Conversation #60

The 2024 International Conference on Urban Affairs will take place in New York, April 24-27, and is sponsored by the Urban Affairs Association, the European Urban Research Association, and the European Network for Housing Research.

We are thrilled to extend our warmest welcome to all participants! This event will bring together scholars, experts, thought leaders, and enthusiasts from around the globe to delve into the challenges and opportunities facing urban environments in the 21st century. We recognize that cities are not only hubs of economic activity and cultural richness but also face significant challenges that require urgent attention and innovative solutions.

With the rapid pace of urbanization, cities have become focal points for innovation, creativity, and resilience. However, they also grapple with complex issues such as sustainability, social equity, aging infrastructure, and governance. The theme of our conference, "Cities on the Edge", encapsulates the dynamic nature of urban spaces at the intersection of progress and threat. As we delve deeper into the theme of "Promoting Equity and Resiliency through Research, Activism, Planning, and Policy", it is crucial to emphasize the interconnectedness of these pillars in shaping the future of our urban environments.

Rigorous research serves as the foundation for evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation. By supporting interdisciplinary research collaborations, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics underlying urban challenges and opportunities. From studying the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities to analyzing the efficacy of affordable housing programs, research plays a pivotal role in informing equitable and resilient urban development strategies.

Grassroots activism and community organizing are powerful drivers of social change. By amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and advocating for inclusive policies, activists can catalyze meaningful progress and inspire collective action for positive urban transformation.

Urban planning serves as a critical tool for shaping the physical, social, and economic dimensions of cities. By integrating principles of equity and resilience into urban planning processes, policymakers and planners can create more inclusive and adaptive urban landscapes. This entails prioritizing affordable housing, green spaces, public transportation, and infrastructure investments in underserved communities, while also implementing measures to enhance climate resilience and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters.

Effective policies are essential for translating these three pillars – research findings, community demands, and planning principles – into actionable measures. By fostering dialogue between policymakers, researchers, activists, and community members, the conference seeks to address systemic inequities and enhance the resilience of urban systems.

We believe that "Cities on the Edge" is not just a conference but a call to action – a collective endeavor to shape the future of our cities in a way that is equitable, resilient, and sustainable. We are excited to embark on this journey with you and look forward to the insightful discussions and collaborations that will emerge from our time together.

Our associations recognize the importance of interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral debate, and strongly support the engagement of academics and practitioners in the shaping of urban agendas, policies, governance, and place. Both at EURA and UAA, we feel that we can play a critical role in offering a bridge between research and policy, facilitating the exchange of ideas. This will be our fifth co-sponsored conference. After Chicago in 2004, Madrid in 2009, Paris in 2014, and Dublin in 2019, this is the year to return to the US. New York will bring this community back together and will certainly be a reference point for urban scholars. Hosting a conference about cities in New York carries symbolic significance. As an iconic symbol of resilience, diversity, and innovation, the city serves as a powerful catalyst for elevating the profile of urban issues and rallying support for transformative action on a global scale.

In the realm of urban studies, interdisciplinary associations play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of the complex dynamics shaping cities worldwide. UAA and EURA bring together experts from diverse fields such as sociology, economics, public policy, architecture, environmental science, urban planning, and more, fostering collaborations that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. The value of such approaches cannot be overstated, as cities are dynamic ecosystems, and to fully grasp the challenges and opportunities present in urban environments, it is essential to adopt an approach that considers the interplay of various factors.

Moreover, the role of urban academics extends beyond scholarly pursuits to encompass active engagement with the communities they study. We have a responsibility to combine our expertise with community voices to inform and influence public policy decisions that affect the cities where we are located. By bridging the gap between academia and policymaking, active scholars can facilitate the translation of research findings into actionable policies and initiatives that benefit cities. This involves not only producing knowledge but also actively collaborating with policymakers and community stakeholders and advocating for evidence-based solutions. Urban academics should not be silent actors. They should serve as catalysts for positive change, contributing to the advancement of policy agendas that promote sustainable development, social justice, and inclusive growth.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all colleagues engaged in the different committees, our sponsors, and partners for their support in making this conference possible. We look forward to welcoming you to the "Cities on the Edge" conference.

For more information on the 'Cities on the Edge' International Conference please visit the conference official website.