Creatives as Catalysts for Urban Peace and Inclusive City Development

African cities face rapid urbanization, climate vulnerability, youth unemployment, and rising social instability. While climate responses often focus on infrastructure and technology, social cohesion and inclusion remain critical foundations of urban resilience.

This session presents a practice-based model from Kenya’s Coast region implemented through the Acha Gun Shika Mic campaign. The model positions creative ecosystems, music, spoken word, and youth-led cultural entrepreneurship as social infrastructure that strengthens climate resilience by reducing marginalization, preventing violence, and enabling green livelihood pathways.

Drawing on documented community engagement and implementation lessons, the session offers transferable insights for cities seeking scalable, low-cost approaches to inclusive climate action. Through brief performance, case reflection, and participatory dialogue, participants will explore how culture can be integrated into urban governance and climate strategies to advance justice, equity, and resilient city transitions.