As Aotearoa New Zealand continues to face the realities of climate change, the need for sustainable and resilient urban infrastructure has never been more urgent. The 11th World Green Infrastructure Congress (WGIC 2024), hosted by Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, from 3-5 September 2024, is set to be a pivotal event in addressing these challenges. The congress embodies a clear vision: to catalyse the creation of resilient cities worldwide by integrating green infrastructure into urban design, governance, and community planning.
The mission of WGIC 2024 is to bring together global leaders, experts, and innovators to share knowledge, promote collaboration, and inspire change in how we design and build our cities. By focusing on key areas such as indigenous wisdom, biodiversity, governance, and technology, the congress aims to explore holistic approaches to urban sustainability that are not only environmentally sound but also socially equitable.
A special listing of the 100+ WGIC2024 speakers is now available on Landscape Architecture Aotearoa
This includes supplementary links related to each speaker, listed by surname. You can search this index of content using Ctrl-F; and a print-friendly copy is also available here. Whether you’re at the event in person or not the issues and topics being covered all deserve to be given more than a passing reference.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Dr. Lyla June Johnston: Dr. Lyla June, a human ecologist and advocate for Indigenous wisdom, will offer insights into how pre-colonial Indigenous Nations sustainably managed their environments. Her talk will challenge modern perceptions and encourage us to see ourselves as stewards of biodiversity—integral to the Earth’s resilience.
Helen Clark: A towering figure in global sustainability efforts, Helen Clark will discuss the intersection of public policy and environmental stewardship. Drawing on her experience as New Zealand’s former Prime Minister and her work with the United Nations, she will highlight the importance of governance in driving sustainable urban transformation.
Wenchian Shi: As the Director of Studio Asia at MVRDV, Wenchian Shi will share her experience in integrating innovative design with sustainability. Her projects, like the Tianjin Binhai Library, exemplify how urban spaces can be reimagined to enhance both human experience and ecological resilience.
Julia Watson: A pioneer in nature-based solutions, Julia Watson’s keynote will delve into the role of Indigenous ecological knowledge in shaping future cities. Her work, including the concept of Lo-TEK, emphasises how traditional practices can offer innovative solutions to contemporary environmental challenges.
Sir Ashley Bloomfield: Focusing on the crucial link between public health and green infrastructure, Sir Ashley Bloomfield will discuss how sustainable urban environments can lead to better health outcomes. His experience in public health leadership will provide valuable perspectives on integrating health considerations into urban planning.
Kingi Makoare: Kingi Makoare will bring a unique perspective on Indigenous infrastructure, advocating for the integration of Māori cultural values into urban design. His approach emphasises the importance of respecting natural systems and cultural heritage in building resilient communities.
Rob Stokes: Rob Stokes, a former Minister for Infrastructure and Cities in New South Wales, will discuss the operational aspects of sustainability in urban planning. His experience in governance and law will shed light on the practical steps needed to decarbonise infrastructure and promote sustainable development.
Prof. Reid Coffman: Prof. Reid Coffman’s work in living architecture will showcase the ecological benefits of green roofs and their role in urban ecosystems. His research highlights how architecture can contribute to biodiversity and climate resilience, making cities more sustainable and liveable.
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