REPORT: The Nexus of Urbanization, Violence and Conflict

On April 18th, 2016, in preparation for the World Humanitarian Summit (WHS) and Habitat III, and in coordination with the Global Alliance for Urban Crises, the co-hosts presented the one day panel event: “The nexus between urbanization, violence and conflict: Linking SDG 11 and SDG 16”.

This one-day panel engaged academics, policy makers and member states who discussed contemporary understandings of urban violence and conflict, its consequences and possible ways in which it can be addressed. The event produced six key messages to be taken forward to the WHS and Habitat III. The event highlighted the synergies between Goal 11 “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” and Goal 16 “Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies” through grounded case studies. 

The event was co-hosted by the City College of New York – CUNY, the Permanent Missions of Lebanon and Norway to the UN, UNDP, UN-Habitat, and the International Rescue Committee (IRC). 

View and download report compiled by Deen Sharp, CUNY, and Hanne Kristoffersen, UNDP.

Key Messages for the “New Urban Agenda”

"By 2050, 70 percent of the world’s population will live in urban areas. Rapid urbanization is producing new contexts through which violence and conflict operate and it is critical to understand these complex dynamics. Urban settings have characteristics, which require effective, context- specific approaches. Violence and conflict in urban areas can involve different kinds of violence and can be driven by diverse vectors such as political, socio-economic, institutional and environmental. The event aimed to enhance our understanding of the nexus between urbanization, violence, and conflict in fragile settings. The following key messages emanated from the event and should be given consideration in the discussion on the New Urban Agenda." 

Key messages here. Also, Hanne Kristoffersen, Local Governace Specialist of UNDP, wrote an article on Leaving No One and No City Behind, reflecting on one of the UN's sustainable development goal.

Transcript: Opening Remarks by Deen Sharp

The Nexus of Urbanization, Violence and Conflict: Linking SDG 11 and SDG 16 was organized by the Permanent Missions of Lebanon and Norway to the UN, City College of New York - CUNY, UNDP, UN-Habitat, and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), in coordination with the Global Alliance for Urban Crises. 

LIVE NOTES: The Nexus of Urbanization, Violence and Conflict: Linking SDG 11 and SDG 16

Panel II 'New Geographies of Urban Violence' (L-R) Alexandra Hiniker, PAX representative to the UN; Samuel Doe, Policy Advisor, UNDP; Deen Sharp, Doctoral candidate at the City University of New York; Esteban Leon, Chief Technical Advisor, UNHABITAT. Photo: Reem Aliessa

Less visible forms of urban violence that go beyond ideas of construction and deconstruction need attention. --- Deen Sharp

Explosive weapons are leading cause of destruction of healthcare facilities.... Use of wide area explosive weapons in populated areas always leads to high injury of civilians. --- Alexandra Hiniker

Challenges of urbanization can be combated through understanding the city rather than individual challenges. --- Esteban Leon

Notes by Kira Rakova.

UPDATE: Read the Key Messages for the "New Urban Agenda" here.

The Nexus of Urbanization, Violence and Conflict: Linking SDG 11 and SDG 16 was organized by the Permanent Missions of Lebanon and Norway to the UN, City College of New York - CUNY, UNDP, UN-Habitat, and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), in coordination with the Global Alliance for Urban Crises.