For the past twelve years, the Regional Competence Center for Energy and Climate Justice MENA at Friedrich Ebert Stiftung has brought together practitioners, experts, civil society representatives, and government officials across the region to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and explore new opportunities and challenges in shaping sustainable, just, and inclusive cities.

This year, our focus turns to a critical question: What do our cities look like after? After conflict, after natural disasters, after economic recession—how do we build back better? What foundations must we strengthen, and which pillars deserve our collective investment?

The conference served as a safe and open space for dialogue, free from political constraints, where participants reflect, share, and co-create visions for reconstruction. Together, experts explored who should be at the table, what lessons can be drawn from past experiences, and how we can ensure that rebuilding efforts are not only resilient but also equitable and inclusive. 

Conference Objectives:

1. -Explore how cities evolve after conflict, natural disasters, and economic recession, and how to “build back better.”
2. -Provide a safe and open platform for practitioners, experts, civil society, and government representatives to exchange ideas and experiences.
3. -Co-create visions for resilient, equitable, and sustainable rebuilding of cities.
4. -Highlight how urban recovery efforts can integrate justice, inclusivity, and sustainability into planning and governance.
5. -Strengthen networks across MENA for advancing urban resilience and climate justice.

A campaign dedicated to acknowledging and honouring women who have made substantial, hands-on contributions to their communities through civic engagement and participatory planning, empowering their communities and creating a lasting impact for future generations. We see their influence as not only inspiring but also capable of extending to other communities.

Just as Jane Jacobs is globally recognized for her important achievements, we recognize that there is a ‘Jane Jacobs’ in every country, city, village, or tribe. These women have left an indelible mark on people’s lives, shaping the way their communities interact with their surroundings. In an effort to decolonize the narrative, our aim is to bring these leaders to the fore.

For more information and to submit your application or nominate a candidate by June 15th 2024 refer to our website: https://celebrateyourlocaljanejacobs.org/ 

This initiative is supported by the Regional Climate and Energy (C&E) Project MENA at Friedrich Ebert Stiftung MENA which advocates women's empowerment. The Project recognizes the importance of gender equality and works toward creating a more inclusive, socially just and equitable society. The C&E Project believes empowering women is crucial for achieving sustainable development, promoting human rights, and fostering social justice and inclusiveness.

Honouring Habiba Eid (1941 – 2015)

Habiba Eid, the inspiration behind the ‘Celebrate Your Local Jane Jacobs’ award, was born in Ismailia, a small city on the Suez Canal in Egypt. A true leader whose compass was clear and centered around serving her people, she spent a considerable amount of time in the field, particularly in informal areas, engaging and empowering local people, a fact that put her in numerous confrontations with authorities. Her persistence, endurance and clear people-oriented agenda coupled with diplomacy and social intelligence allowed her to implement several projects and initiatives. Habiba played a vital role for the people of Ismailia including saving them from several involuntary relocations and demolitions. Those who worked closely with her witnessed her active engagement on all levels and across many scales. She managed to lead and guide international experts, gain the confidence of international donors, convince government officials, and most importantly was loved and appreciated by the informal settlement dwellers. Her humble attitude and the unlimited support she offered to the local community continues to be her legacy long after her passing.

It is in recognition and in celebration of Habiba as one of many women leaders ‘unsung heroes’ that this initiative has been created. The award aims to shed light on others who have made an impact in their own unique contexts. In recognizing and celebrating such models, we can help them serve as an inspiration for others and can bring to the fore voices from the Global South who are not always given a platform to demonstrate their work. We could not find a more suitable day to launch this initiative than on 26th April, Habiba’s birthday.