EDUCATION IN SUSTAINABLE URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN AS A PREREQUISITE FOR INFORMED CIVIC AGENCY IN URBAN DECISION-MAKING IN NORTH MACEDONIA

SAIDI QAZIMI, Aurora and LIMANI, Ajla and Besimi, Erda and IBRAIMI, Fjolla (2026) EDUCATION IN SUSTAINABLE URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN AS A PREREQUISITE FOR INFORMED CIVIC AGENCY IN URBAN DECISION-MAKING IN NORTH MACEDONIA. In: INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE “FROM RESEARCH TO APPLICATION”, 20 May, 2026.

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Abstract

Legal and urban policy frameworks worldwide, including in North Macedonia, recognise citizen participation as an important component of planning processes and regulate it through mandatory mechanisms for civic involvement in the planning of settlements. However, the existence of participatory mechanisms raises a fundamental question: to what extent are citizens equipped with the knowledge necessary to engage meaningfully in urban development processes? Legislation may ensure access to participation, but it does not ensure the capacity to interpret spatial proposals, evaluate trade-offs, and assess the long-term implications of urban transformation. Without such competencies, participation risks becoming symbolic rather than substantive. UNESCO also emphasises active citizen participation in the development of cities and human settlements, while stressing that meaningful participation requires education. Through its Education for Sustainable Development frameworks, also promoted in North Macedonia, UNESCO seeks to equip citizens with the knowledge, skills, values, and critical understanding needed to contribute positively to sustainable development. However, the role of basic urban planning and urban design literacy in supporting informed civic participation in urban development processes remains insufficiently emphasised. Drawing on urban theory, this research argues that urban planning and urban design play a central role in shaping sustainable urban environments. Principles such as density, mobility, walkability, connectivity, mixed-use diversity, permeability, adaptability, and the quality of the public realm directly influence environmental performance, social inclusion, accessibility, and urban resilience. Therefore, sustainability education frameworks should also integrate basic education on urban planning policies and urban design principles. In this way, it will generate informed civic participation in urban decision-making and a multidimensional approach to sustainable urban development.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Subjects: Q Science > Q Science (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics > School of Engineering Sciences
Depositing User: Unnamed user with email zshi@unite.edu.mk
Date Deposited: 23 Sep 2026 09:50
Last Modified: 23 Sep 2026 09:50
URI: http://eprints.unite.edu.mk/id/eprint/2469

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