Abstract Summary
Urban areas around the world are increasingly becoming centers of diversity, characterized by the co-existence of people from varied backgrounds, cultures and socioeconomic statuses. Urban diversity is not just a demographic fact but also an asset that contributes to the richness of urban life, economic growth, creativity and innovation. However, urban diversity also presents new challenges related to social inclusion and equity in cities. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach involving various stakeholders, including governments, communities, businesses, as well as civil society organizations. By actively working towards inclusivity, cities can build a more equitable, vibrant, and resilient urban environment where all residents can thrive. The objective of this special session is to present research findings on the basis of two NWO-NSFC projects that focus on urbanization, diversity and inclusion in China and the Netherlands. One project aims to improve the social integration of migrants by obtaining a better understanding of the impact of social housing programmes and market forces on urban housing of different migrant groups. The other project aims to contribute to the design of inclusive wise-waste cities by carrying out comparative research on urban metabolism, inclusive infrastructure design & management, and community building. Through the lens of the special session, the project consortium members would have the opportunities to interact and share insights with each other and, if possible, further seek potential collaborations for the future research activities. Regarding the content for this special session, we plan to organize 10-12 scientific research presentations divided into three parts: Part 1 - Urban diversity and sustainable cities. (Apr 23, 2024 | 13:30 - 15:00) Part 2 - Circular city transitions and inclusive waste management. (Apr 23, 2024 | 15:30 - 17:00) Part 3 - Migrant Housing: Inclusion and Wellbeing. (Apr 24, 2024 | 13:30 - 15:00) Each part takes 60-80 minutes, and comprises 3-4 presentations.
