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We are excited to announce that the Call for Papers is now open for the upcoming Special Issue of the Journal of Sustainable Architecture and Civil Engineering (SACE), titled:
“The Future is Resilient: Transformative Change Through Civic Engagement.”

This Special Issue invites original research exploring how civic engagement, education, governance, and digital innovation can shape the next generation of sustainable urban development. It aims to highlight interdisciplinary approaches that foster transformative change in cities and communities through inclusive, participatory, and forward-thinking practices.

🔍 Topics include:
· Theoretical Foundations of Resilient and Sustainable Urban Development
· Enabling Civic Engagement through Urban Governance and Policy
· Educational Innovations for Civic Engagement in Urban Planning
· Community Action in Focus: Practical Approaches to Resilient Urban Development
· Smart Tools for Civic Engagement – The Role of Technology in Resilient Urban Planning

🗓️ Submission Deadline: 30 September 2025
🌐 Submit here: https://sace.ktu.lt
(Please indicate that your paper is for the Special Issue)

👤 Guest Editors:
Prof. Dr. Saja Kosanović – University of Priština in Kosovska Mitrovica
Fields of research/interest: Sustainability and Resilience of the Built Environment, Architectural and Urban Design, Built Heritage, Architectural Education.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Gregoris Kalnis – Frederick University, Cyprus
Fields of research/interest: Sustainable Urban Development, Urban Design Regeneration and Public Space Planning, Cultural Landscapes and Urban Heritage, Civic Engagement and Participatory Urban Planning, Evidence-based Planning and Digital Participation.

📚 SACE is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal indexed in SCOPUS, EBSCO CEEAS, and IndexCopernicus.

🔁 Feel free to share this with your networks!

✅ This Special Issue is organised in the framework of UPRUN (Urban Planning for Social Resilience in Urban Neighbourhoods).

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/

During our project meeting in Kaunas on 10 and 11 October, we were interviewed about the objectives and approaches of UPRUN and the extent to which civil society initiatives can contribute to urban development and resilient neighbourhoods. The results of the interviews and the presentation of UPRUN in the INIT TV News of 11 October can be found here.

Join us for a two-day conference that brings together city enthusiasts, urban planners, policymakers, academics, and community leaders to shape the future of our cities. “The Future is Resilient: Transformative Change through Civic Engagement”* is dedicated to exploring how urban planning and community-driven initiatives can enhance the social resilience of neighbourhoods across Europe and beyond.