Author: Björn Plötz

On March 26-27, 2025,the Future is Resilient Conference was held at the Faculty of Architecture, University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia. With the central theme “The Future is Resiliet,Transformative Change Through Civic Engagment” the conference gathered experts, researchers, and practitioners for two enriching days of discussions and knowledge-sharing. The event fostered interdisciplinary dialogue, offering a dynamic platform for participants to develop and exchange innovative strategies aimed at enhancing community-driven and resilient urban neighborhoods on both local and global scales.

A broad range of topics were explored through thought-provoking sessions, covering:

• Civic engagement & social resilience
• Public Space Development and Place-Shaping
• Governance & policy in urban development and civic engagement
• Innovation & teaching to increase civic engagement
• Insights from successful international projects as real practices

The conference concluded with a memorable city tour of Skopje, providing attendees with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.

For more information about the topics discussed and the research shared during the conference, be sure to follow the the Conference Book of Abstracts through UPRUN website : Publications

We are excited to share the official UPRUN Conference Programme for “THE FUTURE IS RESILIENT – TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE THROUGH CIVIC ENGAGEMENT”, featuring all the key details about our upcoming event in Skopje! This programme provides an overview of the sessions, speakers, and key discussion topics on Urban Planning for Social Resilience in Urban Neighborhoods and Civic Engagement.

Location: The Faculty of Architecture, University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius”, Skopje
Date: 26–27 March 2025

A recent article explores the challenges of cooperation and trust between communities and municipalities among UPRUN partners. Highlighting key themes of governance and civic engagement, it resonates with the UPRUN project’s focus on fostering inclusive and resilient urban development. The discussion sheds light on strategies to bridge gaps and enhance collaboration in city-making processes.

Read more: https://en.ktu.edu/news/dialogue-between-communities-and-municipalities-lack-of-cooperation-and-trust/