Taking a new look at the challenges of urban life

A man carries his bundles in Lahane, East Timor.

“We’re talking about a very slow revolution, which engages both the mainstream and those people on the outside of it.”

RMIT University’s Professor Paul James is careful not to raise expectations about the pace of change that could result from the projects undertaken through the United Nations Global Compact – Cities Programme.

As the Director of the Programme, Professor James is focused on creating the conditions for systemic change in urban centres, rather than coming up with quick-fix ideas.

“We’re not just consultants that swoop in, work on a project and leave six months later,” he says.

“These are long-term partnerships involving on-the-ground research that can actually make a difference.”

RMIT’s Global Cities Research Institute is the base for the International Secretariat of the UNGC – Cities Programme, which works with government, business and community leaders to address the effects of rapid urbanisation.

Under the auspices of the Institute, and in partnership with Committee for Melbourne, the Programme facilitates the development of collaborative projects aimed at enhancing the sustainability, resilience, adaptability and human security of cities across the globe.

Other key members of the International Secretariat based in Melbourne include Deputy Director Caroline Bayliss, who is the Director of Global Sustainability at RMIT, and Manager Stephanie McCarthy.

[Next: UN Global Compact]