Hatch celebrates World Cities Day 2024
In celebration of World Cities Day, Hatch is spotlighting the critical role of young professionals in driving sustainable urban development. This year’s theme, “Youth Climate Changemakers: Catalyzing Local Action for Urban Sustainability”, aligns with Hatch’s mission to foster inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities.
Established by the United Nations in 2014, World Cities Day aims to promote global urbanization and address its challenges. With over 55% of the world’s population living in urban areas—a figure expected to rise to 68% by 2050—sustainable urban development is crucial. Cities contribute to 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions, positioning them as key areas in addressing climate change.
Urban resilience is essential for sustainable urban development, and Hatch is dedicated to ensuring the long-term viability and quality of life in cities. This day serves as a reminder to reflect on our contributions and the impact of our work on cities worldwide. It’s an opportunity to recalibrate our efforts, share knowledge, and collaborate on innovative solutions to urban challenges.
Insights from our young professionals
To gain a deeper understanding of the significance of World Cities Day, we spoke to our young professionals from around the globe.
- Kavita Shah, an engineer based in Durban, South Africa
- Rida Khan, a senior urban designer in Mississauga, Canada
- Rachelle Sarmiento, an economic planner consultant in Oakland, USA
- Elaine Wang, an urban designer in Sydney, Australia
- Mehak Wahid, a consultant in London, UK
- Celia Dattels, a senior economic analyst in New York, USA
Young people are at the forefront of advocating for sustainable and inclusive cities. Here are their insights.
The role of young people in urban sustainability
By actively participating in urban planning and policymaking, young professionals can drive significant changes that prioritize social equity and environmental sustainability.
- Kavita Shah believes young people can challenge the status quo and redefine public values. She says, “To achieve this, we must have the courage to tackle tough challenges and ask difficult questions about how cities should be planned and governed.”
- Mehak Wahid emphasizes the role of young people as advocates for sustainability and inclusivity. She notes, “We can utilize different platforms to raise awareness and make important issues heard.”
Impact of urbanization on daily dives
Urbanization profoundly affects our daily lives, offering both opportunities and challenges. While cities can provide economic and social benefits, they can also lead to issues such as overcrowding, high living costs, and environmental degradation. Understanding these impacts is essential for creating urban environments that enhance the quality of life for all residents.
- Rida Khan discusses the dual nature of urbanization: “Even in urban environments with high economic output, one’s daily life can be full of abundance and choice, while another can be devoid of joy if urbanization is not balanced with social uplift.”
- Celia Dattels appreciates the opportunities for collaboration and socialization that urban areas provide: “Simply by living in a densely populated area, I feel like I have so many opportunities and options on how to structure my life in a way that works for me.”
Innovative solutions for urban issues
Addressing urban challenges requires innovative solutions that promote sustainability and improve quality of life. From green spaces and community farms to advanced data analytics and AI in urban planning, these innovations are transforming cities into more livable and resilient spaces.
- Mehak Wahid shares examples like Haggerston Park in Hackney: “The park houses several football pitches, a shipwreck and sand-based play area for children, and a city farm, all in close proximity to a lively high street full of quirky cafes.”
- Elaine Wang mentions the integration of AI and data analytics in urban planning: “These platforms allow for real-time modelling, rapid iteration, and advanced simulation, which helps urban designers make more informed and sustainable decisions.”
Future of cities
The future of cities lies in their ability to adapt to changing needs and challenges. By investing in resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring inclusivity, cities can become more livable and sustainable for future generations. Envisioning these changes helps guide current urban development efforts.
- Rachelle Sarmiento envisions cities investing in resilient infrastructure and adapting to climate change: “This includes using climate adaptation strategies designed to address sea level rise and more extreme weather events.”
- Celia Dattels foresees increased density, more efficient public transportation, and resilient infrastructure as key elements of future cities: “I envision increased density, more efficient and reliable public transportation, and resilient infrastructure.”
Hatch’s contribution to sustainable urban development
As a multidisciplinary organization, Hatch is uniquely positioned to contribute to sustainable urban development. By integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into our projects and advocating for policies that support social equity and environmental sustainability, we can make a significant impact on urban environments worldwide.
- Rida Khan points out Hatch’s commitment to values like “Think globally, act locally” and “Do no harm”, advocating for policies that support social equity and sustainable infrastructure: “One way our organization can contribute to the World Cities Day goal of promoting sustainable urban development is by holding ourselves accountable for sustainable urban practices.”
- Celia Dattels emphasizes the importance of advocating for solutions that address sustainability and climate resilience in urban infrastructure projects: “Hatch should advocate for solutions that address issues cities face around sustainability and climate resilience and economic and social equity whenever possible.”
World Cities Day is a crucial reminder of the impact urban environments have on our lives and the importance of sustainable development. At Hatch, we are dedicated to creating cities that are inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. By leveraging innovative solutions and the passion of young professionals, we can shape urban spaces that inspire and nurture future generations.
For more information, please contact:
Lindsay Janca
Global Director, Public Relations
Tel: +1 905 403 4199
Email: media@hatch.com
About Hatch
Hatch is a global engineering, project delivery, and professional services firm. Whatever our clients envision, our teams can design and build. With over six decades of business and technical experience in the mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors, we know your business and understand that your challenges are changing rapidly. We respond quickly with solutions that are smarter, more efficient and innovative. We draw upon our 10,000 staff with experience in over 150 countries to challenge the status quo and create positive change for our clients, our employees, and the communities we serve.
Find out more on www.hatch.com/About-Us