The City of Kigali is hosting the 23rd International Walk21 Conference on walking and liveable communities from October 15 to 20. The conference is themed "Action for walking - the affordable and essential steps to improve walkability”.

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The first-ever conference on the African continent, according to the city’s statement, convenes politicians, academics, government officials, and advocates to share the latest research, innovative ideas, and initiatives aimed at creating walkable streets and public spaces.

The conference will emphasise investments in walking and encourage people to remain active on their feet.

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Mayor of the City of Kigali, Pudence Rubingisa, stated, "We are honoured to host this pivotal event. Our city’s commitment to green mobility aligns with the conference’s objectives. We have consistently focused on improving walkability, from creating car-free zones to endorsing car-free days and ensuring safer pedestrian pathways.”

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Carly Gilbert-Patrick, Team Leader of the Active Mobility, Digitalisation and Mode Integration at UNEP remarked, "It’s a pivotal moment for UNEP’s Share the Road programme to partner with the Walk21 conference in Kigali. We work with governments around the world to prioritise the needs of people who walk and cycle.”

In Africa alone, he said, active mobility accounts for 78 per cent of trips every day.

"We are excited to see the conference come to the African continent. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet and really fast track action for walking in Africa and beyond,” he noted.

The Walk21 International Conference series has been advocating for walkable communities on an international scale since 2000.

Although walking is the primary mode of transportation for most people in African cities, walking infrastructure in Africa has been given limited policy focus and resources.

This disproportionately impacts children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, women, and residents of low-income neighbourhoods.

Delegates of the Walk21 Kigali have been invited to participate in Car-free Day ahead if the conference, which showcases Kigali's dedication to providing affordable measures for promoting walkability.