The international training Addressing the Urbanization Challenge is designed to empower participants to develop a comprehensive approach to addressing urbanization challenges – one that maintains financial and management mechanisms while integrating land use planning, construction of infrastructure, stimulation of economic growth, provision of social and health services, promotion of social cohesion and environmental protection.

The course aims to:

- Provide participants with knowledge, tools and strategies related to addressing urban challenges

- Inspire and energize participants to be agents for positive change in their countries

- Expose participants to new approaches and opportunities in the field of addressing urban challenges

- Present Israel as a case study from which to draw valuable lessons about addressing urban challenges

- Enrich participants with professional skills with which to develop their careers and best benefit their communities and countries

- Connect participants with an international network of professionals in their field.

The program will provide participants with knowledge and tools in the following subjects:

- Concepts in urban planning for development (land use and infrastructure planning; financial, management and organizational tools; urban branding; the triple bottom line & sustainability, asset-based development)

- Slum upgrading and migration to the city

- Housing (inclusionary zoning, project renewal, public housing)

- Stimulating economic growth (LED – local economic development; support systems for innovation, entrepreneurship and SME’s; conservation of the built heritage; PPP’s - public-private partnerships)

- Social Sustainability (migrant absorption, social cohesion, youth engagement)

- Environmental services (natural resource management ; municipal water and waste management; energy issues)

Participants will participate in both classroom based lectures and study visits, benefiting from the experience and knowledge of high-level Israeli experts and consultants. Israeli case studies and practices will be discussed throughout the program. Additionally, participants will be required to formulate and present a project of interest relevant to the topic of this course. For this purpose, some pre-course work will be required. Detailed instructions will be sent to the selected participants.

Remark: Please take into consideration that the program involves daily walking on the campus as well as during field visit.

The training targets highly motivated decision makers, policy makers and professionals from the fields of urban planning, architecture, engineering, economics, community work, administration, working in government ministries (such as local government, housing, development, welfare, health and others), in local authorities, NGOs and CBOs active in the field, as well as business organizations and academic institutions engaged with urban revitalization and slum upgrading programs.

Application forms (download) and other information may be obtained at the nearest Israeli mission or at MASHAV’s website: http://mashav.mfa.gov.il/MFA/mashav/Courses/Pages/default.aspx.

The completed forms (including health certificate, declaration etc.) should be submitted in WORD documents to the relevant Israeli mission in your area and sent to our office (ronit@weitz-center.org) no later than the morning of March 10th, 2017. Candidates must also hand in a passport photo by electronic file.

Arrival and Departure

Arrival date: May 14 afternoon - 15, 2017

Opening date: May 15, 2017

Closing date: June 7, 2017

Departure date: June 8, 2017 morning

Participants must arrive at the training center on the arrival date, and leave on the departure date. Early arrivals/late departures if required, must be arranged by the participants themselves, directly with the hotel/center, and must be paid for by the participant him/herself.

Participants will participate in both classroom based lectures and study visits, benefiting from the experience and knowledge of high-level Israeli experts and consultants. Israeli case studies and practices will be discussed throughout the program. Additionally, participants will be required to formulate and present a project of interest relevant to the topic of this course. For this purpose, some pre-course work will be required. Detailed instructions will be sent to the selected participants.

Remark: Please take into consideration that the program involves daily walking on the campus as well as during field visits.

MASHAV awards a limited number of scholarships. The scholarship covers the cost of the training program including lectures and field visits, full board accommodation in double rooms (two participants per room), health insurance (see below) and transfers to and from the airport. Airfares and daily allowance are not included in the scholarship.

Medical insurance covers medical services and hospitalization in case of emergency. It does not cover the treatment of chronic or serious diseases, specific medications taken by the participant on a regular basis, dental care and eyeglasses. Health authorities recommend that visitors to Israel make sure they have been inoculated against tetanus in the last ten years. Subject to the full binding policy conditions. Participants are responsible for all other expenses.