August 23, 2018, Kigali, Rwanda – A series of “Inclusive Cities Talk” meetings were launched by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). It was attended by representatives from partner organizations working on inclusivity in Rwanda, such as the Ministry of Infrastructure, UN-Habitat, USAID, the Rwanda Women’s Network, and the Rwanda Ladies in Architecture.
Our guest speaker for the first series of “Inclusive Cities Talk” was Justin Garrett Moore, Executive Director of the New York City Public Design Commission. During the presentation on inclusive public spaces in New York, he stressed: “In New York, a lot is being done and being built, and it might sound simple to rebuild the street, rebuild the infrastructure, rebuild a library, but the entire process and conceptualization is something that is crucial. Design and planning for those spaces is important. If not planned and designed properly, one might spend a lot of money, time and energy and have a bad result.”
“Inclusive Cities Talk” meetings comprised of keynote sessions and dialogues on inclusivity in planning and implementation of urban development related policies, projects and programs. They were set up to discuss issues related to women and children, the elderly and those with disabilities living in rapidly urbanizing cities in Rwanda.
The “Inclusive Cities Talk” sessions also served as a platform for gathering organizations working on inclusivity and helping to identify collaborative opportunities. As an example, GGGI conducted survey on green and public spaces in Nyagatare in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure with the participation of Rwanda Women’s Network making sure that upcoming green and public spaces for Rwanda’s secondary city would be safe, inclusive and accessible.
The “Inclusive Cities Talk” meetings introduced in Kigali will be organized in Rwanda’s secondary cities where GGGI has a presence and is working on sustainable development.
Participants that attended the” Inclusive Cities Talk” with guest speaker Justin Garett Moore