As cities and regions face growing challenges related to rapid urbanization, climate change, and socioeconomic disparities, there is increasing recognition that overlooking justice in sustainability efforts can undermine their effectiveness, perpetuating or even exacerbating social inequalities—particularly in marginalized and disadvantaged urban communities. At the same time, the field of urban planning has witnessed a surge in research on spatial justice, highlighting the need for equitable distribution of benefits and burdens, procedural fairness, and the recognition of diverse social needs. A critical question remains: how do we ensure that urban spaces are equitable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all communities, especially the marginalized?
This session critically examines governance structures and participatory planning to determine their effectiveness in fostering inclusive decision-making and empowering marginalized communities. It seeks to explore how urban design can move beyond physical accessibility to actively recognize and respond to diverse social needs, incorporating considerations of gender, cultural identity, and social inclusion into the built environment. Ultimately, it aims to interrogate the relationship between urban sustainability and justice, asking whether current approaches can foster genuinely inclusive cities that promote social equity and environmental resilience for all.
We welcome submissions on, but not limited to, the following topics:
Spatial inequalities, policy interventions and frameworks for just and fair access to housing, infrastructure, and public services
Environmental gentrification: How cities can adapt to climate migration
Inclusive urban design: Recognizing and responding to diverse needs and socio-cultural identities
Power dynamics in decision-making and inclusive community engagement
Role of green urban spaces in shaping just cities
Just governance structures and community-led energy practices
Just energy transition: Social vulnerabilities and energy poverty in the city
Innovative aspects
Seek for a nuanced understanding of justice that goes beyond distributive fairness to include recognition, participation and power dynamics
Focus on mechanisms of reinforcing inequalities in sustainability efforts
Beyond participatory approaches exploring power imbalances and systemic barriers, and policy tools that redistribute decision-making power to communities.