in this respect:
- Equality. Parks should be accessible and enjoyable for all members of the community, regardless of their socio-economic status, age, or cultural background.
- Inclusion. This theme is closely linked to equality. City parks should be inviting and safe for everyone, including people with disabilities.
- Accessibility. People should be able to access and enjoy city parks without barriers. This means, for example, removing physical obstacles, providing good opportunities to get there and parks that are bicycle and pedestrian friendly.
- Biodiversity. Urban parks are crucial for biodiversity at a local level. We therefore encourage the design and management of parks that provide a habitat for wild plants and animals. This benefits nature as well as city dwellers.
- Alliances with other organisations. Intensive collaboration is essential when dealing with complex urban issues. That is why we partner with other organisations such as local authorities, environmental groups, and community associations.
How should these themes be addressed at the Future Green City World Congress?
Luis We have seven programme lines at the World Congress: the Natural City, the Inclusive City, The Attractive City, The Circular City, The Healthy City, The Adaptive City, and the overarching programme line Green City Strategies. The themes we identify at World Urban Parks aim to integrate across all programme lines. Let's take an example from Green City Strategies: choices we make now in designing our cities have major implications for future generations. How do we know what developments we need to consider in the distant future? How do we make the right choices for our cities within the constraints of time, money, and space? How do government, entrepreneurs, scientists, professionals, creatives, and residents together come up with the best integrated solutions to the major challenges we face?
Sanne Apart from international cooperation, we also advocate interdisciplinary cooperation. When different parties exchange knowledge, insight, and best practices from different perspectives, it can lead to innovative solutions.
Encourage interdisciplinary teams to tackle the complex challenges of sustainability, smart cities, climate change and inclusivity. Provide demonstrations of the latest technologies and sustainable solutions. Go out there together, show people how these devices and applications work 'in real life'; inspire each other. And it can be fun, too.
What kind of 'special effect' are you hoping for with this special collaboration between IFME and WUP?
Sanne The joint organisation and delivery of this conference could lead to closer collaboration in the future. Such collaboration could be the key to creating more holistic, progressive urban solutions that seamlessly integrate urban infrastructure with the natural ecology.
With the Future Green City World Congress 2024, we are helping to shape the future of the field. Collaboration with World Urban Parks can accelerate innovative developments. As a result, cities around the world will be better prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Luis By doing this together with the International IFME, we hope to create a powerful synergy between (urban) park professionals and municipal engineers. It encourages a holistic approach to urban planning and development, with more sustainable, functional, and environmentally friendly public spaces.
By bringing together these two distinct but interconnected groups, we can bridge the gap between the aesthetic and functional aspects of urban design, leading to green and more liveable cities that meet the needs of people and the environment.
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Chris Champion
Secretary-General
International Federation of Municipal Engineering
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