Cities are at the epicenter of profound and rapid transformations—technological, social, environmental, and political—that are reshaping urban life and our collective experiences. From the rise of smart technologies and data-driven urban governance to the shifting dynamics of global migration, economic inequality, and social movements, contemporary urban spaces are increasingly complex and interconnected. As cities evolve, long-established notions of identity, power, and agency are being challenged, raising critical questions about who controls the city, who benefits from its changes, and whose voices are heard or silenced in the process.

The theme of this conference, “Shaping Urban Futures: Navigating Identity, Power, and Agency in the Age of Transformation,” invites scholars, academics, urban practitioners, researchers, and activists to engage in critical discussions about the evolving urban landscape. We seek contributions that explore how urban transformations—driven by technological innovation, global connectivity, and social change—are reshaping how people understand and experience cities, how power is distributed, and how individuals and communities can assert agency within these changing environments.

We encourage papers that investigate the intersection of urban transformation with issues of identity, power, and agency, as well as the implications of these changes for urban residents and the institutions that govern and shape cities. This conference provides a platform to examine the complexities and contradictions inherent in the contemporary urban condition and to discuss strategies for fostering more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable urban futures. We invite critical, interdisciplinary work that challenges dominant narratives of urban development and power, while envisioning new possibilities for urban life in the 21st century.

Themes and Topics for Submission:

We welcome papers that address a broad range of topics related to the intersection of urban transformation with identity, power, and agency, including but not limited to the following:

1. Urban Identity and the Shifting Cityscape
   • How do globalization, migration, and technological advancements influence the development of urban identities?
   • The role of cultural, ethnic, and social diversity in shaping the urban experience.
   • The impact of urban branding, placemaking, and spatial narratives on collective and individual identities.
2. Technology, Governance, and Power in the Digital City
   • How are data-driven technologies, surveillance systems, and smart city initiatives redefining governance and power structures in urban environments?
   • The role of corporate influence and private-public partnerships in shaping urban policies and development.
   • The potential of technology to democratize urban governance, or conversely, to exacerbate existing power imbalances.
3. Social Inequality and Urban Transformation
   • The effects of gentrification, displacement, and regeneration on marginalized communities.
   • The intersection of economic inequality, environmental justice, and urban transformation.
   • How can cities ensure that the benefits of urban change are equitably distributed across different social and economic groups?
4. Agency and Resistance in the Urban Environment
   • The role of grassroots activism, social movements, and community organizing in shaping the future of cities.
   • Digital activism and the use of social media platforms to challenge urban policies and structures.
   • The power of public spaces and urban commons as sites for resistance, cultural expression, and social change.
   • How do urban landscapes and green space designs contribute to shaping urban environments?
5. Designing Inclusive, Resilient, and Sustainable Cities
   • Human-centered design approaches in urban planning that prioritize equity, accessibility, and sustainability.
   • The challenges of designing for diversity and inclusivity in rapidly transforming urban spaces.
   • How can cities adapt to environmental challenges while maintaining social equity and protecting vulnerable populations?
6. Public Space, Mobility, and Connectivity
   • The role of transportation networks and mobility infrastructures in shaping access to opportunity and social inclusion in cities.
   • The evolution of public spaces in the digital age, considering both physical and virtual realms.
   • How do urban residents navigate and experience mobility, connectivity, and digital presence in contemporary cities?

Proposed Sub-Themes (but not limited to):

1. The Digital Urban Landscape: Redefining Identity and Power
2. Gentrification, Displacement, and Social Justice in Urban Change
3. Urban Activism and Grassroots Movements: Challenging Power Structures
4. Rethinking Urban Governance in a Globalized World
5. Public Space and the Politics of Belonging
6. Environmental Justice and Urban Resilience
7. The Future of Work: Technology, Labor, and Urban Economies
8. Urban Migration, Citizenship, and the Right to the City
9. Cultural Heritage and Placemaking: Balancing Tradition and Innovation
10. Mobility and Connectivity: Shaping Urban Futures through Transport Systems
11. Intersectionality and Gender in Urban Transformation
12. Urban Health and Well-being in the Age of Transformation
13. The Digital Divide: Bridging Urban Inequality in a Connected World
14. Reclaiming Urban Space: Strategies for Social and Cultural Justice