By Anne Russell. Urbanization affects us locally, nationally, and internationally. It is a driving force of change, as well as a source of development with the power to improve lives. By 2050, the urban population alone will be larger than the current total world population, posing massive sustainability challenges in terms of housing, infrastructure, basic services, and jobs.
The University of the Fraser Valley will present a forum on The Future of Our Cities on Tuesday, Oct 25 at 7 pm in the Great Hall, Student Union Building, on the Abbotsford campus. Admission is free and the public is invited.
Come out and hear rapid‐fire two-minute presentations by faculty members and students about the challenges and promises of urbanization and the future of cities.
Speakers will include the following faculty members and community leaders: Cherie Enns on Land Policy and Planning, John Belec on Helter Shelter: The Future of Home Ownership in the Canadian City, Abbotsford Police Chief Bob Rich on Marginalized and at Risk Persons in an Urban Environment, Edward Akuffo on the African Union’s Agenda 2063, Irwin Cohen on Crime Prevention/Reduction and Safe Cities, Amy Prevost on Public Health and Urbanization, Steven Schroeder on Equal Rights and Equal Opportunities, Hamish Telford on Governance Challenges for Canadian Cities, and Lionel Pandolfo on Climate Change and Cities.
Student presenters will be Jessica Jahn on Access to Justice and Peace Building in our Cities, Sarah Ferencz on Safe Cities for Women, and Ashley Heaps on Safe Cities for Children.
Come early for an update from UFV’s Queen Elizabeth Scholars on research related to urban food security and sustainability in East Africa (6 pm).
In October 2016, during Habitat III in Quito, Ecuador, world leaders will adopt the New Urban Agenda and provide an action‐oriented, forward‐looking, and universal framework of actions for housing and sustainable urban development.
This event will create a unique opportunity for UFV students and faculty, together with local community leaders, to reflect on the future of cities and towns in British Columbia, Canada and the rest of the world.
The event will be moderated by Yvon Dandurand, associate professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice.