Centre for Applied Development Studies successfully hosted the “Communication and Advocacy Capacity Building” workshop from May 13-15, 2025 under the Resilient Infrastructure and Sustainable Urban Development Project. The three-day intensive training program brought together urban planners, government officials, community leaders, and climate experts to address critical challenges facing Belize’s urban development in the context of climate change.
This workshop represents a crucial step forward in equipping Belize’s urban development professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to create climate-resilient communities.This training delivered comprehensive training across three key areas: Understanding Urbanisation and Climate Change Impacts, Building a Climate Resilient City, and Enhancing Social Equity and Inclusive Urban Resilience.
Workshop Highlights:
- Climate Change Impact Assessment: Participants gained deeper understanding of climate change effects specific to Belize’s urban areas and developed frameworks for vulnerability assessment.
- Gender-Responsive Urban Planning: The workshop emphasized inclusive approaches to ensure urban development benefits all community members equally, with particular focus on gender equity in climate leadership.
- Stakeholder Engagement Strategies: Participants learned advanced techniques for community mobilization, conflict resolution, and inclusive governance to ensure diverse voices shape urban development.
- Practical Applications: Interactive sessions allowed participants to apply climate-smart planning approaches to real-world challenges facing Belizean communities.
The training program aligns with Belize’s national climate action commitments and sustainable development goals. It particularly addresses the unique challenges faced by rapidly growing urban areas in the country’s coastal and inland regions. By focusing on both technical aspects of urban planning and inclusive governance approaches, we’re helping to build a more sustainable future for all Belizeans.
