This Special Session Conferece seeks to unravel the intricate connections between cultural heritage, urban identity, and the political economy of sustainable development. It emphasizes the critical role of culture as both a resource and a framework in fostering resilient and inclusive urban environments. Cities, as complex systems of social, economic, and political interactions, provide a fertile ground for examining the interplay between cultural dynamics and the imperatives of sustainability.
The session delves into how cultural norms, historical legacies, and socio-economic transitions shape urban governance, spatial planning, and public policy. It critically examines the urbanisation processes that disrupt traditional socio-economic structures and introduce new modes of production, consumption, and social behaviour. Particular attention is given to the pressures of rural-to-urban migration, which often entails the coexistence of diverse cultural paradigms and the challenge of integrating these into a cohesive urban framework. The session also interrogates the commodification of cultural heritage within urban economies, exploring its dual potential to drive economic growth while risking homogenisation and loss of authenticity.
The political economy dimension is central to this discussion, as the session evaluates how governance models, institutional structures, and public policies influence the allocation of resources and the distribution of opportunities in urban settings. By reflecting on both historical and contemporary examples, it highlights the potential of culturally attuned strategies to address issues of inequality, social exclusion, and environmental degradation. The session positions cities as arenas where cultural identity intersects with economic imperatives, offering a roadmap for reconciling economic growth with social equity and environmental integrity.
Through this lens, the session aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of the role of culture in shaping urban political economies, advancing a vision of cities as spaces of sustainable coexistence and dynamic cultural exchange. This perspective encourages policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to rethink the urban experience as one that is not only economically viable but also culturally enriching and socially inclusive.
