Seventy per cent of the world's population will live in cities by 2050. In particular, cities in Africa, Asia and Latin America are growing like never before. What are the cultural and economic hotspots of the future? And what is the role of culture in shaping an inclusive city?

People have been migrating to cities for centuries. In the hope of a better life, work, safety or because they want to realise a dream. But what does hope look like in Kinshasa? What kind of future do children in Lima dream of? And what does innovation mean in Medellín?

In this programme, together with journalist and documentary filmmaker Stephanie Bakker, we take an innovative look at emerging global cities. In the book Future Cities, stories behind the statistics of urbanisation and growth, she focuses not on the negative effects of urbanisation, but on the strength of the city. What lurks in the DNA of the city and its inhabitants? How does that come about? And how does it help the city move forward?

A visual and narrative journey, leading from the burgeoning fashion industry in Kinshasa and a nightclub with a social purpose in Addis Ababa to Rotterdam. What is the soul of this city? And what role does culture play in shaping an inclusive city where there is room for authenticity and individuality? This is what moderator Stephanie Afrifa discusses with Romy Zhang of the youth platform Notes and Malique Mohamud, founder of Concrete Blossom. Together with two other two Rotterdam hip-hop artists, they put together the exhibition The World is Yours! - hip-hop makes the city - put together for the World Museum.

Speakers
Stephanie Bakker (journalist and documentary filmmaker), Melaku Belay (dancer and director Fendika Cultural Center), Wayne Modest (artistic director National Museum of World Cultures)(via video), Romy Zhang (programme director Notes), Malique Mohamud (founder Concrete Blossom), Cye Wong Loi Sing (creative director Brand New Guys, member of Kunsthal supervisory board).
Moderation: Stephanie Afrifa.

This event is part of the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam 2022. IABR, the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam, was founded in 2001 on the conviction that architecture and especially urban planning are of great social importance. It mainly focuses on the future of the city where, in just a few decades, nearly 80 percent of the world’s population will produce more than 90 percent of our wealth—and this will have to be done sustainably.

We can only solve the climate crisis if we solve it in the cities first. And to achieve this, good design is crucial. Well-designed, socially inclusive, resilient cities are our gateway to the future. The challenge is clear. And it is now or never.
IABR has therefore fully committed itself to the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development of the United Nations and its main objective is to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals to the best of its ability.

More information about the event and IABR >>>

Order Future Cities >>>

www.futurecities.nl