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The Library of Global Forum on Human Settlements Call for Papers
Source: | Author:gfhsforum | Published time: 2020-01-16 | 1568 Views | Share:
To share the wisdom on sustainable cities and human settlements
To document the stories of the world’s green transformation
To observe the 15thAnniversary of the Global Forum on Human Settlements 
To drive the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals


Dear colleague, partner and concerned professional,
In 2020, the world has entered a Decade of Action on the Sustainable Development Goals, but it remains a daunting task to realize the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that the world has committed in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 2020 also marks the 15th anniversary of the Global Forum on Human Settlements (2005-2020). The 15-year trajectory – from a Decade of Action on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs, 2000-2015) in 2005 to a Decade of Action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, 2015-2030) in 2020, was considered a critical period for the international community to consciously make a comprehensive transition to sustainable development. It also saw the remarkable development of Global Forum on Human Settlements (GFHS) since its inception, with the annual session of GFHS taking place across five continents of the world. It therefore implies special significance.

In this global context, we are planning to compile and publish a large-scale academic literature–The Library of Global Forum on Human Settlements (Volume I & II, bilingual in both Chinese and English), to observe the 15th anniversary of the GFHS and the world’s entry into the Decade of Action on the SDGs. The objectives are: a) to select, summarize and highlight excellent academic ideas, wisdom as well as practices that concern sustainable cities and human settlements around the globe, so as to provide reference for stakeholders and young students, and to promote broader and deeper sharing, learning and thinking, as well as knowledge creation; b) to unfold and record the world’s history and transformational trajectory of sustainable development from 2005 to 2020, thus enlightening the future, and c) to encourage more people to participate in the sustainable development cause, to stick to our original aspiration, to forge ahead, and to promote sustainable cities and human settlements for all and drive the realization of the SDGs.

Volume I is called “Viewpoints”. It is designed to select the speeches, articles, and interviews that were presented at the 15 annual sessions of Global Forum on Human Settlements and published in some 30 issues of the World Best Practices Magazine (WBPM). The authors include 2 former state leaders, 6UN officials at under-secretary-general level, 6 ministerial officials, 12 senior officials from UN agencies, 30 well-known academicians, experts, entrepreneurs, and others. Volume II is called “Models”, which will include about 40 green cities from 6 continents, 10 low-carbon ecological destinations, 8 outstanding individuals and organizations, 20 model communities/building projects, 4 cases on green technology, and 4 best practices on green transportation. Most of the selected practices were recognized by the "Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Awards".

This Library is a significant non-profit cultural and educational project in the field of global sustainable cities and human settlements. Being a great program in the history of sustainable development, it will reap fruitful results and cast far-reaching impact. This Library is planned to be published by a well-known Chinese national publishing house. It is scheduled to be launched at the 15th annual session of Global Forum on Human Settlements in Bangkok on July 21, 2020. In the meantime, both the hardcopy and electronic version will be released worldwide, and will go into the academic database of core disciplines in China. The books will be presented to the principles of international organizations such as the United Nations, international dignitaries and celebrities, ministerial officials in numerous countries, mayors, and corporate leaders. It will also be collected by famous universities and libraries in a number of countries.

In order to bring together more outstanding contemporary academic achievements and insights, and showcase best practical examples with innovative features and value for reference, we warmly call for paper from experts and scholars, cities, corporations and practitioners. Let’s collaborate with this great project.

Should you have interest in contributing to GFHS Library, please kindly prepare the paper/article/case study according to the following parameters. 
I. Theme
Papers, articles and practices that focus on sustainable cities and human settlements, including but not limited to: green/smart buildings and construction, green/smart cities and communities, spatial planning and design, sustainable land use, ecological conservation, water and waste management, energy conservation, low carbon and renewable energy, green mobility, sustainable tourism, green economy, urban resilience, climate change actions, etc.
II. Time
From now until February 29, 2020.
III. Requirement
a. Word limit: approximately 2500 words in English.
b. Pictures: 10 photos or graphs with the resolution no less than 300dpi (to meet printing standards)
c. Format
The writing should be fluent and the paper/article should be based on a novel perspective, with a clear structure and a rigorous logic; the models should be well-known nationwide, and the introduction should be concise, objective and comprehensive.

Please specify in the article: title of the paper, author’s bio (approximately 150 words, including name, gender, work unit, job title, education, research and work achievement, phone number, email address, correspondence address), abstract (100-300 words), 3-5 keywords, notes, references.
d. Content
For the description of specific model/practice/case, please follow the structure suggested as below:
1. Brief overview (name, address, area, population, industry, investment, operation, etc.)
2. Sustainable development features or highlights
3. Difficulties and challenges it has faced
4. Major policies, approaches and initiatives that were taken to overcome the challenges
5. Public participation
6. Social, economic and environmental benefits
IV. Review
Once the article is reviewed by the editorial department and publishing press, it will be included in the Library for publication. A set of books will be presented to the author at the launching ceremony at GFHS 2020. If you need to have the books delivered by courier service, it will be at your own expense. There will be no notification in case the papers/articles are not accepted. The editorial department may modify the text of the articles. If you do not want to change it, please indicate it when you submit the paper. All articles are at your own risk.

Contact:
Christine HE: christine.he@gfhsforum.org
Sabrina HE: sabrina.he@gfhsforum.org



Global Forum on Human Settlements (GFHS)
Sustainable City Committee, China Research Society of Urban Development (SCC-CRSUD)
World Best Practices Magazine (WBPM)
Shenzhen Better City Institute (BCI)