The Civil Engineering Department of BINUS University proudly took part in the 2024 World Habitat Day and World Cities Day Celebration, held in Banten Province. This event was organized by the Banten Regional Settlement Infrastructure Office, supported by various stakeholders, including local government and academia, as part of a global effort to promote sustainable and livable urban environments.

The event is part of a global initiative by the United Nations through UN-Habitat, focusing this year on the theme, “Shaping a Sustainable Urban Future: Achieving Urban Sustainability Through Technology and Innovation.” The discussions at the talk show centered on pressing global challenges related to rapid urbanization, sustainable urban development, and the need for adequate housing amidst growing environmental crises.

BINUS University’s Participation

The Civil Engineering Department of BINUS University participated by sending a delegation of lecturers and students to the event, highlighting the university’s commitment to supporting sustainable urban development and enriching the knowledge of its students in green and innovative infrastructure.

The participation of BINUS University students in this event provided them with a unique opportunity to interact with key stakeholders, practitioners, and leaders in the field of infrastructure. It also offered them the chance to exchange ideas on the importance of sustainable urban development.

Event Highlights and Key Discussions

The 2024 World Habitat Day and World Cities Day Celebration featured various in-depth and interactive sessions, with the talk show being the event’s main highlight. Several key issues discussed included:

  1. Urban Settlement Management and Spatial Planning: This discussion focused on how to create livable urban settlements amidst limited land and dwindling natural resources. Various approaches were highlighted, including efficient spatial planning and the use of green technologies to develop environmentally friendly urban areas.
  2. Sustainable Infrastructure: The conversation centered on the importance of green technologies in modern infrastructure development. Experts presented the use of eco-friendly materials, such as low-carbon concrete and recycled construction waste, to reduce the carbon footprint of urban development projects.
  3. The Role of Technology and Innovation in the Digital Age: Technology and innovation are crucial in managing future cities. This discussion highlighted the use of digital systems in efficient city governance, such as leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) to monitor infrastructure in real-time and implementing renewable energy in public buildings and transportation.
  4. Education and Public Engagement in Urban Development: This session emphasized the importance of education in raising public awareness about sustainable urban development. BINUS University underscored the role of academia in generating research that supports urban sustainability policies and encouraged collaboration between the public, private sectors, and academic communities to build greener and more inclusive cities.