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.

What is the difference between Networking Events and Dialogues?

WUF3 will consist of two main types of events: Dialogues and Networking Events. Networking events are geared towards a smaller and more specialized audience. They are meant to bring together people with a common interest in a particular issue in a venue that allows a more exhaustive exploration and discussion. Dialogues, on the other hand are larger meetings organized by UN-HABITAT to provide the main focus of the Forum. Dialogues will use interactive moderators to engage the audience in the debate. WUF3 will have six separate dialogues, each focusing on one of the sub-themes.

Dialogues will take place in the morning preceded by a key-note address on the theme and sub-themes of that day. There will be two Dialogues in parallel, each focusing on one of the two sub-themes of that day. Networking Events will take place in the afternoon with a break between two sessions. Each session will last two hours.

Networking events are a key element of the World Urban Forum. They offer an intimate venue which allows for real interaction and exchanges. They unite people with a common interest and allow them to liaise with one another. They also provide information-sharing venues where ideas and experiences can be effectively exchanged. The ultimate aim of Networking Events is to build knowledge, strengthen partnerships, create new ones, and provide platforms for novel ideas and practices.

What is important to think about if you want to organize a Networking Event?

Networking sessions should clearly relate to the Forum's theme and sub-themes: The overall theme is Our Future: Sustainable Cities - Turning Ideas into Action.

The proposed sub-themes are:

• Sustainable Cities: Urban Growth and Environment
  • "The shape of cities: urban planning and management";
  • "Energy: local action, global impact"
• Sustainable Cities: Partnership and Finance
  • "Municipal finance: innovation and collaboration";
  • "Urban safety and security: taking responsibility"
• Sustainable Cities: Social Inclusion and Cohesion
  • "Achieving the MDGs: slum upgrading and affordable housing";
  • "Public engagement: the inclusive approach"

Networking Events are an opportunity to discuss and debate actual local experiences and practices. They ground theory into practice. They should be designed to promote audience participation. This should be evident from the case studies proposed, the partner organizations involved, the format of the session (i.e. very interactive) and the ideas for follow-up. While PowerPoint presentations can help to increase the clarity of an issue, they can also considerably slow down the pace of the discussion and should therefore be limited to enhance the quality of the discussion, maintain a regular flow of interventions and keep the audience alert.

The substance of a networking session should focus primarily on local experiences, the results of good practices and lessons learnt. Emphasis should be placed on process and stress the inclusion and participation of urban stakeholders. The results should address products, outcomes and impact changes in the way actors do business, changes in urban development indicators, MDGs achieved, etc.).

Organizations interested in coordinating a networking session at WUF3 should contact the WUF Office in Vancouver, Phil Heard: [email protected] or [email protected]. The applications will be reviewed by the Forum organizers and those deemed most relevant to the overall theme of WUF3 will be selected for inclusion in the programme.

More information about hosting a networking event.

Networking event application.