FAQ
What is the World Urban Forum?
What are the themes of WUF3?
Where will WUF3 be held?
Is WUF3 a �green� event?
What is the difference between Networking Events and Dialogues?
How to organize a Networking Event?
How do I register and book accommodation?
How much does it cost to attend WUF3?
I have registered online for WUF3, when will I receive official confirmation
that I am registered?
What travel documents do I need to come to Canada?
What will the weather be like in Vancouver in June?
What is the WUF3 Exposition?
Why exhibit?
Who should I contact to get additional information on exhibiting?
How do I register?
What services will be available to the media?
FAQ � ABOUT WUF3
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.
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What are the themes of WUF3?
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
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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
Is WUF3 a �green� event?
Yes, because the first steps toward global change start with us, the third
session of the World Urban Forum is a green event. In keeping with its
commitment to sustainable development, the Government of Canada has determined
that WUF3 will be organized in accordance with a green meeting strategy, the
WUF3 Greening Initiative. This initiative guides our planning and ensures that
decisions related to the event are made according to sound principles of
environmental, social and economic sustainability. The WUF3 Greening Initiative
will serve to engage participants, exhibitors and media in contributing to event
sustainability and as a blueprint for the organization of other green events.
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FAQ � AGENDA
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.
How to organize a Networking Event?
The Networking event application is over now. You can see the list of
networking
events officially approved.
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FAQ - PARTICIPANTS
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.
How much does it cost to attend WUF3?
There is no fee to register at the Forum but participants will pay for their
travel and accommodation.
I have registered online for WUF3, when will I receive official confirmation
that I am registered?
Once you have registered online for WUF3, you will receive an email from
UN-Habitat confirming your registration. Shortly after, you will be receiving an
email from Globe with travel and accommodation information. You are now
officially registered for the event and will receive your badge onsite in
Vancouver. Please note that if you require a visa for Canada, contact your
nearest visa office. Neither the UN-Habitat nor Government of Canada issue
individual letters of invitation. We look forward to seeing you in June in
Vancouver.
What travel documents do I need to come to Canada?
You will need a valid passport and other travel documents. Click here to get
additional information.
What will the weather be like in Vancouver in June?
Warmed by Pacific Ocean currents and protected by a range of mountains,
Vancouver enjoys mild temperatures year-round. In June, the average daily
temperature is around 21�C (69�F). June can see some showers throughout the
month and evening can still be cool, especially in the surrounding mountains so
pack light clothing, a few sweaters and a light rain jacket for good measure!
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FAQ - EXHIBITORS
What is the WUF3 Exposition?
- Cities will showcase programs, initiatives, partnerships and solutions.
- Countries and other levels of government will present programs for cities.
- Private sector will showcase their work related to sustainable cities and slum
redevelopment.
- UN agencies will profile their work with cities globally.
- NGOs will promote their roles in urban sustainability.
- Cultural and musical events will also be part of the exposition.
- Multimedia Services: theatre, computer and internet.
- Network Facilities: meeting area, presentation stage for lectures, debates and
award ceremonies.
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Application form for media accreditation is now available online.
WUF3 offers to journalist a media centre with
Press releases,
Resources and
Speeches.
For more information click here.
