Author: Yigang Li, Programme Management Associate, UNEP
8 November 2024, Cairo. – The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has officially unveiled its flagship initiative, Afri-City Lab, in partnership with UN Habitat. This groundbreaking initiative aims to achieve sustainable development goals by fostering participatory design and creating conditions for resilient community living across Africa.
Led by Professor Hendrik Tieben, founder of Afri-City Lab, Associate Director of the Architecture School at CUHK, and Professor Peter W. Ferretto, co-founder, Director of the Architecture School at CUHK, and Director of Condition Lab, the initiative seeks to unify community efforts across sectors. By addressing critical challenges such as climate resilience, spatial justice, innovative building approaches, and resilient livelihoods, Afri-City Lab strengthens communities’ capacity to build a sustainable and equitable future.
As part of the launch, Professor Hendrik Tieben and Mr. Yigang Li, Coordinator of Afri-City Lab, presented the initiative’s ambitious 5-year strategy plan, developed in alignment with the UN Collaboration Agreement approved in August 2024 at UN Headquarters in Nairobi. The plan outlines a multi-stakeholder trust fund financing model to ensure resilient funding and a cross-sector operational framework. A key feature of the initiative is its community-driven implementation strategy, leveraging collective intelligence to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.
Mr. Alexandre Caldas, Chair of the UN Geospatial Network and Chief of the Early Warning and Data Analytics Branch at UNEP, emphasized the critical role of data intelligence in empowering communities. He highlighted how community-driven monitoring systems can enhance local engagement in the design and implementation processes, enabling innovative solutions tailored to unique challenges.
Afri-City Lab marks a transformative milestone in advancing sustainable development, resilience, and collective intelligence. It embodies a commitment to transforming lives by addressing the needs of People, Places, and the Planet, setting a new benchmark for community-driven solutions and sustainable growth in Africa.
