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“Inclusive Cities and Access to Land, Housing, and Services in Developing Countries,” Urban Development Series: Knowledge Papers, World Bank’s Social, Urban, Rural & Resilience Global Practice, 2016

Abstract

I2UD produced a research paper 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 Mona Serageldin and I2UD staff, and published in 2016 by the World Bank—documented 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 report 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, along with the final report from February 2016.


[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:
—
Authors:Mona Serageldin; Sheelah Gobar; Warren Hagist; Maren Larsen
Sponsors:World Bank
Categories:Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading
  
ID:2014_04_001

Related I2UD Projects

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

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

Gallery 16: Venezuela: Caracas (1989)

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Executive Education Program 2007: “Strategic Planning for Sustainable Human Settlements,” Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

In 2007, the Institute for International Urban Development (I2UD) organized a 4-day Executive Training Program workshop, “Strategic Planning for Sustainable Human Settlements,” held in Pretoria, South Africa.

Topics included:

  1. Globalization and local development;
  2. Meeting the challenge of development in Africa;
  3. Promoting sustainability in human settlements;
  4. Building sustainability in housing projects;
  5. Local revenue generation;
  6. Financing local capital improvements;
  7. Partnerships for local development; and
  8. Indicators of local development.

Documents feature a workshop schedule, followed by detailed case studies on development projects around the globe.

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:2007
Project Type:ITP; Education
Geographic Regions:Pretoria, South Africa
Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin
Sponsors:Institute for International Urban Development (I2UD)
Categories:International Education Program; Executive Training Program; Education
  
ID:2007_11_001
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Seminar on “Protecting Cultural and Natural Heritage in the Western Hemisphere: Lessons from the Past, Looking to the Future,” World Cultural Heritage Convention 30th Anniversary, Conference Materials, 2002

Abstract

The Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design hosted a seminar in December 2002 titled “Protecting Heritage of Western Hemisphere,” organized as part of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the World Cultural Heritage Convention. The seminar brought together international policy makers, public officials, practitioners, and academics involved in the protection and management of national and cultural heritage sites.

Documents include a substantial list of conference materials, including lecture presentations by guest speakers, memos, conference addresses by participants, transcripts of individual panel contributions, and a conference booklet containing a schedule and list of participants.


[Excerpt: CUDS Internal Memo, Francois Vigier, June 2002, p. 1]

“Open to the general public, the Seminar [was] attended by senior officials of UNESCO, the World Heritage Center, The World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the Organization of American States and bring together policy makers, public officials, practitioners and academics involved in the protection and management of natural, archeological and urban cultural heritage sites in the Western Hemisphere.

“Key participants include[d] international organizations and foundations, bilateral and international development agencies and representatives of the major institutions and foundations active in promoting the conservation of the natural and cultural heritage in multiple regions:

Ecuador — Peru National Park — Colombia — Venezuela — Upper Amazon (Peru and Brazil) — Cuna language regions (Central Panama) — Galapagos Islands

“The objective of the Seminar [was] to review past and present experiences. An open discussion of the economic, social and managerial issues in the designation, conservation and use of cultural sites [addressed]:

▪ Disseminate cutting-edge approaches;
▪ Allow an exchange of successful practices; and
▪ Help the participants address emerging challenges in the preservation of the natural and manmade cultural heritage.”

Project Year:2002
Project Type:Conference
Geographic Regions:Cambridge, Massachusetts, US (Seminar Location) / Latin America / United States
Reports:
Authors:Francesco Bandarin; Mounir Bouchenaki; Orestes del Castillo; Francesco di Castri; Belia Contreras; Maureen Finnerty; Silvana Giaimo; Pamela W. Hawkes; Maria-Valeria Junho Pena; Roberto L. Klabin; Vincent J. Lujan; Claudio C. Maretti;Colonel James G. May; David Maybury-Lewis; William Moss; Bernie Perley; Eduardo Rojas; Peter Rowe; Ismail Serageldin; Bradford H. Sewell; Anthony Stocks; François Vigier
Sponsors:Center for Urban Development Studies, Harvard University Graduate School of Design; United States Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (US-ICOMOS); UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Categories:Evaluations and Assessments
  
ID:2002_12_001

Related I2UD Projects

I2UD Photograph Collection, Gallery 4: Chile: Santiago, Concepción, and Talcahuano (1992-1993)

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Design Studio 1997: “Strategic Planning and Local Development,” Seminar Curriculum

Abstract

The Unit for Housing and Urbanization at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design hosted a Design Studio in Spring 1997, “Strategic Planning and Local Development,” led by Mona Serageldin and John Driscoll. The studio focused on strategies for urban and regional development for less developed nations, within the context of a globalized economy with cities being the engines of growth.

Documents include a workshop overview with objectives and schedule, a reserved materials list, and a bibliography.


[Excerpt: Syllabus Introduction, ‘Strategic Planning and Local Development,’ Spring 1997]

“The seminar will examine strategies for urban and regional development within the context of a globalized economy where cities are the engines of growth. Fierce competition, unavoidable interdependence, fast paced technological change, widening income disparities and environmental degradation are creating new challenges that urban development strategies must address.”

“Concepts and methods of strategic planning as a framework for participation, decision making and resource allocation will be examined focusing on the complementary roles of public and private actors in planning, financing and managing urban development activities in different economic, institutional and cultural settings. Case studies will illustrate proactive strategies to promote urban development, regenerate functionally obsolete areas and revitalized marginalized neighborhoods.

The seminar will examine the expanding scope of public/private partnerships and discuss the changing role of public agencies, private investors, NGOs and community based organizations in the rehabilitation of the built environment and the provision of housing and urban services. Case studies will illustrate sustainable initiatives focusing on the structure of the interface between city, community and the local business sector. The case studies will also highlight critical roles for urban planners and designers in leading and nurturing initiatives relying on empowerment.”

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Project Year:1997
Project Type:Urban Design Studio
Geographic Regions:Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States (Seminar Location) / Cairo Metropolitan Area, Egypt
Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin; John Driscoll
Sponsors:Unit for Housing and Urbanization, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Categories:Design Studios; Education
  
ID:1997_01_001

Related I2UD Projects

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

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Habitat II Conference Research Papers: “Cities of the Global South” – “Leadership and Best Practices”- “Tenure Rights and Development Control,” Istanbul, Turkey, June 1996

Abstract

In June 1996, Mona Serageldin, representing the Unit for Housing and Urbanization (the Unit) at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, presented research papers for the United Nation’s Habitat II Conference in Istanbul, Turkey. Documents here include three papers presented by Mona Serageldin:

  1. “Cities of the Global South,” for a dialogue on Land Policy and Rural Urban Linkages.
  2. “Leadership and Best Practices,” for a panel on Governance and Best Practices.
  3. “Tenure Rights and Development Control,” for a forum on Building Housing to Feel at Home.

Panels were sponsored by the Urban Management Program (established by UN-Habitat, World Bank, and UNDP), the Institute of Public Administration (New York), and the Center for the Global South at American University (Washington, D.C.). An additional document, “GSD Participation,” summarizes the Unit’s overall representation at the conference, through affiliates’ presentations and awards given to municipalities where the Unit had been previously involved.


[Excerpt: “GSD Participation,” with Summary of CUDS at the Habitat II Conference]:

“Habitat II was the largest global conference on urban issues since 1976, when Habitat I was held in Vancouver. It attracted over 20,000 participants who debated critical issues, discussed the policy agenda and set directions for the coming decades…

“At the United Nations’ Habitat II Conference held in Istanbul June 3-14, 1996, two cities with whom the Unit for Housing and Urbanization at the GSD has worked over the past few years received Global Best Practices Awards for “excellence in improving the living environment.” They are Lublin, Poland, the Adjame district in Abidjan, Cote d’lvoire. The Unit also organized a special training program for a third recipient, the ANHI housing agency of Morocco.

“Nicolas You, coordinator for Best Practices and Local Leadership Program at Habitat explained that the object of the Awards is to highlight particularly successful actions that improve the human environment. The secretary general of the United Nations, Dr. Boutros – Ghali, presented the awards to the recipients in plenary session.”

“Secretary General of Habitat, Dr. Wally N’Dow stated: “The collection and dissemination of Best Practices will be an important and lasting heritage of Habitat II.” The Initiative will establish a database accessible on the Internet and a video library documenting these outstanding experiences in order to encourage transfer of knowledge, experience, and expertise. The Unit will participate in this interactive mode of exchange of ideas and learning.”

“Mona Serageldin, Professor of Urban Planning and Associate Director of the Unit participated on panels discussing “Best Practices and Good Govemance,” “Cities in the South, Preparing for the Next Millennium,” “Building Capacity for Better Cities,” and “The Dialogue on Land Policy.”

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Project Year:1996
Project Type:Conference
Geographic Regions:Istanbul, Turkey (Conference Location)
Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin
Sponsors:UN-Habitat; Center for the Global South, American University; Institute of Public Administration (New York); World Bank; United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Categories:Evaluations and Assessments
  
ID:1996_06_001

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

Abstract

A landmark paper by 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. 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 USAID’s Family and Development Program and Office of Housing and Urban Programs.

Another essay on the same topic was published as USAID Seminar Brief No. 4, “How Urban Families use Infrastructure and Housing in their own Development,” in June 1992. This document summarized Serageldin’s seminar presentation for the USAID Family and Development Initiative Series in April 1992, relaying her indication of trends toward informal housing developments emerging in reaction to rapid urbanization in city populations and housing shortages increasingly becoming a critical issue for low-income families.


[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:
Authors:Mona Serageldin; John Driscoll; María-Luisa Fernández
Sponsors:UN-Habitat; USAID
Categories:Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading
  
ID:1993_05_001

Related I2UD Projects

Related I2UD Photograph 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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“Strategy for Technical Assistance and Training: Housing and Land Management in Poland,” Technical Assistance Report by Dr. Mona Serageldin, for Gdańsk, Gdynia, Kraków, Lublin, Poznań and Szczecin, Poland, 1992

Abstract

The paper “Strategy for Technical Assistance and Training: Housing and Land Management, Poland” was prepared in 1993 by Mona Serageldin, in her capacity as consultant to the International City Management Association (ICMA). Serageldin’s report was based on interviews and meetings with urban infrastructure officials in 6 Polish cities from 1992 (Gdańsk, Gdynia, Kraków, Lublin, Poznań, and Szczecin). The report covers issues relating to housing and land management, strategic planning, infrastructure finance, real estate development, privatization, and the promotion of private sector participation in urban development in Poland. The analysis concluded with a framework for structuring effective local relations to address major municipal finance concerns.

[Excerpt: Preface, page 6; List of Photographs and Illustrations]

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:1992
Project Type:Technical Assistance Report
Geographic Regions:Poland (Gdańsk, Gdynia, Kraków, Lublin, Poznań, and Szczecin)
Reports:
Strategy for Technical Assistance and Training: Housing and Land Management, Poland (Mona Serageldin, January 1993)
Authors:Mona Serageldin
Sponsors:USAID Regional Housing and Urban Development Office; International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
Categories:Urban Planning
  
ID:1992_00_001

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