Urban Radar 10: Green Resurgence and Gaza Reconstruction

It's World Cities Day, designated by UN General Assembly Resolution 68/239. A day to provide an opportunity to promote global interest in urbanization, foster international solidarity in addressing urban challenges, and sustainable urban development.

A narrow alleyway with window shutters opening onto it
Credit Said Zaaneen_Substandard Houses in Jabalia Camp_Informality_Density
Released to coincide with World Cities Day on 31 October, this episode sees Beth and Tom first joined by Prof. Matthew Flinders to discuss what the rise in fortunes of the Green Party, UK, under Zack Polanski, means for progressive politics in the UK, and for a city like Sheffield. Then, with Said Zaaneen, they dive into what the history of refugee camps in the Gaza strip tells us about the role of international humanitarian aid, and consider implications for future reconstruction.

Also on our radar:

  • The ongoing impacts of Brexit on Northern cities
  • Rats and multi-species urban life
  • Urbanisation, colonisation, colonialism & outer space
  • Cable cars, white elephants and Gen Z protests in Madagascar
  • The Louvre heist & the material fabric of the city
  • Why New Yorkers are not friends with AI Friend

Guests:

Matthew Flinders is Professor of Politics, Vice-President of the Political Studies Association and Chair of the Universities Policy Engagement Network. A former special advisor in both the House of Lords and House of Commons, he specialises in theoretically-informed policy-relevant research including on , and . 

Said Zaaneen is in the final stages of his PhD here at the University of Sheffield on Humanitarian aid, socio-spatial dynamics, and the evolution of refugee camps in the Gaza Strip, focusing particularly on two specific camps in Gaza - Jabalia and Deir Al Balah. Said also has an MSc in Management and Implementation of Development Projects from the University of Manchester, and prior to his PhD had more than 10 years experience working in humanitarian and development projects in the Gaza Strip.

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