On Monday, October 28, 2024, a panel consisting of Dr. Muhammad Naveed Iftikhar, Former Governance Specialist, Finance and Planning Division and Prof. Dr. Amer Aziz, Professor, City & Regional Planning, UET addressed the participants of 36^th SMC on “Sustainable Urban Development and Eco Cities”.

Dr. Naveed Iftikhar and Dr. Amer Aziz led a dynamic panel discussion on sustainable urban development, highlighting key challenges in urban governance and management. They addressed issues such as rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation, emphasizing the need for effective governance frameworks.

The panel explored the concept of smart and safe cities, focusing on how technology can enhance safety, service delivery, and resource management within urban centers. Dr. Iftikhar and Dr. Aziz discussed sustainable urban planning principles and the importance of green cities, with climate mitigation and adaptation measures essential to future-proofing urban spaces against climate change.

They also reviewed the role of cities as engines of growth and development, analyzing patterns of urbanization and their socio-economic impacts. Past urban policies were critically assessed to identify lessons learned and areas for improvement. The experts proposed policy options and implementation strategies in line with international best practices and agreements, underlining the importance of global cooperation to foster sustainable and eco-friendly urban environments.