Topic outline

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  • Course Overview



    This online course introduces concepts and tools for the creation of smart and inclusive cities. In the first module, you will learn gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) concepts, gain an insight into who are the vulnerable and marginalized groups in Southeast Asian cities, and develop your understanding of why we should strive to achieve livable cities. In the second module, we delve into core inclusion issues prevalent in Southeast Asia. In the final module, with the help of a comprehensive toolkit and case studies, you will learn the basic methods for integrating GESI considerations into your project activities, such that you may be empowered to help unlock the potential of truly livable cities for all.

    The course is derived from the ASEAN Australia Smart Cities Trust Fund's (AASCTF) "Smart Cities–Inclusive Cities Capacity Building Program". It is also underpinned by the AASCTF Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Strategy, which ensures that the direct interventions of the trust fund prioritize and integrate GESI considerations, elevate GESI discourse and dialogue, and support GESI action through both targeted and mainstreamed activities across the region.

    The course also expands on the inclusive approach embedded in ADB's Strategy 2030, particularly Operational Priorities 1, 2, and 4 on addressing poverty and reducing inequalities; accelerating progress in gender equality; and making cities more livable, respectively. It also touches on inclusive urban development as exemplified in the ADB publication, Inclusive Cities—Urban Area Guidelines.

    • Format: Self-paced
    • Duration: Approx. 1 hour per module
    • Language: English

    • Learning Objectives

      By taking this course, you will:

      • become better equipped to help galvanize action to address exclusion, disenfrachisement, and discrimination, and
      • be able to use your new knowledge to improve urban planning and service delivery, and create equitable opportunities for all.

      Each module in the course also has specific learning objectives, including:

      • foster awareness of the gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) concepts and principles, as well as the key elements that comprise an inclusive city;
      • broaden understanding of the main GESI challenges, their interlinkages, and why these prevent the realization of smart livable cities;
      • enhance awareness on the smart livable cities goal and why it demands that cities be designed and managed in ways that are truly inclusive and people-centric; and 
      • learn preliminary steps and tools to implement inclusion in your work and/or city.

      • Authors

        This course was developed by the ASEAN Australia Smart Cities Trust Fund (AASCTF), funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), managed by the Asian Development Bank, and implemented by global consulting firm Ramboll. The course was also prepared in collaboration with The Asia Foundation, the ADB Urban Sector Group and Gender Equity Thematic Group, and in consultation with the ASEAN Secretariat (Poverty Eradication and Gender Division) and members of persons with disability groups.

        • Is this Course for You?

          This online course is designed for city government personnel, city planners, policymakers, and members of civil society organizations in Asia and the Pacific. The course is also relevant for other professionals engaged in urban services, development partners, researchers and students, and others who are interested in improving and mainstreaming gender equality and social inclusion in urban projects and integrating smart inclusive approaches towards people-centered urban development.

          • Join the Course

          • Module 1 | Introduction to Key Concepts

            • Welcome
            • Introduction
            • Identifying the Marginalized
            • Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
            • Intersection of Inclusive Cities and Smart Cities
            • Summary

            • Introduction to Key Concepts SCORM package
              Restricted Not available unless: The activity User information form is marked complete

          • Module 2 | Core Inclusion Issues

            • Challenges of Inclusion: An Overview
            • Core Issue 1: Access to Infrastructure and Services
            • Core Issue 2: Urban Safety and Security
            • Core Issue 3: Access to Decent Work and Livelihood Opportunities
            • Summary

            • Core Inclusion Issues SCORM package
              Restricted Not available unless: The activity Introduction to Key Concepts is marked complete

          • Module 3 | Towards an Inclusive City

            • Introduction
              • Recap of Modules 1 and 2
              • Recap: What is an Inclusive City?
            • How to Mainstream GESI
              • Conduct a GESI Analysis
              • Incorporate GESI in your “Theory of Change”
              • Formulate a GESI Action Plan
              • Implement, monitor, evaluate, and learn
            • Creating Inclusive Cities: A Conclusion

            • Towards an Inclusive City SCORM package
              Restricted Not available unless: The activity Core Inclusion Issues is marked complete

          • Wrap-up and Share

            After completing the course, please answer our short course evaluation form to help us improve our future e-learning courses. This will also help unlock your course certificate, which you can download and share. 

            We encourage you to post this in your LinkedIn account (or preferred social media channel) to share your new learnings and experience, as well as recommend the course to your network, and become a champion for inclusive cities. Do tag the ASEAN Australia Smart Cities Trust Fund account and use our official e-learning hashtag: #smarterwithAASCTF.

            • Course Evaluation URL
              Restricted Not available unless: The activity Towards an Inclusive City is marked complete

          • Additional Resources

            For further reading and information related to the course, the following materials are recommended:

            To enrich your knowledge on inclusive cities, you can also take the related courses below:

            • Contact Person

              For inquiries related to course content, please email: 

              Elizabeth Jung

              ASEAN Australia Smart Cities Trust Fund

              aasctf@adb.org