Emeritus Professor of Development Planning at University College London
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Yves Cabannes, a visionary urban planner, passionate activist, and cherished colleague. Yves left an indelible mark on the world, dedicating his life to the defense, promotion, and realization of habitat-related human rights.
Born in France, Yves was a tireless advocate for equitable urban development and social justice. Over more than 45 years, he brought his extensive expertise to a wide range of fields, including urban planning, local governance, food agriculture, and the fight against forced evictions. As a skilled urban and regional planner, Yves worked on groundbreaking community- and local government-led initiatives, becoming a leading figure in participatory budgeting. His passion for human-centered innovations left an enduring legacy in the realms of urban local food systems, community land tenure, and efforts to bridge urban-rural divides.
Yves’s contributions extended far beyond his home country. As the UN Habitat Urban Management Regional Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean, he championed participatory governance and sustainable urban development. His work in Asia included pivotal roles as co-investigator for the Urban Knowledge Network Asia, consultant to the Asian Development Bank, and advisor to the FAO food system project in Bangladesh.
A celebrated academic, Yves held the Chair of Development Planning at University College London’s Development Planning Unit and lectured at Harvard University. His written works, rooted in profound research and practical experience, continue to inspire scholars and practitioners worldwide.
Since 1976, Yves was a steadfast ally and contributor to our Coalition, sharing his wisdom, knowledge, and unwavering commitment to building a fairer world. He will be remembered for his intellect, compassion, and unyielding dedication to the betterment of communities globally.
Yves Cabannes is survived by countless friends, colleagues, and those whose lives he touched with his extraordinary work. His legacy lives on through the countless initiatives he championed and the lives he improved.
In honor of Yves’s memory, let us continue to strive for the ideals he so passionately believed in.
