FAQ

What is the World Urban Forum?

UN-HABITAT established the World Urban Forum to examine one of the most pressing issues facing the world today: rapid urbanization and its impact on communities, cities, economies and policies. It is a biennial gathering that provides for effective participation of non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, urban professionals, academics, governments, local authorities and national and international associations of local governments. The World Urban Forum gives all these actors a common platform in the conceptual and preparatory phases as well as in the formal discussions. It is not a conventional UN meeting -it is non-legislative, inclusive and does away with the formal rules of procedure that usually govern UN meetings.

The third session of the World Urban Forum (WUF3) will be held in Vancouver, Canada, from June 19 to 23, 2006. Vancouver was the venue of the historic first United Nations conference on Human Settlements (Habitat I), held in 1976. The main theme of this session is Our Future: Sustainable Cities - Turning Ideas into Action.

Where will WUF3 be held?

WUF3 will be held on the site of Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, by the waterfront in Vancouver. See http://www.vanconex.com

How do I register and book accommodation?

To participate in WUF3, you will need to register online. Click here. We highly recommend that you take advantage of the accommodation registration links that will be available on this site to take advantage of the preferential rates offered to conference participants.

Why is WUF3 "a green conference"?

In keeping with its commitment to sustainable development, the Government of Canada is determined that WUF3 should be organized in accordance with good environmental practices. The Government of Canada has been taking environmental issues into consideration within the planning and execution of this event by adopting a green meeting strategy. The Government has also committed to offset the CO2 emissions related to the event and associated with getting participants to and from the event, making it a carbon neutral conference. Furthermore, it wants to ensure that participants are aware of all of these measures, so that they can take these practices back home with them.