Figure 4. Migrant participants engage in a workshop in New Damietta, where they discuss long-term priorities. @ UN-Habitat
Ahmed, a 35-year-old teacher from Aleppo, Syria, led a happy life with his wife, Amina, and their two children, Layla and Omar. Aleppo, with its vibrant culture and bustling markets, had always been home for Ahmed. However, the peace of their everyday life was shattered when conflict erupted in their country in 2011. Fleeing the turmoil, Ahmed and his family found themselves in Cairo, Egypt’s busy capital, where they were registered as refugees. The move was both a relief and a daunting challenge. With no contacts in the city and no clear plan for starting anew, life as a refugee in Cairo was far from easy. The family decided to move to New Damietta, a city on the coast, in search of better job opportunities that could help sustain their household.
Here, Ahmed and his family found hope and a way to actively participate in the future of the new community and city they are part of through UN-Habitat's Urban Planning and Infrastructure in Migration Contexts (UPIMC) project, funded by SECO. This program aims to enhance the lives of refugees, displaced populations, and host communities in urban areas in Egypt, Jordan, and Cameroon by improving access to basic services and socio-economic opportunities in the most vulnerable neighborhoods.
The Importance of Participatory Planning for Inclusive and Equal Cities
Recognizing the transformative power of inclusive urban planning as a crucial platform for integration, cultural exchange, and community building, the program focuses on community participation, capacity building, and analysis of the specific needs and opportunities, collected through consultations and participatory processes.
In New Damietta, Ahmed was one of the over 200 residents, including refugees, citizens, and municipality staff, participating in the many workshops and focus groups that collaboratively developed and validated the city spatial profile and future vision. Ahmed took part in the profiling mapping exercise that provides a spatial understanding of the needs, challenges, and opportunities of migration and urban development in the city. He collaborated in drawing the collective roadmap, envisioning, and aligning the aspirations of government, host and refugee communities, and other stakeholders. Everyone’s contribution is reflected in the identified priority interventions.
Investing in a Resilient and Inclusive Future
Ahmed’s participation in the program highlights the potential for inclusive planning to transform lives. The spatial profiling and community workshops conducted in New Damietta have identified key areas needing improved infrastructure and services. This approach has already led to the development of action plans that address the community's immediate needs and long-term goals.
The next steps involve linking the identified interventions with future investments. A set of Investment Cards will be produced soon and proposed to the municipality, partners, and donors. These cards will outline specific projects and their funding needs, paving the way for tangible improvements in the community.
Ahmed’s journey from Aleppo to New Damietta showcases the resilience of refugees and the transformative impact of inclusive urban planning. When migrants and refugees are included as equals in the decision-making and place-making of neighborhoods and cities, they bring a wealth of cultural diversity and perspectives, and their contributions benefit the entire community. Their experiences and needs can inspire innovative solutions and create more resilient urban spaces.
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