Urban Forum "Cities of the New Generation"

Information and Analytical

material on the panel session

2015 AEF Urban Forum

"Cities of the New Generation"

1) Session Information (posts)

For the first time in human history, more than 50% of the world population lives in cities, and they produce about 80% of world GDP. By 2050, experts from the UN and the OECD forecast that the share of urban population will reach 70-80% of the world. Cities are centers of "knowledge economy", where innovations are created, live the most active and qualified specialists. Labor productivity of the urban population is higher than rural and thus the standard of living and income. However, the important issue is the sustainability of cities. The rapid growth of agglomerations poses a number of challenges for the city administration, architects, ecologists and economists. The problem to improve the quality of life, creating adequate infrastructure, ensuring social and economic sustainability emerges to prominence.

In the nearest period forecasted rapid rise in urban developing countries, particularly in Africa and Asia. These processes also affect Kazakhstan. At the beginning of 2014 in the cities of the country were more than 55% of the population and by 2050 projected growth to 70%. Government as the most promising urban centers defines the cities of Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, Aktobe and other metropolitan area. The New Economic Policy of Kazakhstan "Nurly Zhol" as a priority determines the development of the transport and modernization of housing (HCS) infrastructure.

Participants in the panel session "Cities of the New Generation" will discuss best practices for sustainable urban development models and approaches to urban development and work out the priorities for urban development, including Kazakhstan. Playground Forum provides opportunities for networking, exchange of views, negotiation and initiatives announcements.