Today we wrapped up the three-day Network Exchange on Urban Informality and City Resilience, which brought together urban leaders, partners, and experts around the emerging intersection of informality and resilience in rapidly-growing cities.
After unpacking global experiences and exploring our host city of Addis Ababa – including a visit to Merkato, the continent’s largest open-air market – we leave this intensive conversation inspired and committed to a long-term vision for building urban resilience. Here’s a look inside the Network Exchange through the eyes of participants.
Great to be here participating in the #InformalityExchange from #Lagos !
Informality and self-help are at the core of what helps our city function across the board; the top-down coexists with the bottom-up. How can we drive #ResilientLagos through this dynamic relationship? https://t.co/Wyp0PFlv0L— Resilient Lagos (@lagos_resilient) December 3, 2018
Great start to the #InformalityExchange with speech from the Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa @100ResCities @AbabaResilient pic.twitter.com/1rBUWxGwgG
— Cayley Green (@CayleyGreen) December 3, 2018
“Informality is here to stay and as such it not only needs to be considered but incorporated in city and #resilience planning processes” Paul Nelson VP for Network, Knowledge & Impact @100ResCities #InformalityExchange #AddisAbaba pic.twitter.com/qQvEfSMBBT
— Caroline Raes (@Yekaroye) December 3, 2018
Our panellists @gareth_morgan, Simon Gusah, @jmklopp1 and Karen Cohelo currently speaking about shocks that have affected informal settlements in their respective cities, from urban fire in Cape Town to electoral violence in Nairobi. #InformalityExchange #AddisAbaba pic.twitter.com/xl2Dauvklj
— Caroline Raes (@Yekaroye) December 3, 2018
Highlights from the launch of this week’s #InformalityExchange: welcoming remarks from @FitsumbrhanB, H.E. Deputy Mayor Kidane, and participating cities and experts, and a deep dive into global experiences with informality moderated by @jebbrugmann. pic.twitter.com/wCx4gi9EDg
— 100 Resilient Cities (@100ResCities) December 3, 2018
Addis Ababa is a living laboratory for urban resilience.
A tour through the labyrinthine Merkato afforded deep insight into the interdependencies between formal and informal systems — and great views.#InformalityExchange pic.twitter.com/zvddaQ9frG
— 100 Resilient Cities (@100ResCities) December 3, 2018
#AddisAbaba Merkato’s large recycling site is a stunning example of circular lean economy and should be supported not disrupted #InformalityExchange @100ResCities @Yekaroye pic.twitter.com/HRp7OREPdl
— Jacqueline M Klopp (@jmklopp1) December 3, 2018
We need to appreciate, but also elevate and support the “informal” activities which help run our cities. We are responsible for providing support to elevate those active in the informal sector from just surviving, to thriving. #informalityexchange @AddisResilient
— Fitse Gelaye (@Fitsenet1) December 4, 2018
Welcome to Day 2 of the #InformalityExchange! The beautiful Horn of Africa Regional Environmental Center serves as inspiration while we delve deeper into 8 cities’ experiences of informality and resilience. pic.twitter.com/qR9CDae8VV
— 100 Resilient Cities (@100ResCities) December 4, 2018
The concept of informality adopts different meanings depending on a city’s context. Simon Gusah kicks off the network-wide conversation with thoughts from @lagos_resilient.#InformalityExchange pic.twitter.com/BwH0R9iSwY
— 100 Resilient Cities (@100ResCities) December 4, 2018
The informal economy is vibrant.
– 66% of total non-agricultural employment in Sub-Saharan Africa was informal between 2005 and 2010.
– 74% of employment in Accra today is in the private informal sector.#InformalityExchange pic.twitter.com/dZ9CgZFZv6— 100 Resilient Cities (@100ResCities) December 4, 2018
Made by debut on Ethiopian state tv today. Spoke about the need to embrace an open economy @100ResCities #InformalityExchange pic.twitter.com/uceEiax4wF
— Gareth Morgan (@gareth_morgan) December 4, 2018
It’s a wrap! Thank you to all urban leaders, partners, and experts for an inspiring three days around urban informality and resilience. Much work lies ahead but this exchange has been invaluable. #InformalityExchange pic.twitter.com/Mx0MCZ8NAP
— 100 Resilient Cities (@100ResCities) December 5, 2018