Happy City Academy


Course
:

"Designing Resilient Urban Futures: Strategies for Sustainable Cities and Communities"

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Language:
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EN

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HI

Form:
on-line / in-person
Duration:
5 hours (on-line)
6:30 hours (in-person)
+30 min. break
Aligned with SDG:
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Place:

Dates:

Lang.:

LONDON (UK)

16 June 2025

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ON-LINE

13 Sept. 2025

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ON-LINE

14 Oct. 2025

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If our course is not available in your location and you believe it should be, let us know by clicking HERE. We will explore the possibilities and get back to you.
COURSE OBJECTIVE:
This course aims to empower urban planners, policymakers, and community leaders with the strategic tools and practical insights necessary for building resilient, sustainable urban environments. It is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable urban development, focusing on the integration of environmental stewardship, technological innovation, and infrastructural advancements. By exploring core themes such as blue-green infrastructure, zero-emission transportation, and modernized urban utilities, the course seeks to equip attendees with actionable strategies to address challenges posed by rapid urbanization and climate change. Through a detailed examination of real-world case studies and evidence-based research, participants will learn how to analyze urban data, interpret sustainable resource management trends, and formulate policies that promote low-carbon, circular economies. The course also emphasizes the critical role of stakeholder engagement and behavioral change in achieving sustainable outcomes. Ultimately, the objective is to foster a generation of professionals who are adept at designing, implementing, and evaluating sustainable urban initiatives, thereby contributing to the development of vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready cities.


COURSE LEADERS:
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SAKSHI VYAS
I am a sustainability professional based in London. I hold a Master’s degree in Sustainable Resources: Economics, Policy & Transition from University College London, where I built a robust foundation in environmental policy, resource economics, and sustainable urban practices. My academic journey, enriched by courses like “Introduction to Sustainable Resources Challenges and Principles” and “Future Resource Pathways and Visions,” has equipped me with the analytical tools to develop innovative strategies for transforming urban systems, from zero-emission transportation to blue-green infrastructure integration.
I have always been passionate about the Sustainable Development Goals and evidence-based research. This drive led me to lead a funded research project titled “Responsible Consumption: Study on Urban and Rural Sectors.” In this project, I surveyed 137 households using both quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze consumption patterns for food, fuel, and waste. This experience deepened my understanding of sustainable consumption practices and highlighted the critical importance of responsible resource utilization across diverse sectors.
In addition to my academic work, I have gained practical experience as a teaching assistant during my undergraduate studies in Economics and through an internship with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation under the Urban Renewal Mission. These roles allowed me to engage directly with urban planning processes and conduct community workshops, sharing practical insights on city functioning and sustainable practices.
I look forward to sharing my expertise and collaborating with you as we explore actionable, data-driven strategies to build resilient and sustainable cities.


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BARTOSZ BARTOSZEWICZ, PhD*
The course will be led by Bartosz Bartoszewicz, a highly accomplished former Deputy Mayor with nearly two decades of experience in local government. Throughout his distinguished career, he has been at the forefront of urban transformation and digital innovation, winning the prestigious Innovation in Politics Award, organised by the Austrian Innovation in Politics Institute. This recognition highlights his outstanding contribution to advancing smart city initiatives and improving quality of life through innovative policies.

Bartosz holds a Doctorate, with his doctoral thesis focusing on the quality of life in urban areas—an area that remains central to his work in public administration and city management. As an academic lecturer, he has taught sharing his knowledge and expertise with the next generation of leaders and urban policymakers. His extensive experience in both theory and practice has enabled him to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application, enriching his teaching and professional approach.

In addition to his academic work, Bartosz delivered presentations at international conferences on urbanisation, sustainable city management, and digital transformation. His insights have shaped discussions on the future of cities, particularly regarding the integration of smart technologies and sustainable urban planning. His work provides a deep dive into how cities can harness technology to improve residents' lives while promoting sustainability and resilience.

With a career spanning leadership, academia, and international speaking engagements, Bartosz Bartoszewicz offers a wealth of knowledge and practical insights. He combines the experience of a long-serving mayor with a solid academic foundation, providing a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of urban transformation. Participants in the course will gain invaluable knowledge from his diverse background, exploring both the practical and theoretical aspects of innovation, urban management, and smart city development.

*English Language Courses only

PROGRAM

This training course is organized into five comprehensive sessions, each designed to provide a balanced blend of theoretical insights and practical, hands-on experience. Each session includes interactive workshops where participants can actively engage in practical exercises to ensure a dynamic learning environment.
Module 1: Blue-Green Infrastructure

• Theoretical Overview:
o Introduction to blue-green infrastructure: definitions, concepts, and principles.
o Benefits for urban resilience: sustainable water management, enhanced biodiversity, and climate adaptation.
o Analysis of global case studies demonstrating successful integration of blue and green elements in urban landscapes.

• Workshop:
o Collaborative design exercise: Participants work in groups to conceptualize a multifunctional urban space incorporating blue-green elements (e.g., rain gardens, permeable pavements, urban parks).
o Group presentations followed by a facilitator-led discussion to explore practical challenges and innovative solutions.
Module 2: Upgrading Transport Infrastructure

• Theoretical Overview:
o Fundamentals of sustainable transport systems, including active mobility (walking and cycling) and efficient public transit networks.
o Exploration of urban mobility challenges and the role of transport infrastructure in reducing carbon emissions.
o Case studies from cities renowned for their sustainable transport models.

• Workshop:
o Interactive group project: Redesign a city's transport network with a focus on enhancing walkability, cycling lanes, and integrating public transit.
o Analysis of participant proposals with peer feedback.
Module 3: Supporting Technologies for Smart Cities

• Theoretical Overview:
o Introduction to smart city technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, and digital platforms.
o Examination of how these technologies improve urban management, resource allocation, and citizen engagement.
o Discussion on emerging trends and their potential impact on urban living.

• Workshop:
o Smart City Tech Innovation Lab: In small groups, participants develop a technology roadmap for an urban environment, identifying opportunities to deploy smart solutions that optimize services and enhance sustainability.
o Group presentations and structured peer review.
Module 4: Upgrading Urban Systems (Water and Energy)

• Theoretical Overview:
o Overview of current challenges in urban water and energy systems, with emphasis on sustainability.
o Strategies for modernizing water management and energy grids, including renewable energy integration and smart grid technology.
o Examination of real-world projects and technological innovations.

• Workshop:
o Hands-on data analysis and scenario planning exercises addressing water and energy challenges
o Discussion of findings and potential implementation strategies.
Module 5: Policies Supporting Smart, Sustainable Cities

• Theoretical Overview:
o Analysis of policy frameworks and regulatory strategies that drive urban sustainability.
o The role of public-private partnerships and stakeholder engagement in policy formulation.
o Comparative case studies of successful policy interventions from various cities.

• Workshop:
o Policy formulation exercise: Groups draft a policy proposal aimed at fostering smart, sustainable urban development.
o Peer review and facilitator feedback refine proposals into actionable strategies.
Module 6: Wrap-Up and Q&A
  • Recap of key learnings from the day.
  • Open floor for questions and discussion.
  • Next steps and further resources for continued learning.

Module: Workshops in groups
An online course is an excellent opportunity to broaden your knowledge. However, we recognise that a significant value of courses lies in the exchange of experiences among participants. This requires a certain level of openness and willingness to collaborate, which can sometimes only be fully unlocked through face-to-face interaction and the use of appropriate workshop solutions. That is why the programme for in-person courses includes 'Workshops in groups using real documents and a selected workshop format,' lasting approximately 90 minutes. These workshops are conducted during the second part of the course.

COURSE METHOLODOGY:
This course employs a dynamic blend of theoretical instruction and practical application. It begins with interactive lectures that introduce key concepts in sustainable urban development, resource management, and environmental policy. These lectures are enhanced by real-world case studies that demonstrate successful urban initiatives. Active learning is a cornerstone of the methodology, with group discussions, collaborative workshops, and hands-on exercises that allow participants to analyze urban challenges and develop evidence-based strategies. Interactive simulations and role-playing activities replicate real-world urban planning scenarios, fostering critical thinking and decision-making skills. Regular feedback sessions and reflective exercises ensure continuous improvement and adaptation of strategies throughout the course.

COURSE SUMMARY:
This training course offers a comprehensive exploration of sustainable urban development, designed for professionals dedicated to transforming urban environments. The curriculum spans a broad spectrum of topics, from environmental policy and resource management to advanced urban planning strategies. Participants will delve into sustainable practices such as blue-green infrastructure, zero-emission transportation, and the modernization of urban utilities, all framed within the context of achieving low-carbon, resilient cities. Through a blend of interactive lectures and case studies, the course emphasizes data-driven decision-making and the importance of stakeholder collaboration. By the end of the course, participants will have acquired the skills and knowledge needed to design, implement, and evaluate sustainable urban initiatives. Ultimately, this learning experience equips professionals with the essential tools to contribute to the development of vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable cities and communities.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR COURSES AND TRAININGS SESSIONS OF HAPPY CITY ACADEMY - SELECTED KEY RULES:
Enrollment
Enrollment is confirmed upon submitting a completed enrollment form and paying the Initial Payment of £30. The remaining balance must be paid at least 30 days before the course starts. For enrollments made less than 30 days before the start date, payment of the full course fee is required at the time of enrollment.

Confirmation
Participants will receive a confirmation email, including the course schedule, venue or platform details, and contact information.

Withdrawal Rights
Participants may withdraw within 14 days of enrollment for a full refund, including the Initial Payment.

Terms and Conditions for Courses and Training Sessions of Happy City Academy


COSTS OF PARTICIPATING IN THE COURSE:

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