Track chairs: Dr. Godfrey Luwemba; Prof. Joep Crompvoets; Dr. Deodatus Shayo 

The innovative digital technologies track is a dynamic forum where academics, industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators converge to explore the transformative potential of digital technologies in urban development. From smart infrastructure to data-driven governance, the conference showcases cutting-edge solutions tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities presented by rapid urbanization. Through insightful keynotes, interactive panels and networking opportunities, participants will gain valuable insights into leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), digital twins, blockchain, and other digital innovations to create sustainable, inclusive and resilient cities poised for rapid growth. 

We invite contributions that will help to better access, analyze and theorize how innovative digital technologies can create value in sustainable city development. 

List of sub-topics for paper submission

We invite paper proposals on the following topics, but not limited to:

1. Transformation to smart and sustainable cities: Social inclusivity and equitable access to smart city technologies, financing and investment models, collaborative governance and transformation, circular economy, and sustainable urban agriculture.
   
   

2. Sustainable infrastructure: Renewable energy integration in smart cities, smart grid technologies and energy-efficient systems, sustainable transportation solutions for urban areas, waste management and recycling innovations, water conservation and smart water management systems.
   
   

3. Smart urban mobility and transportation: Intelligent transportation systems and traffic management, shared mobility services and on-demand transportation, electric and autonomous vehicles in smart cities, integrated multi-modal transportation planning, smart parking solutions and congestion management, tourism, smart tourist emotion/satisfaction estimation.
   
   

4. Smart urban planning and design: Smart buildings and energy-efficient architecture, urban revitalization and adaptive reuse of spaces, green spaces and urban biodiversity in smart cities, resilient urban planning for climate change adaptation, digital twins and simulation models for urban design.
   
   

5. Data analytics and artificial intelligence: Big data analytics for smart city planning and decision-making, AI-for urban insights, predictive analytics for efficient resource allocation, intelligent surveillance and security systems in smart cities, data privacy and ethics in smart city data management.
   
   

6. Cyber physical space: IoT and connectivity, smart homes systems, sensors and monitoring systems for environmental sustainability, 5G and next-generation connectivity for smart cities, edge and fog computing in smart city applications.
   
   

7. Smart governance and citizen participation: Digital platforms for citizen participation and feedback, open data initiatives for transparent governance, e-governance and government digital service delivery in cities, digital twins for smart visualizations and policy making, blockchain technology for secure and decentralized governance, smart city policies and regulations for sustainable development.
   
   

8. Public safety and emergency management: Smart surveillance and predictive policing, emergency response systems and disaster management, cybersecurity and resilience of smart city infrastructure, smart fire detection and prevention technologies, public safety apps and smart citizen safety initiatives.
   
   

9. Health and well-being in smart cities: Telemedicine and remote healthcare services, e-Health, smart hospitals and healthcare infrastructure, IoT-enabled health monitoring and wearables, mental health support and well-being initiatives, smart city planning for inclusive and accessible healthcare.

Track chairs: Dr. Fredrick Magina; Prof. Joost Dessein

Today, the world is witnessing rapid population growth both in urban and rural areas. This trend is even more pronounced in metropoles and cities, where the dual cause of migration and natural growth lead to major challenges for the exploitation and availability of natural resources, such as land, fresh water or access to food, neglecting cultural and social values. A crucial issue revolves around the question how the use of available resources and the socio and cultural values can be negotiated among many, diverse users and actors, with different stakes, backgrounds, interests or needs.

Attempts to address these challenges on the optimal use of natural and cultural resources have often been expert-based, given (exclusive) priority to academic and policy experts in formulating responses. It implies a neglect of Indigenous Knowledge (IK, used as an umbrella term for traditional, local, ecological, lay-man, cultural, etc. knowledge) as a possible way to negotiate the best way forward in conflict management processes.

When IK is being acknowledged for its value, its integration or confrontation with expert or academic knowledge often remains conflicting. This might refer to the low added value being created, when IK is being used to transform the readily available natural and cultural resources into useful finished products, due to the low available technology in the production process or the lack of sustainability of the end-products. Or it might relate to the incompatibility of for instance governance processes that are IK or expert based.

As such, there is a need to explore if and how this epistemic plurality can serve for the optimisation of production or governance processes, questioning the role of diverse actors. How their knowledge and values could strengthen various peace-making and production processes. Recognising the epistemic plurality not only resonates with issues of justice, but could also be critical for sustainability in contemporary land use, natural and cultural resource use and management, and conservation initiatives.

The theme explores how Indigenous Knowledge can help to solve local spatial, economic, social, cultural and policy problems. This way, IK contributes to maintaining healthy lives, preventing conflicts, managing local affairs, and thus, supporting global solutions for the struggle for resource use.

List of sub-topics for paper submission

We invite paper proposals on the following topics, but not limited to: 

1. The role of IK in strengthening participatory planning and land conflicts resolution at grassroots level. 

2. IK as a catalyst for the use of local materials and techniques in the development of sustainable products. 

3. IK as a key enabler for the transition towards more inclusive and just food systems. 

4. IK in immaterial and material heritage, as a catalyst for cultural tourism, creative and cultural sectors, transformation, adaptive reuse and urban reconversion. 

5. IK documentation, transfer and education. 

Track chairs: Dr. Nyangi Chacha; Prof. Patrick Willems

Effective resource management is essential for promoting socioeconomic development, preserving the environment, cultural heritage and enhancing community livelihood. Population growth, both domestically and internationally, places a greater demand on resources, particularly natural resources, and produces more waste and other pollutants, which requires greater attention because it exacerbates several challenges, including environmental pollution, human health risks, water scarcity, to mention some. This track intends to bring together researchers, scientists, entrepreneurs, private sectors and others to share and discuss how resources are extracted, utilized and managed for sustainable cities including water, energy, waste, transport systems, heritage sites and others. In addition, it will provide platform for participants to share the role of digital technologies, policies, research and innovation, and industries to ensure sustainable management of resources.

The track will provide:

• Opportunities for sharing innovative approaches and technologies for sustainable resource utilization.

• Avenue for networking and collaboration between different actors dealing with the management of resources for future collaboration.

• Access to the latest research and discoveries related to resource management for sustainable cities.

• Multi-disciplinary networks for future collaboration and engagement.
  
  

List of sub-topics for paper submission

We invite paper proposals on the following topics, but not limited to:

1. Technological advancements in resource recovery

2. Nature based solutions

3. Waste management

4. Sustainable urban infrastructure

5. Rainwater harvesting

6. Resource optimisation

7. Integrated management of water and land resources

8. Policy frameworks for resource management

9. Role of digital technologies in resources management

10. Renewable energy

11. Circular economy

12. Adaptive reuse of heritage sites and buildings

Track chairs: Dr. Luitfred Kissoly; Prof. Oswald Devisch

The "participation and governance" track provides a platform for scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders to delve into the critical nexus between citizen participation, governance structures, and the sustainable development of rapidly expanding urban areas across Africa. By examining diverse approaches to civic engagement, collaborative governance, and inclusive decision-making processes, this track aims to foster dialogue and catalyze action towards more equitable, resilient, and sustainable cities.

List of sub-topics for paper submission

We invite paper proposals on the following topics, but not limited to:

1. Inclusive governance models: Examining governance structures that foster inclusive decision-making and equitable resource allocation in fast-growing urban areas. Topics may include participatory budgeting, community-led development initiatives, decentralized governance systems, and mechanisms for marginalized voices to be heard in urban planning processes.

2. Stakeholders engagement strategies: Investigating innovative approaches to engaging diverse stakeholders, including civil society organizations, grassroots movements, private sector actors, and vulnerable populations, in shaping urban policies and programs. Contributions may explore the role of technology, community organizing tactics, and inclusive dialogue platforms in facilitating meaningful participation.

3. Policy innovation for inclusive development: Analyzing policy frameworks and regulatory mechanisms that promote social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity in rapidly urbanizing contexts. This may include case studies of successful policy interventions, comparative analyses of governance models and strategies for mainstreaming participation into urban planning processes.

4. Community empowerment and capacity building: Assessing strategies for building capacity of local communities to actively participate in decision-making processes and contribute to the sustainable development of their neighbourhoods. Topics may include civic education programs, participatory planning workshops and initiatives to strengthen community-based organizations.

5. Gender and social inclusion: Exploring the intersection of gender, social identity, and urban governance in fast-growing cities. Contributions may examine the barriers faced by marginalized groups in accessing decision-making spaces, strategies for promoting women's leadership in local governance and inclusive approaches to urban infrastructure development.

6. Transparency and accountability mechanisms: Investigating mechanisms for enhancing transparency, accountability, and integrity in urban governance processes. This may include the role of open data initiatives, citizen monitoring platforms, anti-corruption measures, and mechanisms for holding government officials accountable for their decisions.

7. Urban resilience and adaptive governance: Examining the role of participatory approaches in building resilience to environmental hazards, climate change impacts, and other shocks and stresses in fast-growing cities. Contributions may focus on community-based adaptation strategies, early warning systems and collaborative risk management initiatives.

8. Digital technologies for civic engagement: Exploring the potential of digital tools and platforms to enhance citizen participation and improve governance outcomes in fast-growing cities. Topics may include e-governance platforms, online deliberation mechanisms, social media for civic engagement and strategies for bridging the digital divide.

9. Knowledge sharing and South-South cooperation: Facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration among cities in Africa and beyond, with a focus on innovative approaches to participation and governance. Contributions may highlight best practices, lessons learned, and opportunities for mutual learning and cooperation across diverse urban contexts.

10. Inclusive training and education programs: developing and adjusting training and education programs for sustainable urban development to local needs. Contributions may aim at sharing best practices, curriculum development strategies, measuring societal impact of training and education, etc. 

Track chairs: Dr. Beatrice Tarimo; CPA Nurdin Igangula; Dr. Atupelye Komba

Resilient and Sustainable Cities are a subject of different national, regional and international policies and development agenda. Our countries have set development goals and strategies to achieving the goals within a set timeframe. Further, the countries subscribe and commit to implementing regional and international development goals, also with set targets within a specified timeframe. For example, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that were adopted in 2015 set forth targets at national, regional and international level, which are to be achieved by 2030. 

Although different countries have made progress in achieving the SDGs, in addition to their respective national goals, this progress is often negatively affected by disasters, epidemics, social economic challenges, political unrest, among others. The East African region, for instance, has continued to be impacted by localized extreme weather events such as floods and droughts while also experiencing impacts of global challenges including climate change and epidemics such as COVID19. As such the ability of these countries to make progress in achieving the SDGs and other national goals is undermined whereas some countries have experienced reversal in the progress made. An understanding of the actual progress towards achieving sustainable development is thus of interest in order to support governments, development partners and and other stakeholders to make informed decisions.

Different indicators of sustainability have thus been developed over the years to provide a framework for assessing the progress made at different spatial extents. The United Nations, for instance, provide one set of such indicators of sustainable development including guidelines and methodologies for utilizing the indicators in assessing the SDGs. Although some studies illustrating progress towards achieving sustainable development using different indicators exist, an understanding of the progress at a local level and within the dynamics of African cities is still generally lacking, more so for African countries.

List of sub-topics for paper submission

We invite paper proposals on the following topics, but not limited to:

1. Explorations of various dimensions of resilience of African Cities against disasters, epidemics, climate change, etc., and how this influences various efforts to achieving sustainable development. 

2. Quantifying the progress towards achieving national, regional and international development goals and assess the sustainability of the achieved progress.