Sustainable Urban Development
Pathways towards more sustainable, inclusive and resilient urban futures. Apply before 31 March.
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Two weeks of hands-on learning, peer exchange, and site visits with municipal practitioners.
Information meeting
Join our information meeting to learn more about the programme.
When: 17 March, 14:30 CET
Sign up to attend the information meeting
Introduction
Cities succeed when they are planned and governed in ways that are inclusive, accountable, and capable of coordinating complex social, economic, and environmental demands. Sustainable urban development therefore needs to include moving from fragmented and siloed to integrated approaches; strengthened collaboration and coordination among urban stakeholders; combining top-down and bottom-up approaches; transitioning from single effects and development outcomes to synergetic and transformational impacts; moving from reactive to proactive responses, and finally; adopting vision-based rather than problem-based development approaches.
The Sustainable Urban Development training builds on Sweden’s long tradition of decentralised, trust-based local governance and its proven methods for integrated, participatory, and climate-responsive urban planning. The International Training Programme will bridge between global development frameworks and Swedish experiences towards sustainable and transformative urban solutions by referencing the SymbioCity Approach, a conceptual framework for sustainable urban development.
Addressing today’s complex urban challenges from climate vulnerability and service pressures to land-use conflicts, inequality, and rapid growth, require strong local leadership, cross-sector governance, and the capacity to make evidence-based decisions while engaging communities in shaping their future. This programme introduces approaches and practical tools that participants can adapt to their own institutional realities and local contexts.
Programme Pillars
1. Integrated Planning & Territorial Governance
2. Social Inclusion & Spatial Equity
3. Climate Action, Resilience & Resource Efficiency
4. Recovery & Reconstruction Planning
5. Innovation, Digitalisation & Smart Urban Systems
6. Applied Tools, Casework & Action Planning
Expected outcomes
By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:
- Understand how governance enables sustainable and resilient urban development.
- Provide solutions of climate resilience and resource-efficient development.
- Provide practical examples for integrated planning tools and spatial diagnostics.
- Understand principles of recovery and reconstruction planning in response to manmade or natural disasters.
- Design inclusive and participatory urban planning processes.
- Link local actions to global approaches such as Agenda 2030, the SDGs, and the New Urban Agenda.
- Develop specific plans and strategies to address a real urban challenge.
Target Group
This programme welcomes professionals, practitioners, and decision-makers from across the built environment sector who are engaged in the development of cities and communities. It is open to participants from public or private organisations, international or local institutions, and from local, regional, or national levels of government. Mid- to senior-level professionals working in fields such as architecture, urban and regional planning, urban design, engineering, economics, environmental studies, or the social sciences as well as those in academic or research institutions—are encouraged to apply.
Practical Information
Format:
The training is divided into three parts:
- Online preparatory session (4 hours)
- In-person training in Stockholm (10 working days)
- Online follow-up session (4 hours) three months after the main training course.
Seats are limited and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to high interest, early application is recommended.
Demand:
To maintain a high-quality learning environment, seats are limited and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to high interest, early application is recommended.
Programme Fee & Payment Conditions:
Included: Training sessions, workshops, study visits, training materials, lunches, coffee breaks, transportation for study visits and certification.
Not included: Travel to/from Stockholm, accommodation, visa costs, dinners, daily per diem.
Your seat in the programme is confirmed once the full fee has been received. After completing the registration form, you will receive payment instructions, and we kindly ask that payment is made within 10 working days to secure your spot.
Should your plans change, our cancellation policy provides clear guidance.
Cancellation policy pdf, 149 kB.
VAT and Invoicing:
The programme is delivered as a comprehensive professional training service. VAT treatment is applied in accordance with Swedish VAT legislation and depends on the participant’s status and place of establishment.
The programme fee is presented in EUR for reference. The official invoice will be issued in SEK (Swedish krona), using the exchange rate applicable at the time of invoicing.
Certificate:
Participants receive an official certificate from SALAR International
Visa Support:
Participants requiring a visa will receive an acceptance letter and supporting documentation after the programme fee has been paid. Processing times vary, so early application is recommended. SALAR International cannot influence embassy decision-making but will provide all required documents.
Links
Download the Programme Overview pdf, 13 MB.
The detailed programme agenda will be refined after the selection process, informed by a needs assessment with accepted participants. This helps ensure the training is relevant to participants’ contexts and priorities, while remaining aligned with the programme’s objectives and overall structure.