The 23rd International Walk21 Conference on Walking and Livable Communities will be held between 16 and 19 October 2023. It will be hosted in the University of Rwanda, in partnership with the City of Kigali, UNEP and Walk21 Foundation, and it is the first Walk21 conference on the African continent.
The conference, held annually, draws on the best new research, policy and projects from around the world regarding everyone’s right to walk in a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment. The event also invites speakers to share findings, experiences and successes.
This year, together with experts from across Africa and around the globe, we will share insights and expertise on how to develop and implement walking policies and programmes that deliver walkable communities and safer streets, broader community participation and enhance the value of walking.
You can read our programme here.
Join us in Kigali and plan your trip
We are dedicated to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in our upcoming conference, and as part of our commitment, we have made the decision to offer the registration completely free of charge. This approach enables us to create an environment that fosters diversity and encourages the participation of a wider range of participants from the region.
You can create an account and register at: https://register.oxfordabstracts.com/event/4387?preview=false
Together with Rwanda Convention Bureau and RwandAir, we have secured a special 15% airfare discount with RwandAir for our conference attendees. You will get the discount code shortly after registration.
The central venue is Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV), and the University of Rwanda campus next door. It is a short walk along the ridge of KN 3 Ave to the downtown area of Kigali which is a vibrant hub of shops and social venues.
For a full list of options for getting to and from Kigali Airport, visit the Kigali Airport website.
Your hotel may also arrange a shuttle pickup for you at the airport.
Please consider the venue location when booking your accommodation. Some of our hotel suggestions include:
Ubumwe Grande Hotel: https://www.ubumwegrandehotel.com/
Hôtel Des Mille Collines: https://millecollines.rw/
2000 Hotel Downtown Kigali: http://2000hotel.com/
Four Points by Sheraton Kigali: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/kglfp-four-points-kigali/overview/
Kigali Serena Hotel: https://www.serenahotels.com/kigali
Saint Famille Hotel: https://saintefamillehotel.com/
Urban Hotel: https://www.citybluehotels.com/urban-by-cityblue-kigali/
This site might also be helpful: https://smartbookings.rw/Home/
We also suggest you make your reservation as soon as possible, as availability may be limited during the event dates.
Email: kigali@walk21.com
Walking across Africa
More than a billion people walk or cycle in Africa every day to reach work, their homes, school and other essential services. In African continent’s cities, walking is the primary mode of transport for the majority, with up to 78% of people walking every day to access work, education, health care, markets, and public transport.
Until recently, walking, almost everywhere on the continent, received relatively minor policy attention and resource allocation. Walking infrastructure was lacking: most roads had no footpaths or crossings and were poorly signed and maintained. Walking was, for a billion people, difficult, unpleasant, and unsafe and it was children, the elderly, those with disabilities, women, and those with low incomes – who walk most – that disproportionately suffered.
Learn more about African initiatives
Kigali is leading a growing number of enlightened cities in Africa, that are transforming the paradigm by valuing people walking as a solution to routine road safety challenges, equity imbalances and climate concerns and, at the same time, attracting local and overseas visitors and economic investment. Learn more about African initiatives in Walk21 Kigali, Join us.
Sponsorship Packages Walk21 Kigali
You have the opportunity to be part of this international event being held for the first time on the African continent. You can know more about our sponsor packages here.
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