Fostering coherence between urban and labour market policies
The new ITCILO, ILO and UN Habitat online 5-week course will provide you with essential insights, practical tools, and resources to build capacity to promote decent work and address urban spatial inequality in a systemic approach that links spatial planning and labour market policies and programmes.
Spatial inequality affects millions of workers globally; unequal access to services and opportunities hinders the achievement of equitable outcomes, and while the focus in the past has been on the rural-urban divide, it is increasingly clear that inequalities along different dimensions exist within urban centres as well. Inequalities impact not only those in informal settlements but also residents of overcrowded suburbs and peri-urban areas, distant and poorly connected zones. People who work and live in those environments often face inequalities through multiple dimensions: unequal access to and low standards of essential services (e.g. health, employment, education, sanitation, access to nutritious food and basic manufactured goods, leisure, security and transportation), exclusion from opportunities, as well as high density and inadequate living conditions. Challenges related to informality in both employment and housing markets further exacerbate these inequalities, as informal workers and residents often lack access to formal protections and secure housing markets. Given these challenges, ensuring inclusive spaces and improving access to adequate housing are crucial for promoting decent work and reducing spatial inequalities Occupying poorly planned and underserved spaces is proven to impact workers' well-being, productivity, and income generation, leading to unequal economic outcomes, as these environments affect access to jobs, increase commuting times, and negatively influence the rest and health of workers and their families. Unequal land and asset ownership also limits access to secure, affordable housing. Conversely, providing adequate and well-planned housing improves labour mobility by reducing commute times and enhancing access to job opportunities. Historically, advancements in urban planning have often been driven by the need to create healthy and decent living environments for workers, which in turn supports broader inclusive and sustainable economic development. To address these urban inequalities and promote decent work effectively, this course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to develop and implement effective policy and programmatic solutions at the intersection of spatial planning and labour market policies and programmes. Featuring international experts and drawing on successful case studies from around the world, the course will inspire and empower participants to create resilient and inclusive urban environments that offer decent work opportunities for all.
¿ Government officials and policymakers at national and local levels ¿ Urban planners, policymakers, and housing specialists ¿ Members of Workers' and employers' organizations ¿ Representatives from civil society organizations ¿ Researchers and academics ¿ Representatives from the private sector ¿ Professionals in international development and urban regeneration ¿ Advocates for social justice, urban inclusion, and sustainable development
The course will be delivered over five weeks, with each of the first four weeks dedicated to a specific module. Each module will explore a key topic combining theoretical insights with practical applications. Every week, participants will engage with the module's content through readings, interactive self-guided activities and a live webinar featuring international experts, offering opportunities for in-depth discussion and case study exploration. In the final week, participants will complete a comprehensive assignment, synthesizing the knowledge gained throughout the course.
For more information regarding each module, you can download the Activity flyer on top of this page.
By the end of the course and upon successful completion of course requirements, you will receive a Certificate of Participation.
The deadline for applications is the 18 November 2024.
To apply, candidates must submit their application form and sponsorship letter at the following link: https://oarf2.itcilo.org/DST/A9718178/en
Questions? Reach us at catalyst@itcilo.org