Cities play an increasing role in shaping our societies and future developments. They are home to most of the global population, concentrate economic power and trade, and stimulate innovation and change. Latin America is one of the most urbanized regions of the world (80%) and cities generate more than 70% of the GDP. Answers to many of today's development challenges will need to be found in and with cities.
GIMLA created one of its two initial working groups in order to acknowledge the importance of cities as political and economic stakeholders in a world of power reconfigurations. We seek to collaborate with international alignments such as the C40, ICLEI, UCLG, and Cities Alliance and their strong concerns for the environment, climate change and sustainability.
The aim of WISE is to foster innovative research and cross-sectoral exchanges on pressing urban issues in Latin America and the Caribbean. One focus lies on the fast-growing interest smart cities generate in the region. A second focal point is the translation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) into urban planning practices and frameworks.
Topical Focus
- Smart Cities and urban innovation
- Cities and finance
- Trans-national urban learning and the role of best practices
- Affordable housing: of programs and policies
- Slum upgrading
- Urban resilience
- The Informal Economy
Geographic Focus
While a Latin American Focus is desirable, given the strong connection to international organizations and trans-national diplomacy, a global concern or a focus on another world region is possible.
Achievements
- Outreach activities: Urban Thinkers Campus on Dense and Inclusive Cities in Latin America (10.2019), and Slum Upgrading Practices in Latin America (10.2020), Africa (11.2020), and Asia (2021)
- Network and Diplomacy: Global Community of Practice Workshops on Slum Upgrading (07.2021)
- Publications: Cities Alliance Review Papers on Slum Upgrading Programs (09.2021), National Frameworks, and Informality Concepts (forthcoming)
- HSG master and bachelor thesis: 12 completed, 16 ongoings (09.2021)
- Workshop on Smart Cities in Rio de Janeiro (08.2018)
- Latam Compact on Smart Cities and Innovation to Chile (virtual 04.2020 and 04.2022)
Opportunities
Please contact us for current offers. We have several ongoing projects (see topic focus) and receive regularly requests from practice partners.