people and planet

5
KEY MESSAGES
Education must be integrated into urban planning to create
sustainable cities.
1
Cities are growing fast, putting strain on education systems.
a. There are significant education gaps within urban areas.
b. There is a lack of access to public education in urban slums and peri-urban areas.
c. Half of the world’s refugees are children and youth, many of whom end up in cities.
d. Ethnic and racial segregation in schools can exacerbate broader inequalities.
e. Migrants to cities, and especially female migrants, urgently need skills for work.
2
Until education is part of urban planning, urban challenges, such as unequal provision of services and
discrimination, will never be fixed.
a. By improving skills, education can foster more inclusive economies.
b. Policies for urban education must reduce unequal access to quality public schools and teachers.
c. Teacher training can reduce prejudice and discrimination.
3
Education reduces crime in cities.
a. Education increases job opportunities, and makes people more averse to risks, such as punishment
for crimes.
b. Early childhood interventions and a focus on high school graduation can reduce crime.
4
Education can propel cities’ competitiveness and productivity.
a. Investing in research and innovation, and fostering ties between universities and industry,
can transform a city into a prosperous knowledge-based economy.
b. But attention is needed to ensure that knowledge-driven economic development does not
increase inequality.
5
Including education in urban planning makes environmental sustainability more likely.
a. Communication strategies and school-based interventions teach people the importance of
environmental approaches to planning, and encourage sustainable transportation.
6
Education efforts alone will not lead to inclusive and safe cities.
a. Urban planners need training in integrating education into urban planning and strategies.
b. Communities affected by urban development must be included in renewal initiatives and plans
for change.
7
Urban governance must include education in its approach.
a. Informed city leaders can use education and lifelong learning to transform their cities.
b. Strengthened global networks of leaders of cities can solve urban challenges, including
education gaps.
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CHAPTER 5 | PLACE: INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE CITIES