Sustainable Urban Development and Qualitative Growth in the South Caucasus

The increasing growth of urban population across the world has triggered new environmental, social and economic challenges. By 2030 approximately 60% of the global population will live in cities. Providing adequate urban infrastructure to meet growing demands while at the same time addressing issues such as resource efficiency, climate change mitigation, environmental protection and social inclusion is essential to capitalize on the economic growth potential of cities and to improve overall social welfare ("qualitative growth"). Therefore, politicians and stakeholders in the South Caucasus and all across the world are already striving to find innovative and integrative approaches and solutions, for example in the water supply, sanitation and solid waste sectors. Thereby, they face not only technical, but also institutional and financial challenges.

In this context adelphi organized on behalf of the KfW Development Bank the conference "Sustainable Urban Development in the South Caucasus – Towards Qualitative Growth" which took place from September 29 to October 1 in Berlin. The conference related back to the conference on urban infrastructure in Batumi 2012 and was financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The event provided a platform for representatives from governments, municipalities as well as water utilities and solid waste companies from the South Caucasus and Europe to discuss best practices, recent developments, opportunities and risks in the context of urban development. The discussions were complemented by field excursions to relevant sites in and around Berlin.

adelphi supported the KfW in the conceptualisation and logistical organisation of the conference and assisted its implementation e.g. by providing an experienced and professional moderator.