“World Migration Report,” Background Papers on Displacement, Migration and Resettlement in MENA (Middle East and North Africa), International Organization for Migration, 2014

Abstract

In 2014, a I2UD research team produced a set of background research materials for the International Organization for Migration’s 2015 “World Migration Report,” addressing issues of displacement, migration and resettlement in MENA, the Middle East and North African geographic region.

I2UD staff prepared of a series of case studies and facilitation of training course for Iraqi officials, discussing durable shelter solutions for internal displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees in Iraq, Syria, Spain, Italy, Sudan, and Yemen. The project aimed to: support local authority’s capacity to deal with migration patterns, review shelter needs for refugees, address reforms and challenges for accommodating migrants, and offer support for returnees.

Documents include a MENA Background paper outline an initial work plan from September 2014, and a second work plan from December 2014. Supporting materials include a display of “Project Statistics and Refugee Camps” in the region, a “Provincial Action Plan” for Van, Turkey, and an outline of “Durable Housing Solutions and Livelihoods for Georgian IDPs.”

Project Year:	2014
Project Type:	Research Paper
Geographic Regions:	^{Middle East and North Africa / Mashreq (Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, and Palestine) / Maghreb (Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco) / Gulf Cooperation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) / Southern Tier (Yemen and Sudan)}. ^{Additional Countries: Van, Turkey / Georgia / France / Spain / Italy / Germany / United Kingdom}
Reports:	International Organization for Migration: MENA Background Paper (Outline, September 2014) International Organization for Migration: MENA Background Paper (Work Plan, September 2014) International Organization for Migration: MENA Background Paper (December 2014) International Organization for Migration: Projected Statistics and Refugee Camps International Organization for Migration: Provincial Action Plan, Van, Turkey (Draft) International Organization for Migration: Durable Housing Solutions and Livelihoods for Georgian IDPs (Case Study)
Authors:	^{Mona Serageldin; François Vigier; Maren Larsen; Barbara Summers; Sheelah Gobar;}
Sponsors:	^{International Organization for Migration, 2015 World Migration Report; UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency);}
Categories:	Reconciliation and Development;

ID:	2014_09_001

Related I2UD Projects

Related by – MENA International Programs

“World Migration Report,” Background Papers on Displacement, Migration and Resettlement in MENA (Middle East and North Africa), International Organization for Migration, 2014

“The Development and Morphology of Informal Housing,” Research Paper, Published with Aga Khan Award for Architecture Seminar Proceedings, Dr. Mona Serageldin, 1988.

Design Studio 1984: “The Revitalization of a Traditional Urban Quarter” for the Medieval Darb al Ahmar District, Cairo, Egypt, Seminar Curriculum

“Best Practices and Local Leadership Programme,” Review of International Urban Development Projects, for the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat), 1995

Habitat III Regional Report for the Arab Region: Papers on “Inclusive cities,” “Migration and Refugees in Urban Areas,” and “Land Structure, Process, and Outcome,” for UN-Habitat (ROAS) and United Nations (ESCWA), 2015-2016

World Bank MNA Urban Action Plan – Policy and Strategy Papers: “The Evolving Regional Urban Agenda: Key Challenges and Opportunities,” & “From Spring to Renaissance: Repositioning the Arab Cities,” 2013

“Comprehensive Plan for Makkah, Madinah and Mashaer,” Urban Development Strategy for Ancient Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia, 2009

State of Arab Cities 2012 UN-Habitat Report & Conference – “Challenges of Urban Transition: Municipal Management and Urban Development Conference For Sustainability in Arab States,” Kuwait, May 2012

“Basic Services for an Urbanizing World,” Third Global Report on Local Democracy and Decentralization (GOLD III, UCLG). Chapter on “Middle East and West Asia” by Mona Serageldin, I2UD, 2013

UN-HABITAT Spatial Regional Plan and Assessment for the Kurdistan-Iraq Region Housing Program, 2014

Keynote for City Debates 2015, American University of Beirut: “The Dynamics of Neighborhood Transformation: Long Term Trends and Immediate Responses to Turmoil and Civil Unrest,” Dr. Mona Serageldin

“Inclusive Cities and Access to Land, Housing, and Services in Developing Countries,” Urban Development Series: Knowledge Papers, February 2016, No. 22. World Bank’s Social, Urban, Rural & Resilience Global Practice, 2016

Related by – Migration

“World Migration Report,” Background Papers on Displacement, Migration and Resettlement in MENA (Middle East and North Africa), International Organization for Migration, 2014

“Migration, Remittances and Housing in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Study on Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa, with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), 2007-2008

“Migration, Remittances and the Empowerment of Women in Central America and the Andean Region,” for PROMESHA, Lund University, 2007-2008

“Habitat III Regional Report for the Arab Region,” for UN-Habitat (ROAS) and United Nations (ESCWA), 2015-2016

“National Urban Strategy for Governorates in Iraq,” Development Strategy for Phase II of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Iraq Ministry of Planning Local Area Development Programme (LADP II), 2014-2018

“National Urban Policies in Arab States,” Regional Assessment and Case Studies on NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, 2014

UN-HABITAT Spatial Regional Plan and Assessment for the Kurdistan-Iraq Region Housing Program, 2014

“Inclusive Cities and Access to Land, Housing, and Services in Developing Countries,” Urban Development Series: Knowledge Papers, February 2016, No. 22. World Bank’s Social, Urban, Rural & Resilience Global Practice, 2016

“Basic Services for an Urbanizing World,” Third Global Report on Local Democracy and Decentralization (GOLD III, UCLG). Chapter on “Middle East and West Asia” by Mona Serageldin, I2UD, 2013

World Bank MNA Urban Action Plan – Policy and Strategy Papers: “The Evolving Regional Urban Agenda: Key Challenges and Opportunities,” & “From Spring to Renaissance: Repositioning the Arab Cities,” 2013

“GCC Regional Spatial Strategy – Elements and Considerations,” Urban Development Plan, UN-Habitat Gulf States Regional Office Workshops, 2013

State of Arab Cities 2012 UN-Habitat Report & Conference – “Challenges of Urban Transition: Municipal Management and Urban Development Conference For Sustainability in Arab States,” Kuwait, May 2012

“Comprehensive Plan for Makkah, Madinah and Mashaer,” Urban Development Strategy for Ancient Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia, 2009

Executive Training Course 2006: “Strategic Planning for Sustainable Infrastructure Development,” Workshop Curriculum with Case Studies, Pretoria, South Africa, 2006

“Development Corridors and Urban Development Strategies” and “Slum Improvement Strategies and Social Inclusion,” Presentations by Dr. Mona Serageldin, 11th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, São Paulo, Brazil, 2004

“Migratory Flows, Poverty and Social Inclusion in Latin America,” Research Report by Dr. Mona Serageldin with Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), 2004

“Community-Based Urbanization and Favelas Rehabilitation Processes,” Case Study in Academy Editions, “The Architecture of Empowerment: People, Shelter and Livable Cities,” for Fortaleza, Brazil, 1997

“Review of Ongoing USAID Shelter Sector Activities in Morocco,” Report by Dr. Mona Serageldin with ICMA, TSS Inc. for USAID/Morocco Office of Housing and Urban Programs, 1992-1998

Design Studio 1989: “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” Urbanization Analysis of Rabat, Morocco – Seminar Curriculum

Design Studio 1988: “Urban Infrastructure Planning and Programing in Developing Countries,” Chapters 1-7, Seminar Curriculum

Related I2UD Photography Galleries

Gallery 1 – Algeria: Algiers, November 1987 and September 1988

Gallery 3 – Bahrain: Manama and Muharraq, 1980s

Galleries 6-7 – Egypt: Cairo and Helwan, 1986, 1990

Gallery 14 – Turkey: Tarsus, Adana, Mersin, Iskenderun, Istanbul, and Batikent, 1987

Tags

August 2014April 2025

“National Urban Policies in Arab States,” Regional Assessment and Case Studies on NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, 2014

Abstract

I2UD produced a regional assessment report of National Urban Policies (NUPs) in Arab States in 2014, to describe and analyze contextual factors and the evolution of policies in major Arab states. The assessment included five in-depth case studies of NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan, which reflect the geographical diversity in the area, as well as current policy objectives, opportunities and challenges in implementation for the region.

In a related report from April 2016, Drs. Mona Serageldin and François Vigier addressed a broader scope of NUPs, including European and global factors, in a paper titled “National Urban Policies and the Role of Sub-national Governments.”

Case study analysis focused on cross-cutting themes of compact and connected cities, inclusive cities, and climate-resilient cities. The final outputs included these case studies, a regional synthesis report, and a table of country profiles in relation to national urban policies.

Documents include an initial expression of interest, inception report, case studies for each country, final assessments, an executive summary, annexes and methodological notes, and an additional memo on informal settlements in Egypt.

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:	2014
Project Type:	Regional Report
Geographic Regions:	^{Egypt / Jordan / Morocco / Saudi Arabia / Sudan}
Reports:	NUP in Arab States: (Full Report, February 2017) NUP in Arab States: (Expression of Interest, August 2014) NUP in Arab States: (Inception Report, March 2015) NUP in Arab States: Methodology for UN Habitat NUP in Arab States: Executive Summary (Serageldin and Vigier, April 2016) NUP in Arab States: UN Habitat Partnership with the Arab States NUP in Arab States: Informal Settlements in Egypt (Memo) NUP in Arab States: Annex 1 Country Profiles NUP in Arab States: Case Study Method and Analysis Guide for National Urban Policies Case Studies: NUP in Arab States: Egypt (Case Study) NUP in Arab States: Sudan (Case Study) NUP in Arab States: Saudi Arabia (Case Study) NUP in Arab States: Jordan (Case Study) NUP in Arab States: Morocco (Case Study) NUP in Arab States: (Final Assessment Report)
Authors:	^{Mona Serageldin; François Vigier; Maren Larsen;}
Sponsors:	^{UN Habitat (Regional and Metropolitan Planning Unit, Urban Planning and Design Branch);}
Categories:	Urban Planning

ID:	2014_08_001

Related I2UD Projects

Related by – City or Community Case Studies

“Planning for Climate Adaptation Program” for Four Dominican Republic Municipalities: Santo Domingo National District, Santiago de los Caballeros, San Pedro de Macoris, and Las Terrenas, 2015

“National Urban Policies in Arab States,” Regional Assessment and Case Studies on NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, 2014

“Arusha Urbanization Strategy and Urban Development Plan,” Development Strategy for Arusha Municipality, Tanzania, 2009-2012

ICLRD: Urban Reconciliation Case Studies for Public Housing Estates in Ireland and Northern Ireland, with Study Profile on the Basel Metropolitan Area, 2010-2012

Executive Training Course 2006: “Strategic Planning for Sustainable Infrastructure Development,” Workshop Curriculum with Case Studies, Pretoria, South Africa, 2006

IEP 2003: “Infrastructure and Partnerships for Local Economic Development” in Pretoria and Bloemfontein, South Africa, International Education Programs, 2003

IEP 2002: “Strategic Planning for Local Development & Urban Revitalization,” Program Overview, International Education Programs, 2002

Workshops on “Strategic Planning and Management of Municipal Infrastructure Programs,” from Review of Grant-Funded MIPs in South Africa, May-June 1999

“Housing Microfinance Initiatives,” Case Study for USAID Microenterprise Best Practices Initiative, 1999-2000

ITP 1998: “The Role of Public/Private Partnerships in Urban Improvements,” with Case Studies on Kreuzberg, Berlin (Germany), GIS Mapping on Cape Cod (US) and the Maarouf Quarter of Cairo (Egypt), 1998

“City of Szczecin Capital Improvement Program,” Case Studies for Technical Assistance Program, Szczecin, Poland, 1996

ITP 1994: “Revitalization in Older Urban Spaces,” Upham’s Corner, Dorchester, Boston, South Boston, and New Haven (US); Montpellier (France); and Cork (Ireland) with Case Studies, International Education Programs, 1994

“Introduction to Local Finances,” Teaching Monographs and Case Studies on Finance Management, by Visiting Lecturer David C. Jones, 1994-1999

Related by – Migration

“World Migration Report,” Background Papers on Displacement, Migration and Resettlement in MENA (Middle East and North Africa), International Organization for Migration, 2014

“Migration, Remittances and Housing in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Study on Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa, with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), 2007-2008

“Migration, Remittances and the Empowerment of Women in Central America and the Andean Region,” for PROMESHA, Lund University, 2007-2008

“Habitat III Regional Report for the Arab Region,” for UN-Habitat (ROAS) and United Nations (ESCWA), 2015-2016

“National Urban Policies in Arab States,” Regional Assessment and Case Studies on NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, 2014

UN-HABITAT Spatial Regional Plan and Assessment for the Kurdistan-Iraq Region Housing Program, 2014

“GCC Regional Spatial Strategy – Elements and Considerations,” Urban Development Plan, UN-Habitat Gulf States Regional Office Workshops, 2013

“Comprehensive Plan for Makkah, Madinah and Mashaer,” Urban Development Strategy for Ancient Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia, 2009

Executive Training Course 2006: “Strategic Planning for Sustainable Infrastructure Development,” Workshop Curriculum with Case Studies, Pretoria, South Africa, 2006

“Migratory Flows, Poverty and Social Inclusion in Latin America,” Research Report by Dr. Mona Serageldin with Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), 2004

“Review of Ongoing USAID Shelter Sector Activities in Morocco,” Report by Dr. Mona Serageldin with ICMA, TSS Inc. for USAID/Morocco Office of Housing and Urban Programs, 1992-1998

Design Studio 1989: “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” Urbanization Analysis of Rabat, Morocco – Seminar Curriculum

Design Studio 1988: “Urban Infrastructure Planning and Programing in Developing Countries,” Chapters 1-7, Seminar Curriculum

Related by – Regional Assessments

“Comprehensive Plan for Makkah, Madinah and Mashaer,” Urban Development Strategy for Ancient Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia, 2009

“The Unplanned Areas Upgrading and Employment Enhancing Programme in Egypt,” Needs Assessment and Activity Design Study for Informal Settlements in Cairo, Giza Governorates, Egypt, 2011-2016

“GCC Regional Spatial Strategy – Elements and Considerations,” Urban Development Plan, UN-Habitat Gulf States Regional Office Workshops, 2013

“National Urban Policies in Arab States,” Regional Assessment and Case Studies on NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, 2014

UN-HABITAT Spatial Regional Plan and Assessment for the Kurdistan-Iraq Region Housing Program, 2014

Related I2UD Photography Galleries

Galleries 6-7 – Egypt: Cairo and Helwan, 1986, 1990

Tags

April 2014April 2025

“Inclusive Cities and Access to Land, Housing, and Services in Developing Countries,” Urban Development Series: Knowledge Papers, February 2016, No. 22. World Bank’s Social, Urban, Rural & Resilience Global Practice, 2016

Abstract

The Institute for International Urban Development produced a research paper between 2014 to 2016 titled “Inclusive Cities and Access to Land: Housing and Services in Developing Countries.” The World Bank supported project addressed how global disparities in income, wealth, and opportunity experienced worldwide have contributed to social exclusion and spatial segregation in cities in the Middle East, North Africa, Latin America, Central America and Western Asia.

The Final Report—authored by Dr. Mona Serageldin with I2UD staff, and published in 2016 by The World Bank—documents examples of successful inclusionary policies, programs, and initiatives by public agencies and NGOs with a special focus on cities in Latin America and the Middle East. The reports discussed the difficulty in organizing integrative projects. It underscored the shortcomings arising from acting on one dimension of inclusion—while ignoring others.

Documents include a workshop presentation from January 2014, with a final draft from April 2014. The Final Report from was published by The World Bank as:

Urban Development Series: Knowledge Papers, February 2016, No. 22, Mona Serageldin, Contributors: Sheelah Gobar, Warren Hagist, and Maren Larsen. “Inclusive Cities and Access to Land, Housing, and Services in Developing Countries.” World Bank’s Social, Urban, Rural & Resilience Global Practice, World Bank, 2016.

Excerpt

[Excerpt: Index for the Final Report: “Inclusive Cities and Access to Land, Housing, and Services in Developing Countries.”]

The Growing Importance of Inclusion in Urban Areas
1.1 Defining Inclusion
1.2 Measuring the Dimensions of Exclusion: São Paulo’s Exclusion/Inclusion Indicator Mapping

2. Trends Affecting Social Inclusion in Urban Areas
2.1 Demographics
2.2 Mobility and Migration

3. Infrastructure and Public Services: A Powerful Tool to Promote Social Inclusion
3.1 Rethinking the Approach to Slum Upgrading and Regularization of Informal Settlements
3.2 South Africa’s Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program (MIG)
3.3 Access to Public Services: Social Missions in the the República Bolivariana de Venezuela

4. Restoring the Social Function of Public Space
4.1 Rio de Janeiro’s Favela Bairro Program

5. Access to Land: A Critical Factor at the Core of Inclusion and Exclusion
5.1 Regularizing Tenure in Informal Settlements: Impacts on Social Inclusion
5.2 Impacts of Property Registration on the Inclusion of Informal Settlers
5.3 Integrated Projects to improve the Living Environment: The Role of State Agencies 16
5.4 Egypt’s Informal Settlements Development Facility (ISDF)

6. The Erosion of Inclusive Options for Affordable Housing
6.1 Affordable Housing and Spatial Segregation in Chile
6.2 Looking to Rental Markets as Instruments of Inclusion

7. Generating Revenues to Finance Urban Improvements: Land-Based Financing
7.1 Cuenca’s Improve Your Neighborhood Program

8. The Right to the City
8.1 Implementing the Right to the City in Brazil
8.2 National Legislation and Local Implementation: Colombia’s Policies of Decentralizing the Improvement of Lower Income Settlements
8.3 An Emerging Urban Agenda in the Middle East
8.4 Recife, Brazil (ZEIS)

9. NGOs and CBOs as Strategic Partners in Driving the Implementation of Inclusionary Programs
9.1 Grassroots Initiatives: A Rights-Based Approach
9.2 SEWA
9.3 CODI, Thailand

Concluding Remarks
References
Appendix 1: Indicators of Urban Exclusion and Inclusion in São Paulo, Brazil
Appendix 2: Property Tax and Registration in Middle Eastern Countries
Appendix 3: Statistical Appendix
Appendix 4: Resources

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:	2014-2016
Project Type:	Research Paper
Geographic Regions:	^{Latin America and Middle East / Venezuela / Recife and São Paulo, Brazil / Chile / Colombia / Mexico / Syria / Egypt / Morocco / Tunisia / South Africa / Thailand}
Reports:	Inclusive Cities: Final Report, February 2016) — Inclusive Cities: (Workshop Presentation, January 2014) Inclusive Cities: (Final Draft, April 2014)
Authors:	^{Sheelah Gobar; Warren Hagist; Maren Larsen; Dr. Mona Serageldin;}
Sponsors:	The World Bank
Categories:	Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading

ID:	2014_04_001

Related I2UD Projects

Related by – MENA International Programs

“World Migration Report,” Background Papers on Displacement, Migration and Resettlement in MENA (Middle East and North Africa), International Organization for Migration, 2014

“The Development and Morphology of Informal Housing,” Research Paper, Published with Aga Khan Award for Architecture Seminar Proceedings, Dr. Mona Serageldin, 1988.

Design Studio 1984: “The Revitalization of a Traditional Urban Quarter” for the Medieval Darb al Ahmar District, Cairo, Egypt, Seminar Curriculum

“Best Practices and Local Leadership Programme,” Review of International Urban Development Projects, for the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat), 1995

“Comprehensive Plan for Makkah, Madinah and Mashaer,” Urban Development Strategy for Ancient Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia, 2009

“Basic Services for an Urbanizing World,” Third Global Report on Local Democracy and Decentralization (GOLD III, UCLG). Chapter on “Middle East and West Asia” by Mona Serageldin, I2UD, 2013

UN-HABITAT Spatial Regional Plan and Assessment for the Kurdistan-Iraq Region Housing Program, 2014

Related by – Migration

“World Migration Report,” Background Papers on Displacement, Migration and Resettlement in MENA (Middle East and North Africa), International Organization for Migration, 2014

“Migration, Remittances and Housing in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Study on Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa, with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), 2007-2008

“Migration, Remittances and the Empowerment of Women in Central America and the Andean Region,” for PROMESHA, Lund University, 2007-2008

“Habitat III Regional Report for the Arab Region,” for UN-Habitat (ROAS) and United Nations (ESCWA), 2015-2016

“National Urban Policies in Arab States,” Regional Assessment and Case Studies on NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, 2014

UN-HABITAT Spatial Regional Plan and Assessment for the Kurdistan-Iraq Region Housing Program, 2014

“GCC Regional Spatial Strategy – Elements and Considerations,” Urban Development Plan, UN-Habitat Gulf States Regional Office Workshops, 2013

“Comprehensive Plan for Makkah, Madinah and Mashaer,” Urban Development Strategy for Ancient Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia, 2009

Executive Training Course 2006: “Strategic Planning for Sustainable Infrastructure Development,” Workshop Curriculum with Case Studies, Pretoria, South Africa, 2006

“Migratory Flows, Poverty and Social Inclusion in Latin America,” Research Report by Dr. Mona Serageldin with Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), 2004

“Review of Ongoing USAID Shelter Sector Activities in Morocco,” Report by Dr. Mona Serageldin with ICMA, TSS Inc. for USAID/Morocco Office of Housing and Urban Programs, 1992-1998

Design Studio 1989: “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” Urbanization Analysis of Rabat, Morocco – Seminar Curriculum

Design Studio 1988: “Urban Infrastructure Planning and Programing in Developing Countries,” Chapters 1-7, Seminar Curriculum

Related I2UD Photography Galleries

Gallery 4 – Chile: Santiago, Concepción, and Talcahuano, 1992-1993

Galleries 6-7 – Egypt: Cairo and Helwan, 1986, 1990

Gallery 16 – Venezuela: Caracas, 1989

Tags

January 2013May 2025

World Bank MNA Urban Action Plan – Policy and Strategy Papers: “The Evolving Regional Urban Agenda: Key Challenges and Opportunities,” & “From Spring to Renaissance: Repositioning the Arab Cities,” 2013

Abstract

In 2013, I2UD researchers co-wrote material for the 2013 “World Bank MNA Urban Action Plan,” an urban development policy and strategy plan for the Middle East and North Africa (MNA/MENA) region.

I2UD gave a preliminary presentation in October 2012 at a special meeting of the urban sector team at the World Bank. Team members presented priority issues at the in-person session, and from the field via video conferencing. Inputs and comments were solicited from all MNA colleagues, to enrich urban challenge assessments, and proposals presented in the Urban Action Plan.

Documents include an Executive Summary by Dr. Mona Serageldin, a March 2013 presentation: “The Evolving Regional Urban Agenda: Key Challenges and Opportunities,” and a January 2013 working paper, “From Spring to Renaissance: Repositioning the Arab Cities.” Supporting materials include a Statistical annex, Country spatial profiles, and a Slideshow Compendium. The draft paper and powerpoint slides were forwarded to the whole MNA urban group, for review and commentary.

Excerpt

[Excerpt: October 1st, 2012 MNA Urban Action Plan, Executive Summary by Mona Serageldin.]

“This inception report expands on the four themes presented in the Key Pillars of the MNA urban strategy and identifies the development priorities that must be addressed to implement MNA’s Action Plan. The objective is to raise issues for discussion and solicit inputs and comments from MNA colleagues in order to expand on the assessment of key urban challenges and enrich the proposals to be presented in the action plan. The region is 62% urbanized and has one of the World’s most rapidly expanding populations. By 2030, the region will have experienced a 45% increase of its urban population with over 106 million additional urban inhabitants. Some countries will see their urban populations double between 2030 and 2050: Egypt, Djibouti, Kuwait, Iraq, OPT, Syria and Yemen.”

“A long history of settlement, along the great rivers, smaller watercourses and the main oases, has led to imbalances in the geographical distribution of urban development, income and wealth. These patterns have been reinforced by the focus of colonial governments on the export of commodities and port cities and, in the post-colonial period, by the migration of rural populations caused by the increasing severity of droughts. The development of oil, gas and petrochemical industries has favored the industrial dominance of coastal cities.”

“The region’s urban dynamics and relatively weak institutions, particularly at the local level, have resulted in unplanned and often chaotic urban growth. Few national spatial development strategies have been elaborated and most regional development plans suffer from a lack of coherence among sectoral investments. The sub-national plans that have been prepared are project-driven with a bias towards primary urban centers and locations where real estate development is lucrative. There is an urgent need for the elaboration of national urban development frameworks and the preparation of integrated regional development strategies to guide and structure growth along development corridors and nodes in order to open up opportunities in the hinterland. Coordinated investments in transport and water supply are critical to start alleviating regional disparities.”

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:	2013
Project Type:	Policy Papers; Presentations; Urban Action Plan
Geographic Regions:	Middle East / North Africa
Reports:	World Bank MNA Urban Action Plan: Executive Summary (Mona Serageldin, October 2012) World Bank MNA Urban Action Plan: “The Evolving Regional Urban Agenda: Key Challenges And Opportunities,” (Presentation, March 2013) World Bank MNA Urban Action Plan: “From Spring to Renaissance: Repositioning the Arab Cities,” (Paper, January 2013) Supporting Materials: World Bank MNA Urban Action Plan: Statistical Annex World Bank MNA Urban Action Plan: Unbalanced Spatial Analysis Country Profiles World Bank MNA Urban Action Plan: Slideshow Compendium
Authors:	^{Mona Serageldin; Sheelah Gobar; Warren Hagist; Carolina Morgan;}
Sponsors:	^{The World Bank}
Categories:	Reconciliation and Development

ID:	2013_01_001

Related I2UD Projects

Related by – MENA International Programs

“World Migration Report,” Background Papers on Displacement, Migration and Resettlement in MENA (Middle East and North Africa), International Organization for Migration, 2014

“The Development and Morphology of Informal Housing,” Research Paper, Published with Aga Khan Award for Architecture Seminar Proceedings, Dr. Mona Serageldin, 1988.

Design Studio 1984: “The Revitalization of a Traditional Urban Quarter” for the Medieval Darb al Ahmar District, Cairo, Egypt, Seminar Curriculum

“Best Practices and Local Leadership Programme,” Review of International Urban Development Projects, for the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat), 1995

“Comprehensive Plan for Makkah, Madinah and Mashaer,” Urban Development Strategy for Ancient Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia, 2009

“Basic Services for an Urbanizing World,” Third Global Report on Local Democracy and Decentralization (GOLD III, UCLG). Chapter on “Middle East and West Asia” by Mona Serageldin, I2UD, 2013

UN-HABITAT Spatial Regional Plan and Assessment for the Kurdistan-Iraq Region Housing Program, 2014

Related by – Migration

“World Migration Report,” Background Papers on Displacement, Migration and Resettlement in MENA (Middle East and North Africa), International Organization for Migration, 2014

“Migration, Remittances and Housing in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Study on Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa, with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), 2007-2008

“Migration, Remittances and the Empowerment of Women in Central America and the Andean Region,” for PROMESHA, Lund University, 2007-2008

“Habitat III Regional Report for the Arab Region,” for UN-Habitat (ROAS) and United Nations (ESCWA), 2015-2016

“National Urban Policies in Arab States,” Regional Assessment and Case Studies on NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, 2014

UN-HABITAT Spatial Regional Plan and Assessment for the Kurdistan-Iraq Region Housing Program, 2014

“GCC Regional Spatial Strategy – Elements and Considerations,” Urban Development Plan, UN-Habitat Gulf States Regional Office Workshops, 2013

“Comprehensive Plan for Makkah, Madinah and Mashaer,” Urban Development Strategy for Ancient Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia, 2009

Executive Training Course 2006: “Strategic Planning for Sustainable Infrastructure Development,” Workshop Curriculum with Case Studies, Pretoria, South Africa, 2006

“Migratory Flows, Poverty and Social Inclusion in Latin America,” Research Report by Dr. Mona Serageldin with Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), 2004

“Review of Ongoing USAID Shelter Sector Activities in Morocco,” Report by Dr. Mona Serageldin with ICMA, TSS Inc. for USAID/Morocco Office of Housing and Urban Programs, 1992-1998

Design Studio 1989: “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” Urbanization Analysis of Rabat, Morocco – Seminar Curriculum

Design Studio 1988: “Urban Infrastructure Planning and Programing in Developing Countries,” Chapters 1-7, Seminar Curriculum

Related I2UD Photography Galleries

Galleries 6-7 – Egypt: Cairo and Helwan, 1986, 1990

Tags

July 2010April 2025

State of Arab Cities 2012 UN-Habitat Report & Conference – “Challenges of Urban Transition: Municipal Management and Urban Development Conference For Sustainability in Arab States,” Kuwait, May 2012

Abstract

In 2012, UN-Habitat launched the first State of Arab Cities report and conference — to address urbanization trends and challenges in the four major Arab and Middle Eastern regions: Mashreq, Maghreb, Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Southern Tier Countries (defined below). With Dr. Mona Serageldin as Team Leader, I2UD contributed a significant body of research for the conference, “Challenges of Urban Transition: Municipal Management and Urban Development Conference for Sustainability in Arab States.” The conference was hosted by the UN HABITAT Regional Office for Arab States, and the Kuwait Knowledge Development Regional Centre.

The I2UD team compiled urban housing and demographic data for nations in Maghreb: (Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia) and Mashreq: (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria). The I2UD team reviewed 180 documents for each region, covering: “Population and Urbanization”; “Growing Role of Economic Cities”; “Urban Development and Housing Conditions”; “Transportation and Mobility”; “Urban Environmental Challenges”; “Urban Governance Systems”; “Transnational Migration”; and “Emerging Urban Issues and Innovations.” Additional materials includes data on regional Water Security, Food Security, Energy Security and Air Pollution.

Documents include I2UD’s inception report, progress report, a I2UD Board Meeting presentation on the project, and a Kuwaiti Conference powerpoint (from the “Municipal Management and Urban Development Conference For Sustainability in Arab States,” from Kuwait on May 7, 2012). The Final Report for UN-HABITAT State of Arab Cities 2012 lays out urban development and migration issues for nations in Mashreq, Maghreb, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Southern Tier regions, including I2UD’s contributions.

Excerpt

Project Year:	2010-2012
Project Type:	Regional Report
Geographic Regions:	^{Mashreq (Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria) / Maghreb (Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia) / Gulf Cooperation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) / Southern Tier (Comoros, Djibouti, Mauritania, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen)}
Reports:	State of Arab Cities: (Inception Report Presentation, November 2010) State of Arab Cities: (Progress Report Presentation, April 2011) State of Arab Cities: (Board Meeting Presentation, November 2011) State of Arab Cities: (Kuwait Conference Presentation, May 2012) State of Arab Cities: (Final Report, United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) 2012, December 2012)
Authors:	^{François Vigier; Mona Serageldin; María-Luisa Fernández; Kendra Leith; Linda Shi;}
Sponsors:	^{UN HABITAT Regional Office for Arab States; Kuwait Knowledge Development Regional Centre}
Categories:	Urban Planning

ID:	2010_07_001

Related I2UD Projects

Related by – Migration

“World Migration Report,” Background Papers on Displacement, Migration and Resettlement in MENA (Middle East and North Africa), International Organization for Migration, 2014

“Migration, Remittances and Housing in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Study on Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa, with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), 2007-2008

“Migration, Remittances and the Empowerment of Women in Central America and the Andean Region,” for PROMESHA, Lund University, 2007-2008

“Habitat III Regional Report for the Arab Region,” for UN-Habitat (ROAS) and United Nations (ESCWA), 2015-2016

“National Urban Policies in Arab States,” Regional Assessment and Case Studies on NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, 2014

UN-HABITAT Spatial Regional Plan and Assessment for the Kurdistan-Iraq Region Housing Program, 2014

“GCC Regional Spatial Strategy – Elements and Considerations,” Urban Development Plan, UN-Habitat Gulf States Regional Office Workshops, 2013

“Comprehensive Plan for Makkah, Madinah and Mashaer,” Urban Development Strategy for Ancient Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia, 2009

Executive Training Course 2006: “Strategic Planning for Sustainable Infrastructure Development,” Workshop Curriculum with Case Studies, Pretoria, South Africa, 2006

“Migratory Flows, Poverty and Social Inclusion in Latin America,” Research Report by Dr. Mona Serageldin with Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), 2004

“Review of Ongoing USAID Shelter Sector Activities in Morocco,” Report by Dr. Mona Serageldin with ICMA, TSS Inc. for USAID/Morocco Office of Housing and Urban Programs, 1992-1998

Design Studio 1989: “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” Urbanization Analysis of Rabat, Morocco – Seminar Curriculum

Design Studio 1988: “Urban Infrastructure Planning and Programing in Developing Countries,” Chapters 1-7, Seminar Curriculum

Related by – MENA International Programs

“World Migration Report,” Background Papers on Displacement, Migration and Resettlement in MENA (Middle East and North Africa), International Organization for Migration, 2014

“The Development and Morphology of Informal Housing,” Research Paper, Published with Aga Khan Award for Architecture Seminar Proceedings, Dr. Mona Serageldin, 1988.

Design Studio 1984: “The Revitalization of a Traditional Urban Quarter” for the Medieval Darb al Ahmar District, Cairo, Egypt, Seminar Curriculum

“Best Practices and Local Leadership Programme,” Review of International Urban Development Projects, for the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat), 1995

“Comprehensive Plan for Makkah, Madinah and Mashaer,” Urban Development Strategy for Ancient Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia, 2009

“Basic Services for an Urbanizing World,” Third Global Report on Local Democracy and Decentralization (GOLD III, UCLG). Chapter on “Middle East and West Asia” by Mona Serageldin, I2UD, 2013

UN-HABITAT Spatial Regional Plan and Assessment for the Kurdistan-Iraq Region Housing Program, 2014

Related I2UD Photography Galleries

Gallery 1 – Algeria: Algiers, November 1987 and September 1988

Gallery 3 – Bahrain: Manama and Muharraq, 1980s

Galleries 6-7 – Egypt: Cairo and Helwan, 1986, 1990

Gallery 10 – Morocco: Fes, Casablanca, and Rabat, 1983-1993

Gallery 13 – Tunisia: Tunis, 1978-1990

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March 2008April 2025

“State of African Cities,” Research for Regional Chapter on North African Cities for UN-Habitat Reports, 2008 and 2010

Abstract

In 2008, a team from I2UD prepared research for regional chapters on Northern Africa for the first UN-Habitat “State of African Cities Report.” Topics covered include demographics and urban growth, cities as engines of economic growth, urban poverty and housing conditions, environmental challenges in urban areas, and urban governance. Countries addressed in the North African regional chapter include Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, and Sudan.

Documents are an Institute for International Urban Development Final Report on the North Africa Region from July 2008 (This report notes: “A condensed version of this report was used in UN-Habitat’s 2008 State of African Cities Report, published in November, 2008”). Following are two documents for the State of African Cities from 2008 and 2010 (Educational Use and Read Only, © United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), 2008, 2010). I2UD, headed by Dr. Mona Serageldin and Dr. François Vigier, also authored a follow-up report, “Governance, Inequality and Urban Land Markets,” in 2010.

Project Year:	2008-2010
Project Type:	Research Paper
Geographic Regions:	^{Algeria / Egypt / Libya / Mauritania / Morocco / Tunisia / Sudan}
Reports:	State of African Cities: North Africa Region (Institute for International Urban Development, Final Report, July 2008) — State of African Cities: (Full Report, 2008) State of African Cities: (Full Report, 2010)
Authors:	^{Mona Serageldin; François Vigier; Christa Lee-Chuvala; Erick Guerra}
Sponsors:	^UN-Habitat
Categories:	Urban Planning

ID:	2008_03_001

Related I2UD Projects

Related I2UD Photograph Galleries

Gallery 1 – Algeria: Algiers, November 1987 and September 1988

Galleries 6-7 – Egypt: Cairo and Helwan, 1986, 1990

Gallery 10 – Morocco: Fes, Casablanca, and Rabat, 1983-1993

Gallery 13 – Tunisia: Tunis, 1978-1990

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November 2002April 2025

“Monitoring Processes of Change in Historic Centers: A Case Study of Fes, Morocco,” Case Study Paper for UNESCO World Heritage Center and the International Centre for the Study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), 2002

Abstract

A case study presented to the UNESCO World Heritage Center and the International Centre for the Study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) by Dr. Mona Serageldin in November 2002.

Serageldin’s report assessed the rehabilitation strategy for the Medina of Fez based on a spatial analysis and social and economic indicators, and outlines the considerations involved in implementing the strategy and a geographic monitoring system.

Excerpt

[Excerpt: Abstract, p. 3]

ABSTRACT
“Historic centers encompass monumental buildings and landmarks embedded within a rich urban fabric of utilitarian buildings. Property owners and residents are constantly altering these buildings to adapt them to new needs and lifestyles. Their interventions trigger interlinked processes of transformation that lead either to preservation or to deterioration. Rehabilitation strategies must reconcile the plurality of views, interests, mandates and missions adds layers of complexity to the already challenging task of coping with the impact of disinvestments, misuse, abuse and neglect eroding the quality of life in historic centers.”

“The strategy developed for the first phase of the rehabilitation of the Medina of Fez required a thorough understanding of the dynamics at work in the Medina and of the institutional and financial blockages that prevented reinvestment and fostered the continued deterioration of residential buildings. This assessment was based on a spatial analysis of the key physical, social and economic indicators for the area, including property transactions and building permits for new construction and improvements.”

“The institutionalization and periodic updating of a monitoring system recording the key indicators used in the preparation of the project and linking these databases to the ADER-FEZ GIS has been recommended, but not yet implemented. With a good monitoring system in place and closer collaboration between the tax Department and the Municipality the tax yield from the Medina would be enhanced and the interest of the authorities in the historic core as a viable economic entity [would be] rekindled.”

—

“At the Center for Urban Development Studies, we have developed an approach to revitalization and rehabilitation that recognizes the plurality of stakeholders in historic centers. We accept the evaluation of cultural significance given to different components of the historic urban fabric by specialized agencies. Our role is to assist local government in devising strategies ensuring coherence, inclusion and impact. Our approach to action plans focuses on valorization of the urban fabric based on the dynamics of change in the site as a living component of a larger urban agglomeration.”

Project Year:	2002
Project Type:	^{Paper for Workshop on Monitoring the World Heritage, Vicenza, Italy}
Geographic Regions:	Fes, Morocco
Reports:	Monitoring Processes of Change in Historic Centers: Fes, Morocco (November 2002)
Authors:	^{Mona Serageldin}
Sponsors:	^{UNESCO World Heritage Center; International Centre for the Study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM)}
Categories:	Education;

ID:	2002_11_001

Related I2UD Projects

Related I2UD Photography Galleries

Gallery 10 – Morocco: Fes, Casablanca, and Rabat, 1983-1993

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May 1993April 2025

“The Use of Land and Infrastructure in the Self-Improvement Strategies of Urban Lower Income Families,” Paper by Dr. Mona Serageldin, UN Habitat Fourteenth Commission Report, May 1993

Abstract

A landmark paper by Dr. Mona Serageldin, “The Use of Land and Infrastructure in the Self-Improvement Strategies of Urban Lower Income Families,” was included in the The Fourteenth Commission UNCHS/Habitat Report and presented to the Commission in Nairobi, Kenya in May 1993.

This work presented the self-improvement strategies of families dealing with challenging living conditions as an ‘intricate and dynamic’ part of urban development, conditions which planners should respect. Dr. Serageldin’s report drew on her long history of research on urban development in cities globally, using short narrative examples and photos to illustrate specific households in: Abidjan, Amman, Cairo, Jakarta, Karachi, Kinshasa, Quito, Mexico City, Rabat, Surabaya, Tunis, and Boston. The report was sponsored by the Family and Development Program and the Office of Housing and Urban Programs of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Additionally, another essay (Excerpts below) on the same topic was published as USAID Seminar Brief No. 4: “How Urban Families use Infrastructure and Housing in their own Development,” (June 1992). This document summarized Dr. Serageldin’s seminar presentation for the USAID Family and Development Initiative Series on April 24, 1992, relaying her presentation of trends toward informal housing developments emerging in reaction to rapid urbanization in city populations – making housing shortages a dire problem for low income families.

Excerpts

[Excerpt: USAID Seminar No. 4. “How Urban Families use Infrastructure and Housing in their own Development,” June 1992.]

“Keeping Families Together: Dr. Serageldin’s longitudinal research in Cairo illustrated the importance of a house as an asset that keeps families together. Vertical expansion of buildings provides space which can be used to house less fortunate family members, such as the elderly, at advantageous terms to all parties. In one case, the rental income saved by a widowed mother living on a relative’s top floor was spent on her children’s school fees while the income generated by this family member from a ground floor shop covered the family’s living expenses.”

Project Year:	1993, 1992
Project Type:	Research Paper
Geographic Regions:	^{Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire / Amman, Jordan / Cairo, Egypt / Jakarta and Surabaya, Indonesia / Karachi, Pakistan / Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo / Quito, Ecuador / Mexico City, Mexico / Rabat, Morocco / Tunis, Tunisia / Boston, Massachusetts, USA}
Reports:	“The Use of Land and Infrastructure in the Self-Improvement Strategies of Urban Lower Income Families,” Fourteenth Commission UN Habitat Report (May 1993) — USAID Seminar Brief No. 4: “How Urban Families use Infrastructure and Housing in their own Development” (June 1992)
Authors:	^{John Driscoll; María-Luisa Fernández; Mona Serageldin}
Sponsors:	^{USAID Family and Development Program; USAID Office of Housing and Urban Programs}
Categories:	Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading

ID:	1993_05_001

Related I2UD Projects

Related I2UD Photography Galleries

Gallery 2 – Côte d’Ivoire: Adjamé, Abidjan, 1990-1995

Gallery 5 – Congo: Kinshasa, 1989

Galleries 6-7 – Egypt: Cairo and Helwan, 1986, 1990

Gallery 13 – Tunisia: Tunis, 1978-1990

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January 1993April 2025

Design Studio 1993: “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” Rabat, Morocco, Seminar Curriculum

Abstract

The Design Studio from Spring 1993, “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” was led by Professors François Vigier and Mona Serageldin. The seminar focused on the informal housing fringe region around the old city sections of Rabat, Morocco.

See the Table of Contents [excerpt below] for Five chapters on urban development in Rabat, Morocco ca. 1992: “I. National Background, II. The Process of Urbanization, III. The Housing Sector, IV. Rabat-Salé: The Capital City, and V. The Southern Fringe of Rabat. “

Section 5 on the Southern Fringe contains an expansive study of Squatter Settlements, Historic Regions, and Upgrading in Rabat, with details on squatter regions and upgrading activity zones, including an analysis of the social and economic impact of housing projects underway. A final section (5.5) details Case Studies of Doum: (Shacks A and B) and (Houses A and B), and informal housing in Takadoum, and La Butte.

Excerpt

[Excerpt: Table of Contents fo Rabat’s Urban Fringe, October 1992]

This document presents an overview of the Design Studio, authored by Drs. Vigier and Serageldin in October 1992, for use in the Spring 1993 Design Studio curriculum. This topic was reused from the Design Studio from 1989 (Design Studio 1989: “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” Urbanization Analysis of Rabat, Morocco – Seminar Curriculum).

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:	1993
Project Type:	Urban Design Studio
Geographic Regions:	Rabat, Morocco
Reports:	1993 Design Studio: Rabat’s Urban Fringe (Report)
Authors:	^{Mona Serageldin; François Vigier;}
Sponsors:	^{The Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard University;}
Categories:	Design Studios; Education;

ID:	1993_00_001

Related I2UD Projects

Related by – Design Studio Seminars, 1981-2003

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January 1992April 2025

“Review of Ongoing USAID Shelter Sector Activities in Morocco,” Report by Dr. Mona Serageldin with ICMA, TSS Inc. for USAID/Morocco Office of Housing and Urban Programs, 1992-1998

Abstract

In 1992, Dr. Mona Serageldin and Samir Kanoun (TSS Inc.) contributed to an USAID/Morocco urban planning report, “Review of Ongoing USAID Shelter Sector Activities in Morocco” to address the challenges of rapid urbanization in Morocco. These materials present a rich regional profile of public housing and land use in Morocco circa 1991-1992.

The Unit’s contributions from June 1992 presented an economic analysis with financial metrics on urban shelter programs by measuring the impact of two Moroccan agencies: the ANHI Low Income Housing Program, and the Tetouan Urban Development Program. Authors stressed the increased demand for basic services in Morocco’s cities, like water supply and shelter, in connection to major unemployment and underemployment for urban poor. Workshop elements outlined problems and objectives for future urban infrastructure programs, noting where public officials must make decisions to compromise the needs of urban communities with government economic priorities.

Primarily, the report featured strategic planning matrixes and urban financial analyses — which makes it a strong-study model. It provided a financial cost analysis, municipal profiles, and discussion on government policy — with graphics of planning metrics, service inequities and delivery of urban services by region in Morocco’s urban areas.

Documents include the Final Report (June 1992), with a Draft Summary by Dr. Mona Serageldin. Also included are a Phase I Report (January 1998, completed with TSS), fulfilling the Unit’s contract to “organize a strategic planning workshop with the aim of defining a strategic approach and a set of operational strategies to ensure the effectiveness and financial viability of ANHI’s programs.” Within the Phase I Report are Strategic Planning Annexes, including a Synthesis in French, “Matrice stratégique de I’ANHI.” Finally, see accompanying Documentation, References and Appendices.

Excerpt

[Excerpt]: 1.1 Background – “Review of Ongoing USAID Shelter Sector Activities in Morocco” June 1992

“The ongoing USAID shelter sector activities in Morocco were conceptualized in 1985 within a context of accelerating urbanization and massive rural urban migration. The urban programs initiated by USAID focused on priority areas:

— Rationalizing the land delivery process and regularizing informal land development.
— Institutionalizing sound administrative and fiscal practices in infrastructure management and finance and the delivery of urban services.
— Widening the scope of private participation in the shelter sector by increasing the production of affordable building plots and expanding the role of private developers of low cost housing.
— Reinforcing decentralization by strengthening local managerial capabilities and enhancing local revenues.”

[Excerpt]: 1.0 Background – Phase I Report: “Strategic Planning Workshop” January 1998

“ANHI is a state enterprise in charge of providing access to safe and sanitary housing for lower income families in Morocco. Its activities include the purchase of land, its subdivision and servicing to resettle squatters and to market affordable housing plots, as well as the upgrading of infrastructure in under-serviced and unserviced informal settlements. ANHI operates under the Ministry of Housing umbrella. It is headquartered in Rabat, Morocco and has nine regional offices throughout the country. Since its creation in 1984, ANHI has produced an average of 10,000 plots per year. ANHI’s land purchases and other investment cost are financed with beneficiary advances, foreign and local borrowing, and auto financing. It has benefited from US AID support through HG loans and grants, including the currently active HG loan of $100 million which allowed ANHI to increase production to 15,000 serviced plots in 1994 and 1995.”

Figure 6-4 City of Taza, Al-Qods 1 Project “Residential Plots, Commercial Lots, Community Facilities, Green Areas”

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:	1992
Project Type:	Report
Geographic Regions:	Morocco
Reports:	“Review of Ongoing USAID Shelter Sector Activities in Morocco, (Final Report, June 1992) “Review of Ongoing USAID Shelter Sector Activities in Morocco,” (Summary of Final Report, June 1992) “Phase I Report: Strategic Planning Workshop,” ANHI Strategic Plan Development Study for TSS Inc. (Mona Serageldin, Samir Kanoun, January 1998) Documentation, References, and Appendices
Authors:	^{Samir Kanoun (TSS); Mona Serageldin;}
Sponsors:	^{USAID Office of Housing and Urban Programs; ICMA}
Categories:	Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading

ID:	1992_00_004

Related I2UD Projects

Related by – Migration

“World Migration Report,” Background Papers on Displacement, Migration and Resettlement in MENA (Middle East and North Africa), International Organization for Migration, 2014

“Migration, Remittances and Housing in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Study on Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa, with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), 2007-2008

“Migration, Remittances and the Empowerment of Women in Central America and the Andean Region,” for PROMESHA, Lund University, 2007-2008

“Habitat III Regional Report for the Arab Region,” for UN-Habitat (ROAS) and United Nations (ESCWA), 2015-2016

“National Urban Policies in Arab States,” Regional Assessment and Case Studies on NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, 2014

UN-HABITAT Spatial Regional Plan and Assessment for the Kurdistan-Iraq Region Housing Program, 2014

“GCC Regional Spatial Strategy – Elements and Considerations,” Urban Development Plan, UN-Habitat Gulf States Regional Office Workshops, 2013

“Comprehensive Plan for Makkah, Madinah and Mashaer,” Urban Development Strategy for Ancient Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia, 2009

Executive Training Course 2006: “Strategic Planning for Sustainable Infrastructure Development,” Workshop Curriculum with Case Studies, Pretoria, South Africa, 2006

“Migratory Flows, Poverty and Social Inclusion in Latin America,” Research Report by Dr. Mona Serageldin with Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), 2004

“Review of Ongoing USAID Shelter Sector Activities in Morocco,” Report by Dr. Mona Serageldin with ICMA, TSS Inc. for USAID/Morocco Office of Housing and Urban Programs, 1992-1998

Design Studio 1989: “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” Urbanization Analysis of Rabat, Morocco – Seminar Curriculum

Design Studio 1988: “Urban Infrastructure Planning and Programing in Developing Countries,” Chapters 1-7, Seminar Curriculum

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January 1989April 2025

Design Studio 1989: “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” Urbanization Analysis of Rabat, Morocco – Seminar Curriculum

Abstract

The Design Studio from 1989, “Rabat’s Urban Fringe” presented the urban evolution of Rabat, Morocco from 1987 to the early 1990s. The seminar covered Rabat’s urban development experience as a case study for Seminar attendees. The Seminar was hosted by the Harvard Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Professors Dr. Francois Vigier and Dr. Mona Serageldin led the sessions, research, and discussions.

Seminar materials focused on analyzing methods to accelerate the release of land for urban development in Rabat, and to discourage imbalanced city growth patterns. The Studio covered the application of standards that balance climate requirements, socio-cultural needs, and affordability, the creation of cost-efficient designs to support the economic life of projects, and the use of politically-feasible mechanisms to improve cost recovery and affordability. This topic was repeated for Urban Design Studio curricula from 1989 to 1993.

Documents include: A Seminar Syllabus and overview report; A Full report, “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” with text by Dr. Mona Serageldin, supported by Seminar’s research team, and a final student report on urban planning in Rabat.

Excerpt

[Excerpt: Syllabus, Overview, Spring 1989, Mr. Vigier, Ms. Serageldin, pp. 1-2.]

“Urban Housing in Rabat, Morocco,” An Overview:

“Urban areas of Third World countries are growing rapidly as a result of a high rate of natural increase of the population and of migration from rural areas. In older areas, usually highly accessible to a broad range of job opportunities, continued population pressures is causing a densification of the housing stock which is deteriorating rapidly from lack of maintenance and subdivision into smaller units. Their infrastructure systems are utilized well beyond their design capacity, creating an increasingly unsanitary environment and threatening the structural soundness of buildings. More recently, governments have had to cope with a dynamic private sector whose activities have proved difficult to control.”

“At present [ca. 1989], the urban fringe is developing rapidly as squatter and informal settlements, ranging in quality from little more than shacks to sound housing for moderate income households striving to improve their standard of living, are built illegally. Currently accounting for sixty to eighty percent of housing starts, these fringe developments present an unprecedented challenge to planners and public officials concerned with preventing urban sprawl and maintaining control over the dynamics of growth in order to provide efficiently the necessary infrastructure and services.”

“Planning and Design Issues. High rates of urban growth necessitate forceful public interventions to direct the development of the urban fringe and improve the functional efficiency of older districts. Located in both older areas and on the urban fringe, large-scale projects are being undertaken to upgrade the infrastructure, extend the capacity of transportation systems, provide public amenities, and build mixed-use developments.”

“Yet, the prevalence of poverty has overtaxed the ability of governments to provide adequate public services or enforce even minimum sanitary standards of housing for the majority of urban households. Government housing policies have sought to reconcile three potentially conflicting objectives:

— “A commitment to improve the standard of life of a population largely unable to afford safe and sanitary housing on the open market.”

— “The desire to utilize planning and design standards reflecting international norms as the means to provide an acceptable level of amenities in both older areas and the developing urban fringe.”

— “The necessity to keep public subsidies at a manageable level in the face of the rising demand generated by the rapid growth of the urban population.”

Al Quds City Model House, for Casablanca, showing Front and Side Elevation, Sections, Ground, First and Second Floor, and Foundation building layouts. Original Source: Ministry of Housing and Land Development

*Graphic Map showing the Distribution of Urban Settlements, Morocco, showing data for large settlements in Casablanca, Rabat,* Fez, Marrakech, Meknes, Sale, Tangier, and Tetouan.

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:	1989
Project Type:	Urban Design Studio
Geographic Regions:	Rabat, Morocco
Reports:	1989 Design Studio: “Urban Housing in a Developing Country: Rabat Morocco” (Syllabus) 1989 Design Studio: “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” Mona Serageldin (Final Report) 1989 Design Studio: “Urban Housing in a Developing Country, Rabat Morocco” (Student Report)
Authors:	^{Mona Serageldin; Samir Abdulac; Fathahah Debbi; Agnes Deboulet; Isabelle Ouetta; Jennifer Wayne; Hung-Song Oh; Randa Tukan;}
Sponsors:	^{The Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology}
Categories:	Design Studios; Education;

ID:	1989_01_001

Related I2UD Projects

Related by – Design Studio Seminars, 1981-2003

Related I2UD Photography Galleries

Gallery 10 – Morocco: Fes, Casablanca, and Rabat, 1983-1993