The forum explored opportunities to address the sustainability imperative arising from the current and numerous challenges facing African cities. Mayors from the African capital cities of Abuja, Mbabane, Harare, São Tomè, Dodoma, Kinshasa, Banjul and Abuja, amongst others, were in attendance and speakers looked at how appropriate policies, design ingenuity, innovation, technical proficiency and infrastructural investments can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for the next generation.
"According to the United Nations, in 1919 only 40% of the global population lived in cities. Today just over 50% live in cities and it is predicted that by 2050, 70% of the global population will be living in urban centres. A large percentage of this number will converge in capital cities," said Ramokgopa.
"This forum seeks to establish commonalities and challenges experienced by the major cities in Africa while showcasing and sharing successful initiatives towards the emergence of truly African, original and appropriate answers in addressing the sustainability imperative. This significant pan African dialogue will lay the foundation for expanded African cooperation at the city level, and at the urban scale," he continued.
Ramokgopa provided a local perspective on the sustainability needs and solutions facing South Africa and discussed the City of Tshwane's Vision 2055 to become a low carbon, resource efficient and climate resilient city.
The forum forms part of Sustainability Week which brings together a wide variety of stakeholders from a range of sectors to discuss sustainability under specific themes: green building, food security, transport, manufacturing, energy and water etc.
Sustainability Week, hosted by the City of Tshwane, takes place from 23 to 28 June 2015. For more information on Sustainability Week, go to www.sustainabilityweek.co.za.
