Background
A 3-day event was held at theIntercontinental Hotel in Amman, Jordan on October 8th-10th to showcase and exchange solutions that address sustainable housing in Jordan and the Arab region. The event was an Urban Thinkers Campus (UTC), taking place under the banner of UN-Habitat’s World Urban Campaign, and was co-organized by the German Jordanian University, Connective Cities MENA, UHPH-MENA, Habitat for Humanity Jordan, Resilient Urban Planning and Development (RUPD) GbR, TU-Berlin, and Saint Joseph University of Beirut.
The UTC serves as an inclusive forum for meaningful dialogue among urban researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, aimed at fostering constructive urban change, as well as a collaborative platform, fostering partnerships and alliances to advance the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda.

Amman, like many rapidly urbanizing cities, is experiencing significant population growth, accompanied by challenges such as housing shortages, traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and the integration of refugee populations. As the city struggles with these complex issues, it becomes increasingly crucial to explore innovative and sustainable solutions that prioritize the well-being of its residents while fostering environmental stewardship and social equity.

The central focus of the UTC revolves around three interconnected pillars:
- Sustainable housing: Sustainable housing encompasses initiatives aimed at providing affordable, accessible, and environmentally friendly housing options for all residents of Amman. This includes exploring alternative construction methods, promoting energy-efficient building designs, and
addressing affordability challenges through innovative financing mechanisms. - Sustainable mobility: Mobility plays a pivotal role in shaping urban life in Amman. With increasing congestion and pollution levels, there is a pressing need to enhance the city’s transportation infrastructure and promote sustainable modes of travel. By investing in public transit systems, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and cycling networks, we can create a more inclusive and efficient urban mobility ecosystem that reduces reliance on private vehicles and mitigates environmental impacts.
- Green infrastructure: Green infrastructure emerges as a critical component of sustainable urban development in Amman. Green infrastructure initiatives, such as urban parks, green roofs, and permeable pavements, offer multiple benefits, including improved air and water quality, enhanced biodiversity, and climate resilience. By integrating green spaces into the urban fabric, we can create healthier, more resilient communities while mitigating the impacts of climate change.