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- Convenors:
-
Ezana Haddis Weldeghebrael
(University of Birmingham)
Samson Olanrewaju (Osun State University)
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- Format:
- Paper panel
Short Abstract:
The session examines the role of multi-stakeholder coalitions in tackling the predicaments of urban informalities, land conflict, exclusion, and displacement through amplifying marginalized voices, co-producing inclusive solutions, and navigating governance challenges for sustainable urban reform.
Long Abstract:
Southern cities are grappling with rapid urbanization, poverty, and environmental degradation, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups, including low-income communities and informal economy actors. Informal settlements, unregulated land markets, and land conflicts exacerbate these challenges, often leading to displacement due to government-led urban renewal, forced eviction and gentrification. Addressing these issues requires innovative approaches that move beyond traditional top-down urban planning. Emerging research on urban reform coalitions (Kamath, 2023; Mitlin, 2023) highlights the potential of multi-stakeholder collaborations to foster inclusive solutions. These coalitions, which bring together disadvantaged groups, NGOs, local authorities, academics, and businesses, aim to challenge power dynamics and co-produce solutions that address urban inequalities. However, key questions remain about the governance structures, strategies, and challenges of such coalitions. How do they amplify marginalized voices and integrate their knowledge into policy decisions? How do disadvantaged groups exercise agency within these alliances, and how do coalitions navigate the complexities of balancing power relations? This panel will explore these questions, examining the role of multi-stakeholder coalition-building in overcoming the challenges of urban informalities, land conflict, and displacement as well as adverse relations in global South. It will assess how these coalitions can address the dual role of land as both a source of conflict and a critical resource for development. The discussion will also critically reflect the role of academics in facilitating policy dialogue and knowledge co-production processes. Ultimately, the session will explore the opportunities and limitations of urban reform coalitions in promoting inclusive urban futures amidst ongoing crises and development dynamics.