Our partnership with UN-Habitat UNI will take place within the Human Cities Initiative, housed within the Urban Studies Program.
At the Human Cities Initiative, we take a whole systems approach to the research and practice of sustainable cities. We aim to identify distinct challenges of urbanization at different stages of development and support human-centered technological, policy, and design strategies that address those challenges. We develop and practice ethical approaches, using frameworks that are inclusive (for many) and participatory (by many) to benefit diverse human communities. Our overarching framework for sustainable development is the Four Pillars of Sustainability consisting of environmental protection, economic vitality, social equity, and cultural continuity and in which a balance of tradeoffs and choices between natural resources, land use, and human capital is necessary.
Thematic Hubs of interest: urban regeneration, urban governance, safer cities, climate change, urban form.
As a member of UN-Habitat UNI network, we look forward to engaging in productive dialogue with UN-Habitat, universities, and research institutions on the growth and development of sustainable cities. Programmatic activities include hosting UNI events at Stanford University, contributing to the Urban Lecture Series, developing curriculum that involve students/faculty in discussions and preparations for Habitat III and the New Urban Agenda. We will also provide resources for our students to participate in internship and fellowship opportunities with organizations concerned with urban sustainability.
