Updates from AHUWA/UCH Lab
Annual Meeting of the Global Futures Councils & Cybersecurity of the World Economic Forum in the United Arab Emirates
Professor Taibat Lawanson was in Dubai between October 14-16, 2026 to participate in the Strategic Intelligence Councils Meeting of the United Arab Emirates; and the Annual Meeting of the Global Futures Councils and Cybersecurity of the World Economic Forum. As a member of the Global Futures Council on Experience and Lifestyle Economy and the Strategic Intelligence Council on Economy and Tourism, she joined policy makers, civil society, thought leaders, and private sector experts to examine global uncertainty triggered by the rise of artificial intelligence, geo-politics and the climate crisis respectively. Sectoral and regional implications were discussed and pathways that balance social sustainability, economic prosperity and environmental preservation were advanced. The conclusion of both councils was on the need for a people-focused approach to development that leverages technology and is sensitive to nuance of place and scale.
British Academy International Writing Workshop on “Writing Southern Urbanism(s)"
Dr Nura Ali attended the British Academy International Writing Workshop on “Writing Southern Urbanism(s)” in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, organised by Professor Renato Emerson and Professor Catalina Ortiz. The workshop explored the conceptual development of Southern and South-Eastern Urbanism concepts as well as positionality in writing, funding and publication. This was one of many (hybrid) events of the BA International Writing Workshop led by Prof Catalina Ortiz and Professor Chandrima Mukhopadhyay, aimed at supporting Early Career Researchers to publish their research that works with concepts of Southern or South-Eastern Urbanism.
Ecobank Design and Build Expo
Professor Taibat Lawanson presented the keynote address at the Ecobank Design and Build Expo in Lagos,Nigeria (September 23-26). Her lecture entitled Rethinking Urban Value and the adequate Housing agenda for Nigeria revisited the dissonance between aspirational housing visions and everyday realities of urban housing injustice. She called for caution regarding the upsurge of 'smart' housing solutions such as short-lets and ultra wealthy enclaves, pointing to the risk they portend for the social fabric of Nigeria’s urban communities.