New director for DPU

UCL's Development Planning Unit (DPU), based in the Faculty of the Built Environment has appointed a new director.

Mr Babar Mumtaz takes over from Professor Patrick Wakely, who will now concentrate on consultancy and research.

Mr Mumtaz, a development economist and planner specialising in housing finance and urban management, joined the DPU in 1973. The unit, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, enjoys a high international profile and is regularly consulted by key agencies such as the UN and World Bank. Mr Mumtaz believes this success is due to: "the fact our work genuinely integrates theory, practice and research and that we have a truly international staff and student body".

This international perspective is reflected in the DPU's Training & Advisory Service (TAS), which advises local institutions on sustainable urban and regional development throughout the world. One such project is currently being undertaken in Kabul. Led by Anna Soave, the DPU is working with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in the centre of the Afghan capital to help restore the Timur Shah Mausoleum and upgrade its surrounding area.

To find out more about the Development Planning Unit, use the link below.

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Link: DPU