The 20th Conference of International Development and Urban Planning

　The 20th Conference of Asian and African City Planning was held on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Okayama University, Tsushima Campus, in a hybrid format combining on-site and online participation.

　The conference aims to promote research exchange and information sharing through the presentation and discussion of studies focusing on cities and regions in Asia, Africa, the Global South, and Japan. All submitted papers and presentations were conducted in English, providing researchers, international students, and practitioners with opportunities to present their work in English and fostering cross-border academic exchange.

　On the day before the conference, an excursion was organized, guided by Dr. Ryo Fukuda (Okayama University). Participants took part in a walking tour of the central area of Okayama City, the host city of the conference, to gain insights into its current conditions, challenges, and historical development. By referring to historical maps, participants developed a layered understanding of Okayama’s history as a former castle town, while also observing contemporary urban redevelopment projects underway in the city center.

　In the 2024 conference, 17 papers were submitted through an open call from both domestic and international contributors. All presentations and Q&A sessions were conducted in English. The research covered a wide range of case study areas across Asia (Bangladesh, Japan, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, India, and Indonesia) and Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Egypt, and Ghana). Active discussions took place among researchers, graduate students, and practitioners.

　The program concluded with a roundtable discussion, featuring Dr. Hironori Hori (Okayama University), alongside Prof. Fukushima (Meijo University; paper read by Mr. Nishiura due to illness), Prof. Nishiura (Meisei University), Prof.Matsuyuki (Yokohama National University), and Mr. Sugita (JICA). The session, titled “Cultural and Historical Dimensions of Urban Planning: Insights from Asia and Africa for Global Theories,” explored recent trends and challenges in urban planning in Asian and African contexts. In particular, lively discussions focused on the accumulation of community-led practices and the challenges of integrating these practices into formal urban planning frameworks, with active participation from the audience.

　Approximately 50 participants attended the conference both in person and online. International exchanges continued not only during the formal Q&A sessions but also during breaks and informal interactions throughout the event.

　The conference concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Fukuda (Okayama University), who reflected on the diversity of research presentations and discussions and expressed expectations for continued dialogue in future conferences.

　The 20th Conference of International Development and Urban Planning (2025) is scheduled to be held at Meijo University, again in a hybrid format combining on-site and online participation.

　Click here for the video of the conference