SDGs in Action - Room B: Join us for an inspiring session dedicated to the transformative power of women-led urban development! Our event spotlights the vital role of local and women-led urban initiatives in driving global change, with a focus on gender mainstreaming and community empowerment. Actors from across the globe present the impact of grassroots initiatives in urban landscapes - and how they advance the SDGs. Through a blend of presentations, films, and networking, we bring the critical role of community-driven action in favor of women and girls to the stage. We dive into insights on SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), and other key SDGs. We also invite participants to contribute and network, forging connections between the room full of urban enthusiasts.

In the event, you will meet Nina Ottosen from Dreamtown and Ronah Ahumuza from our partners Holistic Action for Development and Empowerment in Kampala, along with Peter Bangura from our partners Youth Dream Center in Sierra Leone.

Voices from Cities - Room C: This event, chaired by The Urban Activist, highlights innovative grassroots efforts to address waste management and environmental resilience in African cities. Panelists present success stories, including Cairo's informal waste collection and recycling initiatives, Very Nile and the Zabaleen, Ghana’s The Revival, which upcycles textile waste in Accra, and Kenya’s Komb Green Solutions, which transformed Nairobi's informal settlements by cleaning rivers and educating communities. The discussion will explore how local governments can support these impactful initiatives, which empower marginalized communities and offer real solutions to environmental challenges, driving sustainable change in African cities.

In the event, you will meet Nina Ottosen from Dreamtown and our partmers from Nairobi from Public Space Network and Komb Green Solutions.

Event host: The Urban Activist

Multipurpose room 13: The event aims to promote local action for sustainable, inclusive, and climate-friendly cities by focusing on urban river restoration. It will consolidate efforts from the PEARLS (People Centered and Resilient Spaces related to Urban Rivers) initiative, which explores the intersection of social justice, environmental sustainability, and urban resilience. Featuring keynote speakers from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the cross-sectoral event includes presentations, panel discussions, and networking. Led by NTNU, UN-Habitat, and WRI, it partners with cities like Belém, which will host COP 30 in 2025, and other key organizations.

At the event, you can meet Stine Kronsted from Dreamtown.

Event host: Norwegian University of Science and Technology NTNU - Faculty of Architecture and Design

Voices from Cities - Room B: This session will bring together youth activists and city officials from Africa, Asia, and South America to discuss urban resilience in the Global South. The event will focus on climate adaptation and urban food and water systems, featuring youth-led initiatives from three programs: Dreamtown’s Cool Waters (Nairobi), Hivos' Urban Futures, and GIB’s Safe and Sound Cities,. After opening presentations, panels will showcase innovative youth-led actions transforming urban food and water systems, and facilitated dialogues between government officials and young activists. The panels will explore strategies for engaging youth in decision-making and fostering partnerships to address climate-related challenges and enhance urban resilience.

In the event, you can meet Rasmus Bering from Dreamtown and our partners from Public Space Network in Nairobi and Network for Active Citizens in Uganda.

Event host: Hivos

Multipurpose Room 07: This event explores the role of digital tools and youth leadership in shaping the future of cities, focusing on empowering young people, particularly young women. A panel of experts will discuss key themes such as bridging the digital divide, fostering digital literacy, and enhancing youth participation in urban governance. The event will highlight the potential for young people to drive innovation and sustainable solutions through technology, promoting inclusive planning and access to essential services. By leveraging digital tools like GIS mapping and virtual reality, the panel will emphasize the importance of youth-centered, participatory urban development that advances equity, sustainability, and social justice.

At the event, you can meet Ronah who leads Holistic Action for Development and Empowerment in Kampala and hear about experiences working with the tools from the Her City toolbox.

Event host: Safetipin

Urban Cinema: Join us wen we showcase the innovative drive and innovation of young people engaged in climate adaptation and building stronger, more resilient communities in urban slums. Stories that you don't often hear about. Our film examine the transformation of Korogocho, one of Nairobi's most notorious slums. A group of young individuals decided to create a community park along the Nairobi River. Their goal was to unite the community, facilitate dialogue, and adapt to climate change threats. Recently, Kenya experienced severe flooding. Although the park was affected, it also served as a water sink, protecting parts of the community. The ambition of Komb Green extends further, aiming to establish green community spaces on a larger scale. They plan to create a network of youth groups along the Nairobi River, following their successful model.

In the event, you will meet Stine Kronsted and Rasmus Bering from Dreamtown, along with our partners from Mathare Social Justice Center and Komb Green Solutions.

Multipurpose Room 07: This event marks the culmination of a global peer learning series on fostering safer urban environments. Organized by UN-Habitat, UCLG, Habitat Norway, and VibeLab, and supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, the event reflects on key insights from webinars focused on city safety policies and innovative tools. It will highlight the intersection of safety with women and girls, nighttime governance, green spaces, cultural interventions, and climate adaptation. Participants will engage in dialogue on urban governance, mutual learning, and promoting safer cities aligned with the 2030 and New Urban Agendas.

At the event, you can meet Stine Kronsted from Dreamtown who works with Urban Design and Planning.

Event host: Habitat Norway

Voices from Cities - Room F: This event is a vibrant and showcase of the power of art and activism in addressing pressing challenges faced by young people in cities, with a focus on mental health and ecological justice. The event will be a celebration of creativity and expression. You will meet young artists from Zimbabwe and activists Kenya. The event will also be an art exhibition, featuring a selection of paintings and murals created by young artists from Zimbabwe and Kenya - live music performances - and an art therapy session. Attendees can engage in a creative and therapeutic process, using art as a means of expressing and exploring their emotions. Join us for a dynamic and multifaceted celebration of the transformative power of art as a force to address critical urban issues.

In the event, you can meet Rasmus Bering from Dreamtown Pride Mjulo from Yellow World, Casper Chigama from House of Arts, and Wanjira Waniru and Njeri Mwangi from Mathare Social Justice Centre.

Event host: House of Arts Association