Urban Systems Transformation: Sustainable Cities

Australian cities and communities are facing a massive period of transformation and opportunity. The trajectory of these cities and communities will have a huge impact on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. To ensure that this impact is positive, it is essential that relevant knowledge is co-produced and harnessed to inform the decisions impacting on urban transformation.

In March 2018, Future Earth Australia adopted ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities’ as a priority focus area. On 25 May 2018, cross-disciplinary researchers from across Australia were brought together by FEA to begin envisioning how knowledge could support Australia’s transformation to sustainable urban systems.

A key outcome of the symposium was the consensus that FEA lead a nationwide process of engaging stakeholders from research, policy, practice and the community. This consultative process will develop a strategic approach to improving the knowledge cycle underpinning the sustainable development of Australia’s cities and communities over the coming decades.