INCLUSIVE CITIES SOCIAL IMPACT INNOVATION YOUTH EMPOWERMENT FUTURE OF WORK HERITAGE AGING SOCIETY SUSTAINABILITY NATURAL ECOSYSTEM WICS 24
Overview
Urbanisation continues to shape the world, and with it comes the responsibility to create cities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. The WLAB’s Inclusive Cities Summit 2023 explored innovative solutions and real-world strategies to make this vision a reality.
Last year’s discussions centred on the intersection of equity, accessibility and sustainability, delving into critical topics such as affordable housing, inclusive mobility, access to essential services and pathways to economic opportunity.
This White Paper captures the learnings, stories and forward-looking ideas shared during the summit. It serves as a guide for decision-makers, urban planners, and citizens committed to shaping cities that work for everyone.
Scroll down to download the key takeaways and see how we can build a future where cities truly belong to all.
#WICSHK24
The WLAB’s Inclusive Cities White Paper covers:
Enhancing quality of life as we age: The ageing population of Hong Kong is increasing at an alarming rate from 20.5% in 2021 to 36% by 2046. This means that more than one-third of the population in Hong Kong will consist of elderly individuals. HK elderly face multiple challenges, including poor housing & living conditions, employment & income poverty, the lack of healthcare & welfare system, and social isolation & stigma, to name a few. The recent family structure changes contributed to the fact that 7.3% of elderly live alone. Our summit will spotlight innovative solutions and policies that support the elderly. This will cover advancements in geriatric healthcare, age-friendly city planning, and the role of technology in enhancing daily life for older adults. We aim to foster an inclusive society where aging is treated with dignity and opportunities for engagement and contribution continue throughout life.
Empowering the leaders of tomorrow: This segment will concentrate on amplifying the voices and skills of young individuals who are to become tomorrow’s leaders. We will explore innovative educational models, engage in discussions about digital literacy, and prov engagement in civic matters.
Adapting to evolving work landscapes: The Future of Work will examine how technological advancements such as AI, remote work trends, and global connectivity are reshaping career landscapes. This topic will address the skills gap issue, discuss policies for inclusive hiring practices, and explore how AI and automation are both disrupting and creating job opportunities. Our goal is to prepare workforces to thrive in dynamic, modern economies through resilience and adaptability. Reskilling/upskilling – employee wellbeing.
Preserving our past, inspiring our future: Heritage will focus on the intersection of cultural preservation and urban development. We will discuss how Hong Kong can maintain its historical integrity while evolving into a modern hub. This track will highlight successful case studies of local changemakers that have integrated cultural heritage into their economic and social development plans, fostering a sense of identity and continuity amidst change.
This pillar will spotlight comprehensive strategies to support and protect vital natural environments. Discussions will explore sustainable development approaches, in-depth case studies of nature conservancy programs, and potential site visits to collaborate with local NGOs.
Enhancing quality of life as we age: The ageing population of Hong Kong is increasing at an alarming rate from 20.5% in 2021 to 36% by 2046. This means that more than one-third of the population in Hong Kong will consist of elderly individuals. HK elderly face multiple challenges, including poor housing & living conditions, employment & income poverty, the lack of healthcare & welfare system, and social isolation & stigma, to name a few. The recent family structure changes contributed to the fact that 7.3% of elderly live alone. Our summit will spotlight innovative solutions and policies that support the elderly. This will cover advancements in geriatric healthcare, age-friendly city planning, and the role of technology in enhancing daily life for older adults. We aim to foster an inclusive society where aging is treated with dignity and opportunities for engagement and contribution continue throughout life.
Why we need to care
If cities are not inclusive and built for and by everyone, they will simply fail to thrive.
Here are some alarming statistics that help us understand the urgency of addressing these: