There are many variables that affect our health, both at the individual and community level. Among the latter, as the COVID experience has made clear, urban services play a fundamental role in the health of the population. But this role is not relevant only at times of health crises; urban services are also fundamental for improving public health in a comprehensive manner for … [Read more...] about Why are cities so important for health?
Nora Libertun
Nora Libertun de Duren is a leading expert on sustainability, social inclusion, and affordable housing in urban areas. She has experience working in multilateral development banks, local government, and academia. She has managed a portfolio of $2,000 million in sovereign loans for affordable housing and urban development projects in Latin America, $1,000 million in federal and municipal funds for urban parks in New York City, and $2.8 million in research grants for climate change, gender, and diversity. She has published 20 peer-reviewed papers and more than 30 chapters and monographs and is a member of various technical committees. Currently, Nora leads the Inter-American Development Bank research and knowledge agenda on cities, and mainstreams gender and diversity issues in urban projects. Nora is also a lecturer in Urban Planning and Design at Harvard University. Previously, she was the Director of Planning and Natural Resources for New York City and has taught urban planning and international development at various universities, including Columbia University and the University of Buenos Aires. She is a member of various technical boards, including the Steering Committee of the Harvard Mexican Cities Initiative, and the World Resources Institute Ross Center Prize for Cities. Her publications focus on social inclusion in cities, sustainable development, and affordable housing. Her papers have been published in a range of academic journals, counting the Journal of Planning Education and Research, Housing Policy Debate, International Journal of Urban & Regional Research, Cities, Urban Studies, World Development Perspectives, and City & Community, among others. Nora holds a Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning from MIT with honors, a Master's in Urban Design from Harvard University, and a Master’s in Architecture from the University of Buenos Aires.
Why do we need a gender and diversity approach to address the housing deficit?
Income level is one of the most important factors determining the quality of housing. However, studies show that, even at the same income level, female-headed households, or those composed of diverse populations, are more likely to be inadequately housed. The causes behind this overrepresentation are complex and multiple. For example, women suffer disadvantages in the labor … [Read more...] about Why do we need a gender and diversity approach to address the housing deficit?
Six reasons to nurture urban parks
Walking through the park with leafy trees is one of the most pleasant sensations someone can enjoy when wandering around a city. Behind this feeling of well-being, there is not just perception but also science. It is proven that green spaces generate multiple benefits that improve our overall wellbeing. On the celebration of World Tree Day (established in 1969 by … [Read more...] about Six reasons to nurture urban parks
How does a home influence the health of its occupants?
The quality and location of housing has direct implications for the health of those who inhabit it. There are many studies that support how the fact that residing in an adequate housing unit contributes to improving household’s health. That a home has access to water and sanitation services, in a safe area, and located close to health care and education services greatly affects … [Read more...] about How does a home influence the health of its occupants?
International Women’s Day: From words to action
Today, March 8, we commemorate International Women's Day. Within the framework of this anniversary, the Housing and Urban Development Division (HUD) within the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) would like to share some good practices with a gender perspective, which seek to improve the lives of women in the cities of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This propose is … [Read more...] about International Women’s Day: From words to action