Contribution short abstract:

Urban safety requires integrated development and systems-thinking. The paper explores crime, violence and socio-economic disparities. It highlights interconnectedness, community engagement, and innovative solutions. Studies emphasize policy alignment, youth-led initiatives, and resilience strategies

Contribution long abstract:

Navigating urban safety complexities in Zimbabwe necessitates an integrated development strategy combined with a systems-thinking approach to create healthy, livable, productive and sustainable futures. This abstract explores the intricate dynamics of urban safety, addressing crime, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-economic disparities. By leveraging integrated strategies and systems-thinking, the research emphasizes the interconnectedness of various urban elements and their collective impact on safety. The study investigates the role of the formal and informal institutions in shaping safety policies and practices, highlighting the importance of community engagement and cross-sectoral collaboration. Through case studies in Zimbabwe, it showcases innovative technological solutions, such as community policing systems and data-driven interventions that enhance public safety. The findings underscore the critical need for aligning local, regional, and national policies, stakeholders and locally-led interventions to comprehensively address safety concerns. Additionally, the abstract discusses the influence of urban youth-led safety complexities and crises on urban safety, proposing adaptive strategies to bolster resilience. By adopting a holistic, systems-thinking approach, the abstract argues for transformative strategies that not only improve urban safety but also promote socio-economic development, environmental sustainability, and inclusive governance. This integrated framework is essential for creating resilient, secure, and thriving urban communities in Zimbabwe, laying a robust foundation for future growth and development.