On 28 September the ICC programme held a public session within the Placemaking Week in Pontevedra on “Sustainable cities: how to make them more inclusive?”. The session addressed the need to merge the green and inclusive agendas around joint planning for mutual benefit. During the session the ICC Policy brief on “Green urban planning for intercultural cities” was presented

There is indeed a growing recognition of the need for green urban planning and regeneration, and many measures are already being implemented at the local level. The green transition is, however, not automatically equitable, and must be carefully and thoughtfully implemented to ensure its outcomes are evenly distributed. The most vulnerable groups are frequently not included - when not displaced - in interventions or actions that aim to transform our cities. In addition, traditional urban renovation processes often result in communities losing their sense of identity when their environment is radically changed, and there are consequences for minority groups and the diversity of the community, which impact opportunities for intercultural interaction.

This policy brief compiles a set of policy solutions to advise local authorities on actions and policies to ensure that the greening of our cities not only creates a more sustainable environment but also becomes a factor in reducing segregation and increasing intercultural interaction. The policy brief further aims to inspire reflection on what cities can do to contribute to a more equitable green transition, based on eco-inclusive planning guidelines and inspirational case studies.

The document is structured in three parts:

1. Eco-inclusive planning guidelines: measures in the planning of green and intercultural cities;

2. Case examples: practical cases promoted by public bodies and others to illustrate how the eco-inclusive planning guidelines can be implemented in practice;

3. Action guide: a summary of principles that should be put into practice to achieve more inclusive green cities.

Green urban planning for the Intercultural City - Policy brief (2022)