| 
 Under
the theme “Our Future: Sustainable Cities – Turning Ideas into Action,”
WUF3 provided the opportunity for delegates to share innovative approaches
and practical solutions to urban challenges in over 200
Forum meetings, and to participate in many other activities that took
place around Vancouver before and during the five-day Forum.
The overarching theme was supported by three sub-themes: Urban Growth
and the Environment, Partnership and Finance, and Social
Inclusion and Cohesion.
Urban Growth and the Environment: Sound planning and management
are major factors in ensuring sustainable urban development. Issues
include involving citizens in planning, innovative approaches to ensure
livable spaces, and reducing the energy consumption of cities to lessen
their contribution to global warming.
Partnership and Finance: Cities with strong and vibrant economies
depend on the partnership efforts of many stakeholders at local, national
and international levels. Issues include balancing the need for a strong
fiscal base while attracting foreign and domestic investment, encouraging
the economic empowerment of youth and women, and preventing crime and
conflict to ensure economically productive and culturally vibrant cities
and communities.
Social Inclusion and Cohesion: Good urban governance and
leadership are key to preventing marginalization, social exclusion and
urban poverty. Issues include reaching the water, sanitation and slum
upgrading targets of the Millennium Declaration; and ensuring that urban
policies and strategies benefit from public engagement and consultation.
 These
sub-themes were explored throughout the Forum's many events, but especially
during its plenary meetings, which included dialogues, special sessions,
and keynote speakers. Experts and leaders offered context, insight, and
inspiration, and skilled facilitators helped to engage participants in
the discussion.
Networking sessions formed a key component of the Forum program. Over 400 organizations from around the world partnered to organize
163 sessions on various topics relevant to the main themes.
Community-based organizations, the private sector, governments, United
Nations agencies, and urban planners came together to share their knowledge
and best practices for creating sustainable cities with Forum participants.
 WUF3
also highlighted the role of local governments in meeting
the Millennium Development
Goals and urban challenges in general, as mayors and municipal officials
demonstrated their leadership in dealing with the challenges of urbanization.
|
