Globally, the urban population is expected to grow by 63% between 2014 and 2050 – compared to an overall global population growth of 32% during the same period.

The fastest growing urban centres are located in the lower-middle-income countries in Asia and Africa that are experiencing unprecedented sustainability challenges in maintaining the city infrastructures.‘Smart Cities,’ based on visions of ICT-based urban development,have emerged as one response to the challenges and opportunities created by rapid urbanization and are considered major engines for pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in both the global south and the north. India, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are key countries leading the smart city mission. Yet, critical scholarship on smart cities in the South, remind us that cities in such countries remain deeply stratified by economic, social, and spatial inequities.

In the above context, this joint seminar and workshop explore how Universities as centres of learning and social responsibility, can contribute to an equitable learning ecosystem for the sustainable development and productive integration of marginalised populations living and working in these smart cities. Universities should ideally provide the crucial institutional space to realize the concept of the ‘learning city’ which is being promoted globally by UNESCO in emerging economies, principally through their Global Network of Learning Cities.

Role of Universities in Envisioning Participatory Smart Cities in the Global South
Tuesday, May 28^th, 2019, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, St Andrews Building, Rm 224, University of Glasgow

A seminar led by esteemed scholars from India, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. 

Introduction: Professor Mike Osborne, Director of Research, School of Education, University of Glasgow; and Professor Muhammad Imran, School of Engineering, Vice-Dean Glasgow College, UESTC, University of Glasgow.

We are pleased to welcome the following speakers:

• Professor Seema Singh, Department of Humanities, Delhi Technological University, New Delhi;
• Dr. Ajith Kaliyath, Associate Professor, Urban Planning, Ansal University, New Delhi;
• Dr. Saikat Maitra, Assistant Professor, Public Policy and Management Studies, Indian Institute of Management Calcutta;
• Dr. Ellina Samantroy, Fellow and Co-coordinator of Centre for Gender and Labour, V.V. Giri National Labour Institute, New Delhi;
• Professor Asylbek Aidaraliev, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kyrgyz Republic, International University of Kyrgyzstan;
• Professor Muratbek Baihodjoev, Vice-President, International University of Kyrgyzstan; 
• Professor Zina Karaeva, Dean, Faculty of Linguistics and Regional Studies, International University of Kyrgyzstan;
• Dr. Natalya Pak, Associate Professor, Department of Languages International Information Technology University, Kazakhstan.

Knowledge for Change: Trajectory of Participatory Research Methodology
Wednesday, May 29^th, 2019, 10.00am – 1.00 pm Fore Hall, Main Building, University of Glasgow

A wonderful opportunity to do a half-day workshop on Participatory Research Methodology with the most well-known global practitioner-educator in the domain of community-based participatory research, Dr Rajesh Tandon, UNESCO Chair on Community-based Research & Social Responsibility of Higher Education since 2012. He is founder-President of PRIA (Participatory Research in Asia) since 1982.

Participatory research methodology emerged from the practice of adult education in diverse settings. This workshop will focus on methods of community-based participatory research building on respect for local, indigenous and practitioner knowledge as a founding principle.

Introduction: Professor Sayantan Ghosal, Adam Smith Business School and Dean of Interdisciplinarity and Impact at the College of Social Sciences, University of Glasgow.

All are welcome to the event. You can register to one or both events. Lunch, Tea & Coffee will be provided on both days.

Please register: https://role-of-universities-seminar.eventbrite.co.uk and/or https://role-universities-workshop.eventbrite.co.uk