It’s a powerful thing when people collaborate. It’s particularly powerful at MIPIM because we’ve stepped away from our day-to-day schedule.
So, let’s not spend time grumbling about the state of the sector. Here is P4 Planning’s conversation checklist for MIPIM 2023.
Focus on meeting the needs of future generations
We’re not just quoting the famed definition of sustainable development, which somehow evokes a feeling of far-off generations. We mean the generation of young people entering the workforce now, who are struggling to navigate the rising cost of living.
So, let’s get specific this week about how the public and private sectors can work together to deliver change that helps level up the North-South divide and brings about real opportunities for the young people in our region.
Focus on how we can bridge the divide
The yawning gap between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ needs to be bridged, especially when it comes to health, education, job opportunities, and housing provision.
Who are the haves? Those well-established in their careers and homeowners with a bit of capital behind them.
Who are the have nots? You guessed it – generally, the younger generation. The lucky ones are leaving education already in debt (if they made it that far), unable to save for a mortgage deposit, and struggling to pay their rent because of the cost of living. And we must not forget those with even more challenges to overcome – such as homelessness or unemployment.
We must talk about how development must be leveraged to spread wealth and prosperity to deliver fairer, more inclusive cities for all.
Let’s not do the same old, same old. We need our elected leaders to adopt a more positive approach to development and openly recognise the important social, economic, and environmental benefits that development brings.
But let’s not wait for them to catch on. Let’s use MIPIM 2023 to talk positively, practically, and creatively to find solutions to the big problems facing the sector today.
We can make things happen. This is the magical power of MIPIM.
(Bill Davidson, managing director of P4 Planning)
