Seminar on “People-friendly Cities” and Launching of “People-Centric Mobility” Campaign in Kathmandu
22 April 2012, Trade Tower, Thapathali, Kathmandu
Nepal is the least urbanized but the most rapidly urbanizing country in South Asia and Kathmandu Valley with a population of over 2.5 million is its largest urban centre. Because of the rapid growth and the limited capacity to manage this growth, Kathmandu is facing a variety of challenges, including transport management. With the number of vehicles growing at a rate of about 13%, there is an urgent need to promote environment and people friendly transportation systems. About 40% of the travel in Kathmandu is done on foot. This can be further promoted by improving facilities for pedestrians. Similarly, as average travel distances in Kathmandu are fairly short, bicycling can be an ideal means of transportation in the city.
A few projects are underway to improve the transportation system in Kathmandu. The government is widening roads in various areas, including the Ring Road and implementing Kathmandu Sustainable Urban Transportation (KSUT) project with support from ADB. While all these are good initiatives, it is necessary to ensure that these result in a liveable, sustainable and people-friendly city.
UN-Habitat is therefore partnering with Clean Energy Nepal (CEN) and working closely with Government of Nepal and KSUT project to initiate a campaign for People-Centric Mobility in Kathmandu. In order to launch this campaign, UN-Habitat has invited Ms. Henriette Vamberg, Director of Gehl Architects in Copenhagen, to share her experiences in planning cities for and by people. Gehl is a pioneer organization in promoting people-focused approach in urban planning and has been involved in a variety of studies and projects related to pedestrianization, cycling, and public space management with the involvement of local communities in cities such as Copenhagen, New York, and Mexico City.
Programme:
|
Time (pm) |
Agenda |
| 3:00 – 3:15 | Registration |
| 3:15 – 3:25 | Welcome remarks – P S Joshi, Habitat Programme Manager, UN-Habitat |
| 3:25 – 4:10 | Presentation- Henrietta Vamberg, Director of Gehl Architect |
| 4:10 – 4:20 | Introducing People-centric Mobility Campaign -Bhushan Tuladhar, RTA UN-Habitat |
| 4:20 – 4:30 | Launch of People-centric Mobility Campaign |
| 4:30– 5:00 | Question and Answer |
| 5:00 – 5:10 | Remarks- Secretary Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport |
| 5: 10 – 5:20 | Remarks- Secretary Ministry of Urban Development |
| 5:20 – 5:30 | Vote of Thanks & Conclusion |
| 5:30- 6:00 | High Tea |
Walkability Asia 
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