Experts from across the world will be in Johannesburg to discuss the challenges and changes to city planning in Africa.

THE shape of the urban environment will be under the microscope later this year when experts from across the continent and the world meet for the Planning Africa 2008 Conference

This year, the conference is hosted by the City of Johannesburg and is taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 13 to 16 April. The theme is Shaping the Future, and the delegates will hold discussions and give presentations on the recent fundamental changes in planning on the African continent.

Professionals in the planning and development sectors, including geographers, development planners, economists, public managers, sociologists, urban practitioners and built environment professionals will be attending the three-day gathering.

It is a platform for discussions on current planning policies and theories, and provides opportunity for debate on key issues emerging from the talks.

"The conference will also help in building new, and strengthening existing, networks by creating a range of events and other opportunities for delegates to interact," said Karen Feuilherade, of Precision Conference Organisers, the organisers.

Topics will cut across various sub-themes, ranging from reflections on innovative planning approaches, methods, tools and the contribution of planners and professionals, to case studies, best practices and lessons learned. Major talks will include images of the future, confronting challenges facing modern day planning, planning and governance, and connecting across scales.

There will be facilitated panel and round-table discussions, while daily forums will reflect on and unite the key outcomes of each day.

Feuilherade said that the conference would try to shape and influence leadership in planning and development across the continent, with a view to improving the lives of Africans, strengthening debate on the planning and governance issues that are a significant feature of development, and formulating shared perspectives on planning innovation.

Also invited to attend are researchers and academics, decision-makers, donors and funders, local and regional development agencies, professional bodies and associations, co-ordinators of strategic initiatives, corporate strategic planners, and architects and property developers.

Keynote speakers will include high profile international and national experts. Those who have already confirmed their availability include Subhrajit Guhathakurta, from the school of global studies at America's Arizona State University; Solomon Lechesa Tsenoli, a member of parliament and the chairperson of the portfolio committee on provincial and local government; Edgar Pieterse, the director of the African Centre for Cities and a professor in the school of architecture, planning and geomatics at the University of Cape Town; Christine Platt, the president of the Commonwealth Association of Planners; Theo Rauch, an adviser in the department of provincial and local government; Gerd Sippel, a director of urban development and a deputy country director; and Vanessa Watson, of the school of architecture, planning and geomatics at the University of Cape Town.

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