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“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

Abstract

The 2014-2018 project “National Urban Strategy for Governorates in Iraq” was part of the UN-Habitat’s second phase of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the Iraq Ministry of Planning Local Area Development Programme (LADP II).

The goal of Iraq’s LADP II project was to increase the capacity for monitoring and coordination between all levels of Iraqi government, with an aim of localizing urban development strategies, sectoral/spatial planning, and structural planning at the Governorate level. These changes would ideally result in improved planning practices, higher budget execution and service delivery for Iraqi communities.

To facilitate the achievement of these goals, an I2UD team prepared a 5-part presentation for the Workshop on Strategic Urban Development Framework held from February-March 2016 in Erbil, Iraq. The project goals included analysis of the UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.

Documents include sections of preliminary, interim, and final reports from 2015 through 2018:

  • A summary presentation of the UN Habitat role in the Local Area Development Programme II project, followed by a GDP Computation Report and Presentation, and I2UD’s proposal for a National Urban Strategy Outline.
  • Parts 1-5 of the main Project elements: Participatory Planning Platform, Demographic Projections, Economic Analysis, Infrastructure Systems and Resource Management.
  • Interim reports, ending with a presentation to the UN Working Group from February 2017: “Presentation to the UN Working Group on Decentralisation and Service Delivery.”
  • Presentations and reports on Iraq’s Governorate “clusters”: Southern Cluster, Pilgrimage Cluster, and Central Cluster.
  • A final presentation from March 2018.

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:2014-2018
Project Type:Development Strategy
Geographic Regions:Erbil, Southern Kurdistan, Iraq (Workshop Location) / Iraq Governorates
Reports:
Preliminary Reports:

Presentations Parts 1-5:

Interim Reports:

Cluster Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin; Daniel Tsai; Tarek Waly; Alejandra Mortarini; Saad Mahdi; Johann Friedl; Barbara Summers; Anna Soave; Bozhan Hawizy; Rania Kamel; Erfan Ali
Sponsors:UN Habitat; United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); European Union Local Area Development Programme (LADP-EU)
Categories:Urban Planning
  
ID:2014_11_001

Related I2UD Projects

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“Decentralization and Urban Infrastructure Management Capacity,” Research Paper for UN-Habitat’s Third Global Report on Human Settlements, 2000

Abstract

The Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design produced a research paper in 2000 that provided an overview of decentralization and infrastructure policy throughout the 1990s. The study noted the expanding scope for private sector involvement and the growing role of non-governmental organizations and civil society in the delivery of infrastructure services for informal settlements. The report served as a background paper for UN-Habitat’s Third Global Report on Human Settlements.

[Excerpt: Background Paper, August 2000]

1.0 Overview: This background paper is based on an extensive review of infrastructure initiatives implemented since the early 1990s in different economic, social and cultural settings. Recent trends are assessed and creative approaches presented. In each case, the challenges faced and the context within which infrastructure problems have to be addressed determined the range of options and the choice of strategies. The remarkable results achieved by Best Practices are highlighted with a special focus on the ingredients underlying their success.”

[Excerpt: Table of Contents, Background Paper, August 2000, p. 2 of 31]

  1. Overview
    • Decentralization and Infrastructure Policy
    • Decentralization of infrastructure services
    • Expanding the scope for private sector involvement
    • A growing role for NGOs and civil society
    • Challenges in the decentralization of infrastructure
  2. Decentralized institutional frameworks, participatory processes and capacity building
    • The role of regional and intermediary institutions
    • Strengthening local government leadership and initiative
    • Partnerships between municipalities and NGO
    • Community-based approaches to infrastructure services and neighborhood revitalization
  3. Financing investments in infrastructure services and neighborhood revitalization
    • Public/Private partnerships to finance infrastructure
    • The role of intermediary institutions in infrastructure finance
    • Privatization of infrastructure services: public utility companies
  4. Equitable Access to Infrastructure and the Empowerment of Poor and Marginalized Communities
    • Community-based financing of infrastructure projects
  5. Concluding Remarks
  6. List of references
Project Year:2000
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Global / None Specified
Reports:Decentralization and Urban Infrastructure Management Capacity (Background Paper, August 2000)
Authors:Mona Serageldin; Suzanne Kim; Sameh Wahba
Sponsors:UN-Habitat
Categories:Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading
  
ID:2000_08_003
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Executive Training Program 1999: Seminar on “Urban Planning and Management” for Executive Officials from Nouadhibou & Nouakchott, Mauritania, 1999

Abstract

The Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design hosted a seminar on “Urban Planning and Management” for a delegation of senior officials from Mauritania, held in Cambridge, Massachusetts in October 1999. The seminar was organized in response to a request from the Agence Mauritanienne d’Exécution des Travaux d’Intérêt Public pour l’Emploi (AMEXTIPE), and led to a formal consultation project by CUDS on recommendations for urban development in October 2000.

In the late 1990s, decentralization initiatives in Mauritania shifted central and local relationships and created new responsibilities for municipalities. Impacted cities under survey included Nouadhibou and Nouakchott. Nouadhibou is the second largest city in Mauritania and serves as a major commercial center, while Nouakchott is the capital and largest city of Mauritania, and serves as the administrative and economic center of Mauritania. Urban issues facing local authorities included increasing urban poverty, demand for urban land, uncontrolled urban development, and underserved communities.

Documents are primarily in French, and include two preliminary reports on Nouadhibou and Nouakchott from 1995 and 1996. A seminar program outline from October 1999 is in English. Also included are copies of the eventual CUDS reports from October 2000. See “Mauritanian National Urban Development Strategy” (Project ID: 2000_05_001) from 2000 for full project documentation.

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:1999
Project Type:ITP; Education
Geographic Regions:Nouadhibou and Nouakchott, Mauritania
Reports:
Authors:François Vigier (Team Leader); Mona Serageldin; Samir Abdulac; James Kostaras; Sameh Wahba; Jacques Carol; Ahmed Salem Ould Bouboutt; Isakha Diagana
Sponsors:World Bank; AMEXTIPE
Categories:International Education Program; Executive Training Program; Education
  
ID:1999_10_001

Related I2UD Projects

Beginning in 1982, the Unit for Housing and Urbanization at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design hosted International Training Programs (ITP), an annual series of 2- to 4-week summer seminars designed to strengthen the decision-making skills of senior professionals in public and private agencies responsible for urban development.

The I2UD Digital Library holds curriculum materials for ITPs from 1988, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1997, and 1998:

The tradition of ITPs continued after 2000, when the Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) (a re-organization of the Unit) continued training seminars as International Education Programs (IEP) from 2000-2004:

Programs included inter-linked modules, lectures, case studies, interactive computer simulation models, site visits to urban projects, discussion groups and networking with professional counterparts from international metropolitan regions. Sessions had a modular format and structured team teaching, taught by a team of senior faculty and guest lecturers. Programs ended with a synthesis presented through a project evaluation exercise. Participants used case projects to examine strategies from the viewpoint of both public and private partners — to assess the feasibility and potential impacts of policies and projects on the community and the city. Presentations by guest speakers, representing U.S. and international agencies, NGOs, and community groups, were also integrated within the pedagogic framework of each module.

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ITP 1995: “Linking Economic and Physical Development Strategies Intergovernmental Responsibilities in the Context of Decentralization,” International Training Programs, 1994″

Abstract

The Unit for Housing and Urbanization at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design continued their International Training Program (ITP) seminar series in 1995 to aid senior planning officials in improving their decision-making skills. Curriculum components from the 1995 program included a presentation outline, titled “Linking Economic and Physical Development Strategies Intergovernmental Responsibilities in the Context of Decentralization.” Topics covered included:

  1. Evolution of the concept of urban planning in Europe and the United States;
  2. French regional planning: Evolution of a centralized approach linking economic and spatial planning;
  3. The Boston Region: Planning in a Free Enterprise Context;
  4. Project Evaluation Techniques (June 27, 1995)

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:1995
Project Type:ITP; Education
Geographic Regions:Boston, Massachusetts, US / Paris, France
Reports:ITP 1995: Linking Economic and Physical Development Strategies (Presentation Outlines)
Authors:Unit Team
Sponsors:Unit for Housing and Urbanization, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Categories:International Training Program; Education
  
ID:1995_06_001

Related I2UD Projects

Beginning in 1982, the Unit for Housing and Urbanization at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design hosted International Training Programs (ITP), an annual series of 2- to 4-week summer seminars designed to strengthen the decision-making skills of senior professionals in public and private agencies responsible for urban development.

The I2UD Digital Library holds curriculum materials for ITPs from 1988, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1997, and 1998:

The tradition of ITPs continued after 2000, when the Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) (a re-organization of the Unit) continued training seminars as International Education Programs (IEP) from 2000-2004:

Programs included inter-linked modules, lectures, case studies, interactive computer simulation models, site visits to urban projects, discussion groups and networking with professional counterparts from international metropolitan regions. Sessions had a modular format and structured team teaching, taught by a team of senior faculty and guest lecturers. Programs ended with a synthesis presented through a project evaluation exercise. Participants used case projects to examine strategies from the viewpoint of both public and private partners — to assess the feasibility and potential impacts of policies and projects on the community and the city. Presentations by guest speakers, representing U.S. and international agencies, NGOs, and community groups, were also integrated within the pedagogic framework of each module.

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

Abstract

In 1995, the Unit for Housing and Urbanization (the Unit) at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design participated in the “Best Practices and Local Leadership Programme” by the the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat).

The Programme highlighted international urban development projects as candidates for the UN’s Best Practices database. Documents addressed human settlement case studies in twelve nations: India, Australia, Austria, Kenya, Egypt, Argentina, Norway, Venezuela, Angola, Greece, Scotland, Philippines, Brazil, Germany, Turkey, and South Africa.

The Unit evaluated 28 city programs following UN-Habitat’s Programme goals:

  1. To develop and maintain a knowledge base on best practices in improving the living environment including their corresponding sources of knowledge, experience and expertise;
  2. To promote the dissemination, sharing and exchange of lessons learned from the above-mentioned best practices and others by and amongst all key groups of actors and stakeholders in the human settlement and development process;
  3. To facilitate the transfer of the knowledge, experience and expertise associated with best practices in improving the living environment through new and improved means of cooperation on a north-north, north-south and south-south basis including decentralized forms of cooperation;
  4. To assist scholars and practitioners in their investigation of innovative approaches to urban development.

In addition to 28 national profiles, documents include a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ between the Unit and Habitat agency, and Best Practices guidelines for pre-screening cases. See an Excerpt from the Memorandum below.


[Excerpt, “Guide to Documenting and Learning from Best Practices,” 1996. Introduction, page 6]

“The Best Practices Initiative began as a world-wide search for human settlements success stories. An official part of the preparatory process for The City Summit – the second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) – held in Istanbul, Turkey, in June 1996. Best Practices Initiative generated over 600 submissions from 80 countries by the official deadline. These initiatives are testimonials to human ingenuity in the face of the challenges of an urbanizing world.”

“A two-stage, independent selection process produced a list of 104 Best Practices and highlighted 12 initiatives to receive the Tokyo and Dubai Awards for Excellence in Improving the Living Environment. The twelve Award recipients and many other initiatives were also on display at the Best Practices Exhibition, the largest single-theme exposition ever organised by the United Nations. The enthusiasm and interest generated by the Best Practices Initiative has led to its incorporation as an ongoing programme of UNCHS (Habitat): the Best Practices and Local Leadership Programme (BLP). The BLP will operate as a network of leading capacity-building institutions from around the world. Mandated to support the implementation of the Habitat Agenda – the Global Plan of Action adopted at Habitat II – through the continued sharing and transfer of Best Practices knowledge, experience and expertise, the BLP is launching a second call for submissions, culminating in a second round of Awards for Excellence in Improving the Living Environment in October 1998.”

“The purpose of this guide is to provide a framework for identifying, documenting and learning from BEST PRACTICES. In addition, this guide explains how individuals, groups and organizations can participate in a continuous exchange of know-how, experience and expertise in sustainable human settlements development.”

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:1995
Project Type:UN-Habitat Best Practices and Local Leadership Programme
Geographic Regions:Tamil Nadu and Delhi, India / New South Wales and Queensland, Australia / Vienna, Austria / Jua Kali Sector, Nairobi and Kisumu, Kenya / Helwan and Cairo, Egypt / Tucumán, Argentina / Oslo Old Town, Norway / Caracas, Venezuela / Sambizanga, Angola / Keramitsa and Perama, Greece / Glasgow, Scotland / Naga, Philippines / Santos, São Paulo, Brazil / Potsdam, Mannheim, and Kiel Mettenhof, Germany / Eryaman and Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey / Nkonkobe (Alice), South Africa
Reports:
Authors:François Vigier
Sponsors:Untied Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat)
Categories:Evaluations and Assessments
  
ID:1995_00_007

Related I2UD Projects

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

Gallery 8: Kenya: Mombassa and Nairobi (1987)

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

Gallery 16: Venezuela: Caracas (1989)

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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

Abstract

Curriculum components from the 1994 International Training Program (ITP), “Revitalization of Older Urban Spaces,” included case studies for developments in Science Park, in New Haven, Connecticut; Dorchester Bay Enterprise Park; Cork’s Historic Center; Montpellier’s Eurocite Technopolis; the Boston Megaplex; South Boston’s Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Facility; and the Upham’s Corner Commercial Revitalization Projects.

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:1994
Project Type:ITP; Education
Geographic Regions:Boston, Massachusetts, US / New Haven, Connecticut, US / Cork, Ireland / Montpellier, France
Reports:
Authors:Barry Shaw; David Knowles; Bob Haas
Sponsors:Unit for Housing and Urbanization, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Categories:International Training Program; Education
  
ID:1994_07_001

Related I2UD Projects

Beginning in 1982, the Unit for Housing and Urbanization at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design hosted International Training Programs (ITP), an annual series of 2- to 4-week summer seminars designed to strengthen the decision-making skills of senior professionals in public and private agencies responsible for urban development.

The I2UD Digital Library holds curriculum materials for ITPs from 1988, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1997, and 1998:

The tradition of ITPs continued after 2000, when the Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) (a re-organization of the Unit) continued training seminars as International Education Programs (IEP) from 2000-2004:

Programs included inter-linked modules, lectures, case studies, interactive computer simulation models, site visits to urban projects, discussion groups and networking with professional counterparts from international metropolitan regions. Sessions had a modular format and structured team teaching, taught by a team of senior faculty and guest lecturers. Programs ended with a synthesis presented through a project evaluation exercise. Participants used case projects to examine strategies from the viewpoint of both public and private partners — to assess the feasibility and potential impacts of policies and projects on the community and the city. Presentations by guest speakers, representing U.S. and international agencies, NGOs, and community groups, were also integrated within the pedagogic framework of each module.

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ITP 1991: “Development Strategies for Urban Regeneration of Old Urban Fabric,” Case Studies and Seminar Curriculum, International Training Programs, 1991

Abstract

The 1991 International Training Program (ITP), hosted by the Unit for Housing and Urbanization (the Unit) at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, addressed strategies of re-manipulating old urban fabric, including plans to restructure central zones, recapture the development potential of strategically located parcels, and preserve valued urban and architectural heritage.

Case studies addressed a range of old urban zones needing restructure:

  • Redeveloping obsolete and dilapidated zones (London Docklands);
  • Reshaping deteriorating central zones (Boston’s Waterfront);
  • Halting the degradation of the physical environment (Hafsia district in Tunis, Tunisia); and
  • Preserving the distinctive character of historical areas (Vieux Carré in New Orleans).

Documents represent curriculum components from the 1991 ITP, including case studies, project summaries, newspaper and journal articles, and module overviews. Some materials may be replicated in other years of the ITP programs.

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:1991
Project Type:ITP; Education
Geographic Regions:Waterfront, Boston, USA / London Docklands, UK / Hafsia, Tunis, Tunisia / Vieux Carré, New Orleans, USA / Kreuzberg, Berlin, Germany / Maarouf, Cairo, Egypt / Walled City of Lahore, Pakistan / Ij Waterfront, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Reports:
Authors:François Vigier; Mr Victor Karen; Barry Shaw
Sponsors:Unit for Housing and Urbanization, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Categories:International Training Program; Education
  
ID:1991_07_001

Related I2UD Projects

Beginning in 1982, the Unit for Housing and Urbanization at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design hosted International Training Programs (ITP), an annual series of 2- to 4-week summer seminars designed to strengthen the decision-making skills of senior professionals in public and private agencies responsible for urban development.

The I2UD Digital Library holds curriculum materials for ITPs from 1988, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1997, and 1998:

The tradition of ITPs continued after 2000, when the Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) (a re-organization of the Unit) continued training seminars as International Education Programs (IEP) from 2000-2004:

Programs included inter-linked modules, lectures, case studies, interactive computer simulation models, site visits to urban projects, discussion groups and networking with professional counterparts from international metropolitan regions. Sessions had a modular format and structured team teaching, taught by a team of senior faculty and guest lecturers. Programs ended with a synthesis presented through a project evaluation exercise. Participants used case projects to examine strategies from the viewpoint of both public and private partners — to assess the feasibility and potential impacts of policies and projects on the community and the city. Presentations by guest speakers, representing U.S. and international agencies, NGOs, and community groups, were also integrated within the pedagogic framework of each module.

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