The theme places emphasis on the role of urban planning in this century to ensure that citizens are able to enjoy the benefits of cities and towns.

Planning is central in the creation of just cities, cities which are smart, sustainable, equitable, inclusive, healthy, eco-friendly, accessible, prosperous, safe cities and communities that are adaptable and flexible to future disruptions.

There are numerous examples of how urban planning has transformed landscapes in the East African region. These are visible from the capital cities to the small secondary towns in the region. Good planning practices empower communities and provide pathways to prosperity for all. Notable examples include planning for Kakuma and Dadaab municipalities which play home to thousands of internally displaced persons in the region. Planning initiatives in these two cases demonstrate the essential need for planning urban and human settlements to ensure that residents enjoy services and better living standards.

The clarion call to leaders and all stakeholders is to embrace planning as a key ingredient to enabling cities and urban areas to grow and prosper. This is of uttermost importance because the way we design our cities today will shape the outcomes and lives of generations to come in the region and globally.