Centre on African Public Spaces

Urban forests have been emphasized to not only help achieve the sustainable development goals and future-proof cities to climate change, population growth, and pandemics but also provide essential economic, social, and cultural ecosystem services. These benefits extend to strengthening social networks, improving urban dwellers’ health and quality of life, ensuring food provision, strengthening social and environmental equity, regulating local climates, supporting soil formation, and offering aesthetic and recreational opportunities. If you are working in and committed to using #UrbanForests to shape the future resilience of African cities we’d love to hear from you. The co-organisers of the 2nd African Forum on Urban Forests, #AFUF have put out a call to anyone who would like to organise a side-event at the regional forum taking place in Johannesburg 18 – 21 March. It is a fantastic opportunity to network with urban practitioners, activists, community organisations and government; exchange knowledge, share experiences, showcase best practise and practically explore solutions for creating more sustainable, inclusive cities. The new deadline for submission of proposals is January 17, 2025. If you have any questions or need support in planning or finding speakers for your proposed side-event, please contact aroji@jhbcityparks.com or noreply@afuf.co.za Follow the link to express your interest and submit a proposal: https://lnkd.in/eMqVtJRu We look forward to working with you! #urbanforests #urbanafrica #africanpublicspaces #greeningAfrica #greencities #climatecrisis #climateaction #cities4all #youthled #cities4children #informalsettlements #communityaction #resilience #greeneconomy #cities4thefuture

Wishing our community across the globe a very happy new year as together we continue to pursue our mission of human(e) centred public spaces at the heart of African cities. Our team of public space enthusiasts is back at work and deep in preparation for our first major event of 2025 - the African Forum on Urban Forests taking place in Johannesburg 18 - 21 March. A big thank you to all who have already submitted proposals to organise a side event at this important regional gathering exploring how we can use urban forests to shape the future resilience of African cities. If you are joining us at #AFUF2025 and would like to organise a side-event at the conference (in the form of a workshop/ presentation/ skills training session/ film viewing/ debate/ conversation …) the team has extended our deadline to ensure everyone has an opportunity to submit. The new deadline for submission of proposals is January 17, 2025. Proposals can be submitted in English, French or Portuguese. Follow this link to register your interest: https://lnkd.in/eMqVtJRu. The organisers are here to support your in planning your session, please contact aroji@jhbcityparks.com or noreply@afuf.co.za if you have any questions or need support in finding speakers for your side-event. Do note that all side events will be held are in the main venue of the forum and will be made available free of charge. Interpreting services in and from English, French, Portuguese, and Arabic will also be provided free of charge. All other costs related to the organisation of the side events (e.g., travel costs for invited speakers, any coffee breaks, devices not available in the rooms) will be the responsibility of the applicants. We look forward to receiving your submissions! #urbanforests #urbanafrica #africanpublicspaces #greeningAfrica #greencities #climatecrisis #climateaction #cities4all #youthled #cities4children #informalsettlements #communityaction #resilience City of Johannesburg UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) World Urban Campaign by UN-Habitat FAO Gauteng Department of Agriculture Land Reform & Rural Development Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)

A call to all urban stakeholders (local and national government representatives, private sector, non-governmental organizations, research and academic institutions, community groups, creatives and urban professionals) to organise a side event at #AFUF2025. All side events must fall within the framework of the 2nd regional forum on Urban Forests and its subthemes of climate proofing African cities; equitable access, health and wellbeing and; making the business case for urban forests. In addition side events can focus on the cross-cutting themes of gender, youth, governance, and peace. These nexus areas are integral to building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable African cities. Possible formats for side events include but are not limited to workshops/ training session, information sharing/ presentations, discussion/dialogue, task group meetings. Proposals can be submitted in English, French or Portuguese. PThe organising committee will review all applications and make contact via email by mid-January to confirm proposal acceptance and provide you with further information to support the organisation of the side event. Where feasible or relevant, the committee will encourage organisers with similar events to combine their side events. The deadline for submission of proposals is January 3, 2025. Please note that the rooms in which the side events will be held are in the main venue of the forum and will be made available free of charge. Interpreting services in and from English, French, Portuguese, and Arabic will also be provided free of charge. All other costs related to the organisation of the side events (e.g., travel costs for invited speakers, any coffee breaks, devices not available in the rooms) will be the responsibility of the applicants. If you have any questions, please contact: noreply@afuf.co.za #AFUF2025 #urbanforests #urbanafrica #africanpublicspaces #greeningAfrica #greencities #climatecrisis #climateaction #cities4all #youthled #cities4children #informalsettlements #communityaction #resilience HealthBridge Foundation of Canada Gehl - Making Cities for People Dreamtown.ngo FAO Public Space Network Hivos Global Infrastructure Basel Foundation (GIB) RUAF SDI. (Slum Dwellers International) Shared City Foundation Kounkuey Design Initiative Block by Block Foundation

Currently, more than half of the global population lives in cities. By 2050, urban population is expected to rise to 70%. This rapid urbanisation along with the escalating climate crisis is placing significant pressure on city infrastructure, on inhabitants and on natural ecosystems. The ability of ecosystems to provide the services of clean water, clean air and fertile soils is increasingly compromised, directly affecting agriculture and food security. This not only disrupts local economies but also heightens vulnerability to natural disasters, such as floods and droughts. Local governments, urban planners, city managers, and civil society organizations across the world are recognising the critical role that urban forests can play in enhancing quality of life and building resilience in the face of growing environmental pressures. Urban Forests are essential components of sustainable development offering environmental, social, and economic benefits. They mitigate the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, reducing the urban heat island effect, improving air quality, and supporting biodiversity within densely populated areas. Furthermore, these green spaces offer residents opportunities for recreation, improved mental health, and enhanced community well-being. The theme for #AFUF2025: “Green Horizons: Shaping the Future Resilience of African Cities through Urban Forests,” encapsulates a bold environmentally conscious vision for Africa’s urban growth and development. It emphasises a proactive and strategic stance in shaping the future of urban forests and green spaces across Africa. The conference subthemes focus on three critical areas of urban forests: climate proofing African cities; equitable access, health and wellbeing and; making the business case for urban forests. Join us in Johannesburg, South Africa 18 – 21 March as together we shape the future resilience of African cities. Follow this link to register: https://lnkd.in/eMqVtJRu #AFUF2025 #urbanforests #urbanafrica #africanpublicspaces #greeningAfrica #greencities #climatecrisis #climateaction #cities4all City of Johannesburg UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) World Urban Campaign by UN-Habitat African Cities Research Consortium Johannesburg Development Agency Gauteng Department of Agriculture Land Reform & Rural Development Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) South African Local Government Association 350.org Greenpop C40 Cities The Green Belt Movement African Centre for Cities The African Climate Foundation Urban Knowledge Exchange Southern Africa Centre for Liveable Cities

We’re delighted at the enthusiastic response to our call for papers for the 2nd African Forum on Urban Forests (AFUF2025) taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa in March 2025. We’ve received over 180 submissions from 45 countries across the globe. African countries currently represented include: Niger, Rwanda, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Uganda, Guinée - Bissau, Cameroon, Madagascar, Benin, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa, Morocco, Mali, Tunisia, Kenya, Burundi, Togo, Botswana, Mozambique, Gabon, Zimbabwe, Côte d'Ivoire, Malawi, Algeria and Senegal. A big thank you to all the city leaders, policymakers, environmental experts, activists, academics, researchers and community groups who’ve submitted abstracts that meet the AFUF2025 sub-themes: • Climate-proofing African cities; • Equita¬ble access, health and well-being; and, • Making the business case for urban forest The scientific committee is currently reviewing the submissions and will respond shortly to all those who’ve submitted. To enhance the conference and ensure your priorities are addressed, we are putting out a call for all those who might like to organize a side-event in line with the AFUF2025 framework. Side-event proposals can be submitted in English, French or Portuguese. The Organizing Committee will review all applications received and will undertake a selection process. In the case of an oversubscription and where feasible, organisers with similar events will be encouraged to combine their side events. Please follow the link https://lnkd.in/eMqVtJRu in our bio to download the call for side-events and register your proposal. #AFUF2025 #urbanforests #urbanafrica #africanpublicspaces #greenbeltmovement City of Johannesburg UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme)- World Urban Campaign by UN-Habitat Gehl - Making Cities for People Dreamtown.ngo FAO Public Space Network SDI. (Slum Dwellers International) Kounkuey Design Initiative Block by Block Foundation African Cities Research Consortium Johannesburg Development Agency South African Local Government Association Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)

Human(e) centred urban spaces are context-sensitive and address the needs and desires of people using these spaces. Rooted in principles of compassion, dignity and respect, they contribute to individual well-being, social cohesion and environmental sustainability. They are, by definition, safe, accessible, inclusive, vibrant, just and in harmony with nature. If you share our vision of human(e) centred public spaces at the heart of African cities ... please join our growing community and together we can learn from and support each other in co-creating, developing and maintaining #AfricanPublicSpaces. https://lnkd.in/dbBGVn6x #Africanplacemaking #WUF12

Building upon the success of the 1st African Forum on Urban Forests (2021) and the outcomes of the 2nd World Forum on Urban Forests (2023), we are thrilled to be hosting the #AFUF2025 in Johannesburg with our partners: City of Johannesburg, FAO and UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme). #AFUF2025 is envisioned as an opportunity to take stock and assess the progress of urban forestry initiatives across the continent, while charting the path for future advancements. We are calling on representatives of local, provincial and national governments, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, research and academic institutions, community groups, and urban professionals across different sectors to join us in in-depth conversations that stimulate innovative ideas, and inspire concrete actions to integrate urban forests and green spaces at the core of urban planning and development in Africa. To register or submit an abstract: www.afuf.co.za #urbanforests #urbanforestry #urbanAfrica #AfricanPublicSpaces

Human(e) centred urban spaces are context-sensitive and address the needs and desires of people using these spaces. Rooted in principles of compassion, dignity and respect, they contribute to individual well-being, social cohesion and environmental sustainability. They are, by definition, safe, accessible, inclusive, vibrant, just and in harmony with nature. If you share our vision of human(e) centred public spaces at the heart of African cities ... please join our growing community and together we can learn from and support each other in co-creating, developing and maintaining #AfricanPublicSpaces. https://lnkd.in/dbBGVn6x #Africanplacemaking #WUF12

Urban forests can play an indispensable role in building resilient, healthy, and equitable cities in Africa. In March 2025, the FAO, the City of Johannesburg, the UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) and the Centre on African Public Spaces will host the 2nd African Forum on Urban Forests (AFUF) in Johannesburg, South Africa. The forum offers a significant opportunity to explore the transformative potential of urban forests across the continent. Join us from 9h00 -10h30 on Friday 8 November in Voices from Cities, Room B for a preparatory session aimed at laying the groundwork for the 2nd AFUF, with a focus on integrating urban forestry into urban planning and development strategies. The session aims to collaboratively develop a roadmap for #AFUF2025 and serves as a catalyst for forging meaningful partnerships for the 2nd regional Urban Forestry gathering. Visit the #AFUF2025 website www.afuf.co.za to find out more, to register or to submit an abstract. #urbanforestry #urbanAfrica #Africanpublicspaces C40 Cities World Resources Institute ICLEI Africa South African Local Government Association IUCN@world-resources-institute African Union Development Agency-NEPAD #AFR100 Public Space Network Hivos RUAF Urban Agriculture and Food Systems Johannesburg Development Agency

It all starts with her ... join Dreamtown.ngo and Shared City Foundation at 11am today (7 November) in an exploration of womens impact on localising the Sustainable Development Goals. November 7, 2024 | 11:00 - 12:30 #SDGs in Action - room Bwuf12 #WUF12 #itallstartsathome