Call for papers and other contributions:
6th International Conference on Canadian, Chinese and African Sustainable Urbanization
HUMANIZING URBANIZATION:
Housing, Livelihoods, and Sustainable Cities in a Changing World
Abstracts Submission Deadline: February 28, 2025 (Early Bird)
Abstracts Submission Site: icccasu2025.org
Dates: July 26-31, 2025
Place: University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada (Hybrid)
Languages: English and French
Website: icccasu.org
Email: [email protected]
Urbanization is reshaping societies, presenting both opportunities and challenges. For the past decade, the International Conference on Canadian, Chinese, and African Sustainable Urbanization (ICCCASU), in partnership with UN-Habitat and other global partners, has served as a vital platform for discussing sustainable urban growth. By addressing key issues such as housing shortages, infrastructure development, climate resilience, and cultural preservation, ICCCASU has provided valuable insights from Canada, China, Africa, and beyond.
As we celebrate ten years of ICCCASU with our 6th conference in July 2025, we invite scholars, policymakers, and students to join us at the University of Ottawa. The pandemic has profoundly changed our urban behaviors and underscored the need for resilient urban solutions, influencing how we live, work, and interact with our environments. ICCCASU6 will place housing at the forefront, recognizing its essential role in fostering inclusive, equitable, and resilient cities in this evolving context. Despite technological advancements, cities continue to face significant challenges. From Beijing to Nairobi, Ottawa to São Paulo, affordable housing remains a pressing issue, highlighting the need for adaptable and innovative solutions. Outdated transportation systems limit mobility and urban growth, making it imperative to build accessible and resilient infrastructure. Sustainable cities must prioritize equity, accessibility, and climate resilience. Furthermore, rapid urban growth can threaten cultural identities in diverse regions—from the Caribbean and African cities to historic towns in Europe and Indigenous communities in Canada—putting cultural diversity at risk. Addressing social inequalities is essential for fostering harmonious urban environments, with housing serving as a foundation for well-being and sustainable development.
The 6th ICCCASU will highlight innovative approaches to urban development from Canada, China, Africa, and other regions, focusing on people-centered strategies that enhance quality of life, celebrate cultural vitality, and advance environmental sustainability in our dynamic world.
CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS
We invite papers to be presented in either English or French. Submissions are welcome from all disciplines and perspectives, ensuring an engaging dialogue that includes participants from diverse backgrounds. Contributions may be theory-based, case-study-based, technically oriented, or focused on the social and physical contexts in which change occurs.
Suggested Sub-Themes and Topics (not exhaustive):
A. Innovative Housing Solutions Globally
- Development of affordable housing policies and models suitable for diverse populations.
- Sustainable housing design and construction practices incorporating local materials and traditions.
- Strategies for upgrading informal settlements and improving living conditions.
- Community-led housing initiatives and participatory approaches in different cultural contexts.
- Financial instruments and partnerships for funding housing projects across regions.
B. Livelihoods and Economic Opportunities in Urban Settings
- Urban employment strategies and support for entrepreneurship in emerging economies.
- Addressing social equity and inclusion in rapidly growing cities.
- Impacts of rural-to-urban migration on housing and livelihoods in various regions.
- Leveraging technology and smart city initiatives to enhance economic opportunities.
C. Sustainable Urban Planning and Infrastructure
- Integrated urban planning approaches that consider housing, transportation, and public spaces.
- Innovations in sustainable and accessible transportation solutions worldwide.
- Climate resilience and adaptation measures in urban environments.
- Enhancing urban livability through green infrastructure and public spaces.
D. Cultural Identity and Social Cohesion
- Preserving cultural heritage amid modernization in diverse urban contexts.
- Engaging communities in decision-making processes to strengthen social cohesion.
- Understanding social dynamics and fostering community building in urban settings.
- The role of arts and cultural activities in enriching urban experiences.
E. Policy, Governance, and International Partnerships
- Effective urban governance models promoting sustainable development.
- Public-private partnerships and international collaborations for urban projects.
- Evaluating and implementing policies impacting housing and urbanization.
- Sharing best practices through international cooperation and knowledge exchange.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Registration and Abstract Submission
- Deadline: February 28, 2025 (Early Bird)
- Length: Abstracts should be no more than 250 words.
- Format: Include the paper title, author(s) name(s), affiliation(s), contact information, and selected sub-theme.
- Submission Method: ICCCASU website or email to [email protected]
All abstracts will be reviewed by the scientific committee. Upon acceptance, presenters will have the opportunity to prepare a full paper for consideration in our Springer book series, “City Development: Issues and Best Practices,” as well as our upcoming ICCCASU online journal.
Registration Fees
- Early Bird Rates (before February 28, 2025):
- Participation in person*: $350 USD
- Participation online: $50 USD
- Standard Rates (from March 1, 2025):
- Participation in person*: $450 USD
- Participation online: $100 USD
Important Dates
- Registration and Abstract Submission Deadline: February 28, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: Three weeks after submission
- Full Paper Submission Deadline: May 31, 2025
- Conference Dates: July 26-31, 2025
As it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain visas for entry into Canada, we encourage all participants to begin the application process as soon as possible. We have reached an agreement with the Canadian government to assist with visa-related issues.
*Participants wishing to switch from in-person to online attendance can do so until May 30, 2025. Refunds will be processed accordingly.
About ICCCASU
Founded in 2014, ICCCASU is an international think-tank facilitating collaboration among researchers, academics, government officials, and industry representatives on urban development issues. The conference promotes the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda. Previous conferences were held in Ottawa, Canada (2015), Yaoundé, Cameroon (2017), Chengdu, China (2019), Montreal, Canada (2021), and Nairobi, Kenya (2023).
ICCCASU5 Organizing Committee
University of Ottawa
60 University St. (030)
Simard Hall
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada K1N 6N5
E-mail : [email protected]; [email protected]
Web: icccasu2025.org, icccasu.org