Urban planning and governance are at the heart of sustainable development. Recognizing the need for strategic territorial planning, Guinea-Bissau hosted the UN-Habitat International Symposium on Urban Planning and Governance on February 11-12, 2025. This event was a pivotal moment for addressing the country’s urbanization challenges and shaping a National Strategy for Urban Development.
The ICZM Consultancy team, on mission in Bissau, participated in the UN-Habitat International Symposium, held at Hala Hotel on February 11-12, 2025. For more details on this consultancy and mission, click here.
The Symposium’s Key Themes:
- Strategic Urban Planning: Discussing policies for sustainable and inclusive urban growth.
- Land Management and Governance: Addressing fragmented governance and regulatory challenges.
- Climate Resilience and Sustainability: Exploring strategies to mitigate environmental risks in urban development.
Why This Symposium Matters
Guinea-Bissau faces rapid urban expansion, often occurring without proper planning, leading to challenges like informal settlements, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation.
The symposium provides a platform to:
- Share best practices and global experiences in urban governance.
- Facilitate discussions among policymakers, urban planners, and civil society.
- Align Guinea-Bissau’s urban planning strategies with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
A Step Towards Integrated Territorial Planning
One of the key outcomes of the symposium is the creation of a National Urbanization Policy and a National Territorial Planning Framework. These will guide the country’s urban expansion, ensuring harmonized development across rural and urban areas while promoting social and economic inclusivity.
Final Thoughts
The UN-Habitat International Symposium is a steppingstone towards a more structured, inclusive, and climate-resilient urban future for Guinea-Bissau. By engaging national and international experts, policymakers, and communities, the event shaped the next phase of the country’s urban and coastal development agenda.