From a global perspective Urban Renewal and Rural Revitalization
Dr. Remy Sietchiping, the Chief of Policy, Legislation and Governance Section, Urban Practices Branch, UN-HABITAT.
Could you elaborate on what urban regeneration and rural revitalization mean on a global scale?
Additionally, is this approach critical for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) from the perspective of UN-Habitat?
We believe that territorial transformation is inevitable regardless of urban, peri-urban or rural sections. In urban settings, regeneration is often used to refer to the spatial redevelopment to improve their physical, economic, and social functions. Through the renovation process, one can witness operations such as repurposing or upgrading of infrastructure, services, valorization of natural and cultural heritage, enhancing or reclaiming public spaces, and vitalizing economic activities etc. Urban regeneration also has the potential to bring back underutilized assets and redistribute opportunities, stimulting urban prosperity and improving of life.
When urban regeneration is included in the urban planning toolkit and process, it can indeed promote socio-spatial city-wide inclusion and sustainability. At UN-Habitat, we encourage urban regeneration that ensures affordability, access to basic services and involvement of residents to promote local economic development, where public space is a key element of interventions, and cities reduce environmental impact and GHG emissions. It is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and effective processes that governments can apply to promote more resilient and safe urban areas. An example of urban regeneration is the High Line in New York City, where an abandoned elevated railway was transformed into a vibrant linear park, spurring economic development and revitalizing surrounding neighborhoods.
In your view, what are the crucial elements or key points that should be emphasized when practicing urban regeneration and rural revitalization?
Given UN-Habitat’s focus on localizing SDGs worldwide, are there specific practices for urban regeneration and rural revitalization that you would like to highlight based on your extensive experience?
Considering China’s unique context, what suggestions or recommendations do you have for effective urban regeneration and rural revitalization strategies in the Chinese context? How does UN-Habitat envision engaging in the knowledge exchange of urban regeneration and rural revitalization through our journal? Are there specific approaches or initiatives that UN-Habitat plans to implement to facilitate this exchange of valuable insights?
- Knowledge Sharing Platforms: UN-Habitat may utilize existing or establish knowledge sharing platforms, such as webinars, workshops, and conferences, where experts can present their research findings, case studies, and best practices related to urban regeneration and rural revitalization. A good example is the internation forum on urban-rural linkages held biannually in Songyang County, China.
- Joint Publications：UN-Habitat and Shanghai University could co-publish articles, reports, and policy briefs in the Shanghai University journal, showcasing research outcomes, lessons learned, and policy recommendations in the field of urban-rural linkages, rural revitalization and related intersections.
- Capacity Development Programs: UN-Habitat could offer a variety of capacity development programs, training sessions virtual or in-person for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers affiliated with Shanghai University to enhance their knowledge and skills in urban regeneration from UN-Habitat perspective.
- Networking and Collaboration Opportunities: UN-Habitat could facilitate networking and collaboration opportunities between researchers, students, and professionals from Shanghai University and its global network of partners working on urban-rural linkages and sustainable urban development in general.
- Community Engagement Initiatives: UN-Habitat could support community engagement initiatives led by Shanghai University to involve stakeholders, residents, and communities in urban regeneration and rural revitalization projects, fostering participatory decision-making and inclusive development processes.
- Policy Dialogue and Advocacy: UN-Habitat and Shanghai University could organize policy dialogues and advocacy campaigns to raise awareness, mobilize support, and influence policy agendas at the local, national, and international levels on issues related to urban regeneration and rural revitalization.
- International Conferences and Symposia: UN-Habitat could partner with Shanghai University to organize events at international conferences (for instance World Urban Forums, UN-Habitat Assembly, international forums on urban-rural linkages), symposia, or academic exchanges dedicated to the subject matter. These events would provide opportunities for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to share their research findings, experiences, and best practices.
(Q&A Session Contributed by Li Fengqing, Vice President of Shanghai Institute of Urban Renewal and Sustainable Development, Shanghai University and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of this Journal)
Source: Shanghai University
