Make Change Happen 3: Seizing opportunities for urban change
Channel: IIED
Date: 2020-02-10

A quarter of the world’s urban population live in informal settlements, mostly in the global South. Launched before the 2020 World Urban Forum, the third episode of a podcast from the International Institute of Environment and Development (IIED), looks at how IIED’s work with marginalised urban communities developed, and what opportunities exist now for building more inclusive cities.

The podcast features the renowned David Satterthwaite, who spearheaded IIED’s work on urban poverty. He is joined by senior urban researcher Anna Walnycki, and podcast host Liz Carlile, IIED's director of communications.

The researchers discuss the innovative nature of urban community groups, and how their ability to gather data and network has even led to the ability to influence global narratives. These grassroots groups have carved out a voice for the urban poor, which IIED seeks to amplify.

While national ambitions for sustainable urbanisation are high, Satterthwaite notes failures to recognise cities’ part in delivering this, and the exclusion of local governments and federations of the urban poor from relevant planning. The upcoming World Urban Forum (WUF) offers a chance to explore these big issues.

The researchers note that a key issue for moving on an inclusive urban agenda is donors’ willingness to channel money where it matters: to the frontlines of urban need, where Satterthwaite says that federations require little funding to achieve a great deal.

The Make Change Happen podcast tackles the critical challenges of our time, from climate crisis to biodiversity loss and increasing inequality. It provides in-depth coverage of key issues, and relates how we will play our part to make change happen.

Follow the panellists on Twitter: @Dsatterthwaite, @AnnaWalnycki and @LizCarlile. Follow the podcast on @IIED_Voices for the latest updates.

Further reading:

Full episode transcript and panellist biographies: https://www.iied.org/seizing-opportunities-for-urban-change-make-change-happen-podcast-episode-3

More information on IIED's urban work: www.iied.org/urban