Conference April 16-17, 2013
Half of the world’s population lives in cities, and a growing proportion – today one billion – lives in “slums” and informal settlements. Many of the urban poor engage in collective strategies to secure their housing, earn a living, and defend their interests. Their claims on the city often conflict with the demands of other urban groups over access to resources, space, and power. They also challenge the definitions of urban authorities and city planners regarding which claims are to be seen as legitimate. This conference will focus on informal and formalised networks and associations of urban poor – as well as other civil society organisations working in support of their claims – and their significance for strengthening people’s political, social and economic position in the city. We invite researchers and students, actors within international development cooperation, activists, and others with interest in the issues to participate. Deadline for conference registration is March 15, 2013. Deadline for submission of abstracts for paper presentations is February 8, 2013. For more information and continuous updates, see www.claimingthecity.se