Networking Events

Event Description
UNHABITAT's Water for African Cities programme is the first comprehensive effort to improve water management in African cities. Over the past 6 years, the programme has been working in major African cities to develop capacity to improve management of urban water and sanitation. Following a successful first phase of the program, a forward-looking appraisal called for a reorganised and expanded second phase to build on alliances for effective delivery of the programme components. Working through collaborative teams of implementation partners, strategic partners, financial institutions and development banks, the programme employs a flexible framework for regional cooperation and inter-agency collaboration. Over the years, these partnerships have given rise to many successful practices, which deserve public attention so they may be refined and replicated in other cities around the world. This event is will hear selected partners of the Water for African Cities Programme highlight the lessons learned through these collaborations and demonstrate their effectiveness in mobilising efforts to provide adequate water and sanitation in African cities.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Joke Muylwijk, Executive Director, Gender Water Alliance
Fadel Ndaw, Coordinator Long Term Water Project, Senegalese Ministry of Water Affairs
Doris Marealle, Executive Secretary, Tanzania Women Land Access Trust
The highest priority for UN-HABITAT's Water and Sanitation Programme is improving access to safe water and helping provide adequate sanitation to millions of low income urban dwellers and measuring that impact. In 2000, more than 830 million people in Asia Pacific region did not have access to safe drinking water. More than 2 billion lacked sanitation facilities. This problem is even worse in sub-Saharan Africa where in 2000, over 300 million people in Africa did not have access to safe water and over 500 million were without adequate sanitation. Additionally, low-income urban dwellers have to pay high prices for water sometimes up to 50 times the price paid by higher income groups. This problem has been worsened by a high rate of urbanization. Africa has been experiencing the world's most rapid rate of urbanization at nearly 5 per cent per annum.

Host Organization Description
The highest priority for UN-HABITAT's Water and Sanitation Programme is improving access to safe water and helping provide adequate sanitation to millions of low income urban dwellers and measuring that impact. In 2000, more than 830 million people in Asia Pacific region did not have access to safe drinking water. More than 2 billion lacked sanitation facilities. This problem is even worse in sub-Saharan Africa where in 2000, over 300 million people in Africa did not have access to safe water and over 500 million were without adequate sanitation. Additionally, low-income urban dwellers have to pay high prices for water sometimes up to 50 times the price paid by higher income groups. This problem has been worsened by a high rate of urbanization. Africa has been experiencing the world's most rapid rate of urbanization at nearly 5 per cent per annum.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.un-urbanwater.net/home.html

Event Description
The model presented at this event is based on experiences from SIDA supported housing programmes in Central America which give poor people the opportunity to borrow money to improve their homes and living environments. The session will present SIDA’s work with the programmes and show examples on how these programmes have gone from ideas to actions. The dialogues will focus on incremental building, long-term financing, methods for up scaling of projects, as well as discussions on adjusting projects and conceptual ideas to the varying preconditions in different countries.

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
HemsidetextMicrocredits_100123.doc

Event Description
The event will bring together participants who have worked on distinct, but inter-related aspects of shelter policy in developing countries. The areas of focus will include civic society, land development, the provision of subsidies, and reaction to crises such as a tsunami.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Jacqueline Schafer, Assistant Administrator, USAID; Sheela Patel, Director, SPARC;
Felix Matsebula, Mbabane City Council; Sonia Hammam, World Bank; Mila Friere, World Bank;
Richard Martin, Consultant; Discussants: Eduardo Rojas, IDB; Diana Mitlin, IIED
This session is one of a series of 12 networking sessions organized by the International Housing Coalition (IHC) on important housing issues.The World Bank is a multi-lateral development bank which has been lending to support shelter sector development in developing countries since 1972. It has made more than $16 billion in such loans. The International Housing Coalition is a multi country NGO involved in supporting better shelter policy in developing countries with a particular emphasis on including the private sector.

Host Organization Description
The World Bank is a multi-lateral development bank which has been lending to support shelter sector development in developing countries since 1972. It has made more than $16 billion in such loans. The International Housing Coalition is a multi country NGO involved in supporting better shelter policy in developing countries with a particular emphasis on including the private sector.

Event Description
Aboriginal housing is recognized as the worst in Canada. Fifty-four per cent of housing on reserves is substandard. The Canadian government and aboriginal organizations are currently in discussions aimed at implementing a transformative solution. The resource paper will review the reasons for the poor state of aboriginal housing and will examine the particular, and unique, challenges involved in housing aboriginal Canadians living both on and off reserves. The paper will showcase eight existing aboriginal housing providers as models for future success. They represent "aboriginal homeownership," urban rental and social housing projects. These models demonstrate principles helping bring about the desired transformation of aboriginal housing. At the networking session an aboriginal panel will lead a discussion based on the models to propose a strategy for the future.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Ron Jamieson, Six Nations Reserve, retired Senior Vice President, Bank of Montreal
David Seymour, National Aboriginal Housing Association, Executive Director, M'akola Group
Beverley Jacobs, President, Native Women's Association of Canada
This session is one of a series of 12 networking sessions organized by the International Housing Coalition (IHC) on important housing issues.The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is one of Canada's largest single-industry trade associations, representing more than 82,000 real estate Brokers/agents and salespeople working through 99 real estate Boards, 10 provincial Associations and one territorial Association. CREA's primary mission is to represent its members at the federal level of government and to act as a watchdog on national legislation that pertains to the real estate industry. CREA has frequently taken strong stands to defend the public's right to own and enjoy property.

Host Organization Description
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is one of Canada's largest single-industry trade associations, representing more than 82,000 real estate Brokers/agents and salespeople working through 99 real estate Boards, 10 provincial Associations and one territorial Association. CREA's primary mission is to represent its members at the federal level of government and to act as a watchdog on national legislation that pertains to the real estate industry. CREA has frequently taken strong stands to defend the public's right to own and enjoy property.

Event Description
This event will provide an opportunity for dialogue among all participants in an open forum. The forum will debate how to move toward the Millennium Development Goal on slum improvement by scaling up slum improvement programs to a level commensurate with the rapid growth of slum populations. This event will consider the theory of enabling slum dwellers to improve their housing circumstances on a financially sustainable basis in order to achieve large-scale results. The forum will examine ways to micro-finance housing and private sector financing for municipal infrastructure and improve housing conditions for slum dwellers on a self-sustaining basis. Specific country examples will include India, South Africa, and Mexico.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
David Painter & Lauren Moser (Moderators), Michael Mutter, Sr. Upgrading Advisor, UN Habitat
Jawaid Akhtar, Managing Director, KUIDFC; Olivia van Rooyen, Exec. Director, Kuyasa Fund
Fernando Gama, Sr. V.P., Evensen Dodge International, & Sheela Patel, Director, SPARC
Olivia van Rooyen, Executive Director, Kuyasa TCGI is an international consultancy specializing in innovative development finance. Headquartered in Washington, DC with a subsidiary office in Chennai, India, TCGI is one of the leading firms working on the structuring of locally financed municipal infrastructure in the developing world. TCGI has assisted more than 40 developing cities to finance water, wastewater, and solid waste projects. Our practice focuses on advising cities on how to improve their creditworthiness and develop commercially viable projects that can attract private participation in their financing. For the World Urban Forum, TCGI is collaborating with ShoreBank International Ltd., the consulting arm of ShoreBank Corporation, dedicated to working with financial institutions globally to create greater access to capital for underserved clients and to generating economic wealth within target markets. In the last 15 years, SBI has assisted over 50 microfinance and commercial banking institutions disburse over $310 million in small business and housing loans across 15 countries. SBI is managing the Global Financial Innovations Partnership with USAID, created to link slum dwellers with commercial sources of finance so that they may improve their lives.

Host Organization Description
TCGI is an international consultancy specializing in innovative development finance. Headquartered in Washington, DC with a subsidiary office in Chennai, India, TCGI is one of the leading firms working on the structuring of locally financed municipal infrastructure in the developing world. TCGI has assisted more than 40 developing cities to finance water, wastewater, and solid waste projects. Our practice focuses on advising cities on how to improve their creditworthiness and develop commercially viable projects that can attract private participation in their financing. For the World Urban Forum, TCGI is collaborating with ShoreBank International Ltd., the consulting arm of ShoreBank Corporation, dedicated to working with financial institutions globally to create greater access to capital for underserved clients and to generating economic wealth within target markets. In the last 15 years, SBI has assisted over 50 microfinance and commercial banking institutions disburse over $310 million in small business and housing loans across 15 countries. SBI is managing the Global Financial Innovations Partnership with USAID, created to link slum dwellers with commercial sources of finance so that they may improve their lives.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.tcgillc.com
www.intlhc.org
www.sbksbi.com 
 

Event Description
The magnitude and persistence of informality is one emblematic aspect of urban land markets in Third-world cities. It seems to be both an effect and a cause of high land prices. A number of factors limit access to land. Land prices are just too high compared to average family incomes and equivalent prices in developed countries. The latter may be attributed to informality growing more rapidly than poverty despite large scale government-sponsored regularization programs and citywide settlement upgrading programs. It is apparent we are losing ground on generating more socially responsible alternatives for informality and slum formation. The growth rate of informal settlements is still higher than the solutions provided through formal programs. This event will focus on the two complementary sides of the response to this problem.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Claudio Acioly Jr., IHS Senior Housing & Land Expert, Coordinator Specialisation Housing
Martim Smolka, Senior Fellow and Cochairman, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, Director LA Program
Anna Maria Gonzalez, PHILSSA, Philippines
IHS-INSTITUTE FOR HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT STUDIES is an international centre of excellence associated with the Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and operating on a global scale that offers specialized post graduate education, training, advisory services and applied research in the fields of urban management, housing and urban environment. LILP-LINCOLN INSTITUTE OF LAND POLICY is a non-profit and tax-exempt educational institution established in 1974, with headquarters in Cambridge, USA. Its mission as a school is to study and teach land policy, including land economics and land taxation. CORDAID is an international developmental NGO inspired by social values, respect for life, solidarity and love for human kind that strive for poverty reduction, justice and peace. PHILLSA-PARTNERSHIP OF PHILIPPINE SUPPORT SERVICES, INC. is a network of NGO’s operating in the Philippines whose works focuses on the access to land by the poor. COHRE-CENTRE ON HOUSING RIGHTS AND EVICTIONS engages itself to the promotion and protection of the right to housing for everyone, everywhere and encompasses training, research and publications, monitoring, prevention and documentation of forced evictions. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This network event is closely linked with a global research carried out by IHS in close cooperation with Cordaid and its NGO partners in Lima (Peru), Recife (Brazil), Tirana (Albania), Awassa (Ethiopia), Nairobi (Kenya), Yaounde (Cameroon), and Davao (Philippines). City audits were carried out in these cities to disclose participatory channels, Government-community-NGO policy dialogues and the roles of NGO's in designing pro-poor policies. Access to land and infrastructure has been a common issue in these cities. The cases are presented in form of a book and CDRom to be distributed during/after the debate.

Host Organization Description
IHS-INSTITUTE FOR HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT STUDIES is an international centre of excellence associated with the Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and operating on a global scale that offers specialized post graduate education, training, advisory services and applied research in the fields of urban management, housing and urban environment. LILP-LINCOLN INSTITUTE OF LAND POLICY is a non-profit and tax-exempt educational institution established in 1974, with headquarters in Cambridge, USA. Its mission as a school is to study and teach land policy, including land economics and land taxation. CORDAID is an international developmental NGO inspired by social values, respect for life, solidarity and love for human kind that strive for poverty reduction, justice and peace. PHILLSA-PARTNERSHIP OF PHILIPPINE SUPPORT SERVICES, INC. is a network of NGO’s operating in the Philippines whose works focuses on the access to land by the poor. COHRE-CENTRE ON HOUSING RIGHTS AND EVICTIONS engages itself to the promotion and protection of the right to housing for everyone, everywhere and encompasses training, research and publications, monitoring, prevention and documentation of forced evictions. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This network event is closely linked with a global research carried out by IHS in close cooperation with Cordaid and its NGO partners in Lima (Peru), Recife (Brazil), Tirana (Albania), Awassa (Ethiopia), Nairobi (Kenya), Yaounde (Cameroon), and Davao (Philippines). City audits were carried out in these cities to disclose participatory channels, Government-community-NGO policy dialogues and the roles of NGO's in designing pro-poor policies. Access to land and infrastructure has been a common issue in these cities. The cases are presented in form of a book and CDRom to be distributed during/after the debate.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.ihs.nl
www.lincolninst.edu
www.cordaid.com
www.cohre.org
 

Event Description
How does urban planning affect community accessibility and social inclusion for people with disabilities? How does accessibility play out in different cultural and economic contexts? These are two question participants will engage with in SPARC BC’s facilitated discussion. During this unique opportunity to share ideas and learn from each other, participants will examine models from around the world which have broken down barriers to accessibility for people with disabilities. Through a guided exploration of challenges, best practices, and ways forward, participants will draw upon their own experiences to find commonalities in the solutions presented, and determine ways to incorporate these into their own communities. Various assistive technologies will make this event accessible to people with disabilities attending WUF. It will, also, feature an innovative and real-time online conferencing tool linking in virtual participants from around the world.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Dr. Wendy Sarkissian, Speaking for the Future; Vince Verlaan, Wellspring Facilitation and Planning
Nilesh Singit, India Centre for Human Rights and Law
Lanie Woodfine, Independent Living Resource Centre; Stephen Lytton
Founded in 1966, the Social Planning and Research Council of BC (SPARC BC) is a non-partisan, independent organization that draws its members and Board of Directors from across British Columbia. SPARC BC conducts public education and advocacy on priority issues, focusing its efforts on the areas of income security, accessibility, and community development. SPARC BC’s Research and Consulting Services, Parking Permit Program for People with Disabilities, and Community Development Education Program contribute to the social and economic well-being of individuals and communities in B.C. We work with communities in building a just and healthy society for all.

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
Making_Space_for_Everyone_100030.pdf
2005_Dialogue_summary_100030.doc
Organizing_Community_Dialogue_100030.doc
Accessible_Urban_Space_100030.pdf
AUS_Handouts_web_100030.pdf

Host Organization Description
Founded in 1966, the Social Planning and Research Council of BC (SPARC BC) is a non-partisan, independent organization that draws its members and Board of Directors from across British Columbia. SPARC BC conducts public education and advocacy on priority issues, focusing its efforts on the areas of income security, accessibility, and community development. SPARC BC’s Research and Consulting Services, Parking Permit Program for People with Disabilities, and Community Development Education Program contribute to the social and economic well-being of individuals and communities in B.C. We work with communities in building a just and healthy society for all.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.sparc.bc.ca
 

Event Description
Action for Neighbourhood Change is a federally funded action research partnership exploring how locally driven revitalization strategies can enhance the capacity of individuals and families to build and sustain strong, healthy neighbourhoods. In this session you become one of the residents confronting the challenges of a neighbourhood on the edge. The goal is to experience the dynamics of neighbourhood organizations and learn how to make the neighbourhood voice heard. Gloucester Village is the new face of urban poverty in multicultural Toronto. Built largely in the 1950s, it combines tracts of single-family homes with a large subsidized housing complex. High-rise apartments, constructed in the 1970s to accommodate a burgeoning rental population of youthful baby boomers, now house successive waves of new immigrants. Average annual family income is about $20,000. While there are a disproportionately high number of children, the area has few programs for youth. You are meeting as the “local safety committee” to decide what should be done.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.anccommunity.ca
 

Event Description
The delivery of water supply and sanitation services to the urban poor poses a special challenge for developing countries. Exploding population growth, increased demand, crumbling infrastructure, and limited financial and institutional resources combine to compromise the health, livelihoods, and overall wellbeing of millions. Under decentralization, municipal authorities grapple with the needs for system rehabilitation and extension, legislative reform, stronger institutional capacity, and improved cost recovery. The poor tend to seek their own solutions, some innovative, but many expensive and unreliable, with attendant environmental and health risks. This networking event focuses on the types of conflicts emerging in compromised circumstances. These may arise from particular management or ownership arrangements, revenue collection strategies, water quality problems, or loss of access to resources. The discussion will include conflict situations arising in India, South Africa, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe, and the attempts to resolve them.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Ms. Refilwe Pitso (South Africa), Dr. Ranjith Perera (Thailand)
Dr. S. Janakrajan (India), Dr. Bekithemba Gumbo (South Africa)
 
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) The mandate of CIDA is to support sustainable development in developing countries in order to reduce poverty and to contribute to a more secure, equitable, and prosperous world. Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) The role of Sida is to assist in creating optimal conditions that help poor people and countries in their struggle to reduce poverty. This mission includes providing contributions for economic growth, democracy, and equality between women and men.

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
Addressing_WaterSanitation_Conflicts_100078.pdf
Conflits_liés_aux_Services_Eau&Assainissement;_100078.pdf

Host Organization Description
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) The mandate of CIDA is to support sustainable development in developing countries in order to reduce poverty and to contribute to a more secure, equitable, and prosperous world. Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) The role of Sida is to assist in creating optimal conditions that help poor people and countries in their struggle to reduce poverty. This mission includes providing contributions for economic growth, democracy, and equality between women and men.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.cida-acdi.gc.ca
www.sida.se
 

Event Description
Most countries urgently require efficient and cost-effective affordable housing programs to reach their citizens. This panel will explore new ways donor countries can work together with the host country to design some basic model programs to best realize locally determined affordable housing goals. Such programs would integrate local private financial institutions and emphasize financial management. Most importantly, the panel will explore how donors can better coordinate their funding to support new housing models to maximize the effect of their different aid funding streams into a particular country.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Shannon Sorzano, HUD, Moderator;
Robert Buckley, World Bank; Lauren Moser, ShoreBank International
Danielle Grabmullerova, Czech Ministry of Reg Dev.
 

Event Description
During WUF II in Barcelona, Spain in 2004, UN-HABITAT and the Commission for Africa Secretariat organised a special networking event on the work of the Commission for Africa. The objectives of the event were two-fold: the Commission for Africa wanted to inform the participants about its remit to take a fresh look at Africa’s development needs, including those related to human settlements; and the Commission for Africa wanted to find out from the participants what they thought were the priorities on urbanisation in Africa. Based on that networking event and other civil society meetings across Africa, rapid urbanisation was tabled as a major development concern. The Commission for Africa Report, “Our Common Interest”, specifically states rapid urbanisation is the second biggest threat to Africa’s development after HIV/AIDS. This firmly placed urbanisation on the global agenda. At WUF III, UN-HABITAT and its partners have organized this networking event as a follow up to the Commission for Africa to discuss how the recommendations of the report and commitments made at the G8 summit in July 2005 will be followed through beyond 2005. Discussed will include the sources and mechanisms for financing sustainable human settlements. UN-HABITAT is the lead agency with the UN for human settlements issues. It is directly responsible for helping governments to implement the Habitat Agenda which was signed by 171 Governments at the Second UN Human Settlements Conference at Istanbul in 1996: Habitat II. The Commission for Africa was launched by the British Prime Minister Tony Blair in February 2004. The aim of the Commission was to take a fresh look at Africa’s past and present as well as the international community’s role in its development path. The work set out to be comprehensive and challenging, addressing difficult questions where necessary. The Commission was tasked with finalising its report by early 2005 and producing clear recommendations for the G8, EU, other wealthy countries and African countries. The Commission consisted of 17 Commissioners who all worked in an independent capacity. Most of the Commissioners were African and all were active and influential in their differing spheres of work and expertise, and included Anna Tibaijuka, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director UN-HABITAT. Commissioners were supported in their work by a Secretariat based in London. The Commission for Africa delivered its mandate by July 2005 and though the Secretariat was closed down, considerable progress is being made on the commitments. Commissioners continue to monitor and push the agenda of the Commission for Africa in their personal capacities.

Host Organization Description
UN-HABITAT is the lead agency with the UN for human settlements issues. It is directly responsible for helping governments to implement the Habitat Agenda which was signed by 171 Governments at the Second UN Human Settlements Conference at Istanbul in 1996: Habitat II. The Commission for Africa was launched by the British Prime Minister Tony Blair in February 2004. The aim of the Commission was to take a fresh look at Africa’s past and present as well as the international community’s role in its development path. The work set out to be comprehensive and challenging, addressing difficult questions where necessary. The Commission was tasked with finalising its report by early 2005 and producing clear recommendations for the G8, EU, other wealthy countries and African countries. The Commission consisted of 17 Commissioners who all worked in an independent capacity. Most of the Commissioners were African and all were active and influential in their differing spheres of work and expertise, and included Anna Tibaijuka, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director UN-HABITAT. Commissioners were supported in their work by a Secretariat based in London. The Commission for Africa delivered its mandate by July 2005 and though the Secretariat was closed down, considerable progress is being made on the commitments. Commissioners continue to monitor and push the agenda of the Commission for Africa in their personal capacities.

Event Description
Local agendas 21 constitute a new planning pedagogy for the sustainable development of cities. The use of various tools and techniques has made it necessary to examine the methodological lessons and best practices to improve knowledge and understanding related to developing local agendas 21. This event will bring different players together to discuss the following aspects: financing the process, civic participation, effectiveness of the tools, institutionalization, liaison with national programs, and opportunities in decentralized cooperation. Presentations by experts from the field and elected officials will serve as a base for the discussions.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Dr Oumar Cissé, Secrétaire Exécutif de l'IAGU
Bocar Sidick Kane, Maire de Guédiawaye, Sénégal
Soraya Smaoun, ONU-Habitat, Localizing Agenda 21
The African Urban Management Institute (IAGU) is an international NGO that was created in 1987. The main objective of the IAGU, based in Dakar (Senegal), is to support Western and Central African municipalities and city officials in strengthening their urban planning and management capacities, to improve local governance and the environment, and to fight poverty. The activities of the IAGU are focused primarily on: -Research/action based on a participatory approach; -Technical support to local communities; -Training; -Mobilizing and disseminating scientific information. The IAGU is made up of a multidisciplinary team and a network of associate experts coordinated by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Oumar Cissé. The Institute’s main areas of intervention are: -urban agriculture with the support of IDRC and the RUAF Foundation; -solid household and hazardous waste management in partnership with the Secretariat of the Basel Convention; -local strategic planning through various programs including the Replication programme Local Agenda 21 in Senegal, HIV/AIDS, and local governance and economic development in collaboration with UN-Habitat.

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
A21L_100005.pdf

Host Organization Description
The African Urban Management Institute (IAGU) is an international NGO that was created in 1987. The main objective of the IAGU, based in Dakar (Senegal), is to support Western and Central African municipalities and city officials in strengthening their urban planning and management capacities, to improve local governance and the environment, and to fight poverty. The activities of the IAGU are focused primarily on: -Research/action based on a participatory approach; -Technical support to local communities; -Training; -Mobilizing and disseminating scientific information. The IAGU is made up of a multidisciplinary team and a network of associate experts coordinated by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Oumar Cissé. The Institute’s main areas of intervention are: -urban agriculture with the support of IDRC and the RUAF Foundation; -solid household and hazardous waste management in partnership with the Secretariat of the Basel Convention; -local strategic planning through various programs including the Replication programme Local Agenda 21 in Senegal, HIV/AIDS, and local governance and economic development in collaboration with UN-Habitat.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.iagu.org
www.unhabitat.org/programmes/agenda21
www.urb.umontreal.ca
www.aimf.asso.fr
 

Event Description
This event focuses on the development of the forthcoming book, "The Place of Children" (co-sponsored by UN-HABITAT) and is open to those with skills, expertise or contacts to contribute to further conceptualization and implementation of this worldwide project. We will discuss the selection of cases and other methodological aspects, strategies for developing chapters around specific children's stories, and ideas and messages, which should be included in the book. "The Place of Children" will show how young people living in poverty are helping to achieve the MDGs by working to improve their communities. It will, also, review policies and programs supporting young people's engagement in local approaches to urban sustainability.The Children, Youth and Environments Center for Research and Design (CYE) envisions a world in which young people enjoy good health and grow up in safe environments that support their development into young adults in sustainable and inclusive communities. CYE works with the planning and design professions and allied disciplines to contribute to the health, safety and welfare of children and youth. The Center undertakes interdisciplinary activities that connect research and teaching to policy and practice, while recognizing young people’s capacity for meaningful participation in the processes that shape their lives. It focuses in particular on children and youth in environments of disadvantage and those with special needs.

Host Organization Description
The Children, Youth and Environments Center for Research and Design (CYE) envisions a world in which young people enjoy good health and grow up in safe environments that support their development into young adults in sustainable and inclusive communities. CYE works with the planning and design professions and allied disciplines to contribute to the health, safety and welfare of children and youth. The Center undertakes interdisciplinary activities that connect research and teaching to policy and practice, while recognizing young people’s capacity for meaningful participation in the processes that shape their lives. It focuses in particular on children and youth in environments of disadvantage and those with special needs.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.cudenver.edu/cye
 
 

Event Description
Border, immigration, and resettlement issues are a major concern for many urban and rural communities in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Many border communities are experiencing a rapid influx of immigrants from all parts of the world and do not have the adequate resources to provide a social net of housing, health, and quality of life services. The rapid urbanization in border communities is a sensitive issue as the U.S. begins a debate on immigration reform, and Canada tries to reconcile intra-border issues with larger aboriginal land claims and rights issues. This session will provide a forum for world leaders to discuss strategies foundations are engaged in to address these concerns in different contexts such as the creation of border philanthropy, cross-border, non-profit and governmental collaboration, and cross border research which has resulted in new approaches and solutions to this issue.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Moderator - David Harris (TFN Senior Consultant)
Richard Kiy (Executive Director, The International Community Foundation)
Mariano Diaz (Senior Vice President, The San Diego Community Foundation)
 

Event Description
What happens when urban regions try to bridge the wide gap between spatial design and energy system design? Bridging to the Future will use five case studies to kick-off a discussion on how urban regions can manage the difficult transition to sustainable and resilient energy systems. Collaborative teams from Vancouver, Shanghai, Goa, Groningen and Tokyo will describe their joint efforts to design energy pathways from 5 to 30 to 100 years. Solutions go well beyond compact neighbourhood design to include the integration of distributed energy resources, matching energy quality with demand, enhancing ecological functions and adapting to changes in climate and technology. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities will set the stage by describing the challenges faced by Canadian towns and cities. The International Gas Union will provide an energy industry perspective on these issues, with feedback from similar discussions at the World Gas Conference, held earlier this month. [NOTE: China Team Leader is now unable to attend - replaced by Prof. de Schiller from Argentina.]

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Natural Resources Canada
Team Leaders from India, China, Japan, Netherlands and Canada
International Gas Union, CONSENSUS Institute
The CONSENSUS Institute is a not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to increasing the long-term sustainability and resiliency of urban systems. The institute was established as an outgrowth of Canada’s citiesPLUS initiative. Its purpose is to continue exploring the dynamics of urban systems, and to improve methods and tools for collaborative planning and long-term urban system design.

Host Organization Description
The CONSENSUS Institute is a not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to increasing the long-term sustainability and resiliency of urban systems. The institute was established as an outgrowth of Canada’s citiesPLUS initiative. Its purpose is to continue exploring the dynamics of urban systems, and to improve methods and tools for collaborative planning and long-term urban system design.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.bridgingtothefuture.org
www.ConsensusInstitute.org
www.fcm.ca
www.igu.org
www.taru.org
www.knnmilieu.nl

Event Description
This networking session will be comprised of three presentations and roundtable discussions focusing on the development of an integrated transportation network, the presentations using Greater Vancouver as one model. This event will include: governance and funding of urban transportation; integration of land use and transportation planning; and social inclusion (accessibility) in the transportation system. The Greater Vancouver model includes a strong public consultation component, involving key stakeholders as well as public opinion polling on key policy and funding alternatives. Principles include integrated land use and transportation planning to shape urban development, and a user pay transport system. A mixed delivery system including public and private operators encourages innovation, efficiency and customer service.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Malcolm Brodie, Chair, TransLink Board of Directors
Glen Leicester, Vice President, Planning, Translink
Clive Rock, Director, Strategic Planning & Policy, Planning, TransLink
The Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority (TransLink) is responsible for providing an efficient regional transportation system that moves people and goods and supports the region's growth management, air quality and economic development objectives. TransLink's responsibilities include the public transport system, major regional roads, transportation demand management and vehicle emissions testing. TransLink is responsible for planning, funding and marketing of the system. Services are delivered through contractors and subsidiaries. Funding comes from a variety of user fees and taxes.

Host Organization Description
The Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority (TransLink) is responsible for providing an efficient regional transportation system that moves people and goods and supports the region's growth management, air quality and economic development objectives. TransLink's responsibilities include the public transport system, major regional roads, transportation demand management and vehicle emissions testing. TransLink is responsible for planning, funding and marketing of the system. Services are delivered through contractors and subsidiaries. Funding comes from a variety of user fees and taxes.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.translink.bc.ca

 

Event Description
Post conflict and post disaster recovery and reconstruction processes offer opportunities to rebuild communities and settlements in ways that can transform lives. Women usually undertake many self-help strategies to rebuild the lives of their families and communities, yet these efforts frequently go unrecognized and un-resourced. This networking event is an opportunity for women from disaster and conflict affected countries to present these strategies and explore ways in which grassroots women’s initiatives can be strengthened and scaled up. Our panel of experts and activities will be followed by a dialogue between civil society organizations and policy makers on how women’s organizations working on disaster and conflict can work together towards gaining policy support and resources which enable grassroots leaders to transfer and scale up lessons learned.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Ian Davis, Cranfield University; Wardah Hafidz, UPLinks Indonesia
Elaine Enarson, Brandon U; Kala Peiris Da Costa, Siyath; Prema Gopalan, Swayan Shikshan Prayog
Carla Morales Rojas, Arias Foundation for Peace & Human Progress
Established in 1995 at the 4th World Conference on Women, the Huairou Commission is a unique experiment in global democracy. Driven by grassroots women's organizations from around the world, this network promotes partnership with those who support the belief that it is in the best interest of local and international communities for grassroots women to be full partners in sustainable development. The Huairou Commission works thematically on campaigns in HIV/AIDS, Disaster, Governance, Land and Housing and Peace Building with six anchoring networks - Asian Women and Shelter Network (AWAS), GROOTS International, Habitat International Coalition - Women and Shelter Network (HIC-WAS), Women and Habitat (LAC), International Council of Women and Women and Cities International.

Host Organization Description
Established in 1995 at the 4th World Conference on Women, the Huairou Commission is a unique experiment in global democracy. Driven by grassroots women's organizations from around the world, this network promotes partnership with those who support the belief that it is in the best interest of local and international communities for grassroots women to be full partners in sustainable development. The Huairou Commission works thematically on campaigns in HIV/AIDS, Disaster, Governance, Land and Housing and Peace Building with six anchoring networks - Asian Women and Shelter Network (AWAS), GROOTS International, Habitat International Coalition - Women and Shelter Network (HIC-WAS), Women and Habitat (LAC), International Council of Women and Women and Cities International.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.sspindia.org
www.huairou.org
www.cordaid.com

Event Description
In Istanbul, 10 years ago we shared experience between some of the major institutions involved in Capacity Building for urban development. Discussion was based round a publication aiming to link experience with more strategic action. This meeting in Vancouver aims to share the approaches tried, and based on this, focus on the most strategic directions to make investment as effective as possible. This session will include inputs on the concepts, barriers to effective use of capacity, experiences showing potential, and strategic ways to progress. Participants will be encouraged to share to their input in the fields of barriers, positive experiences and the most strategic future directions.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Banashree Banerji, IHS Associate, consultant, India
Forbes Davidson, IHS, Caren Levy, DPU, Johnny Astrand, Lund
Raf Tuts, Chief Training and Capacity Building, UN-Habitat
We have opened a blog to allow discussion and sharing of materials before the event. www.urbancapacity.blogspot.com/ You are welcome to comment, or if you want to post materials you can apply to joint or send to [email protected] Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)is a leading centre focussed on international education, training institutional development and advisory services for the urban sector, particularly in developing and transition countries. Founded in 1958 it is associated with Erasmus University, the Netherlands. UN-habitat's Training and Capacity Building Branch (TCBB) assists local authorities and civil society organizations to build core skills and competencies in strategic areas including leadership, financial management and participatory planning. The Development Planning Unit (DPU), University College, London, is an international centre specialising in academic teaching, practical training, research and consultancy in the field of urban and regional development, planning, and management. Housing Development and Management (HDM), University of Lund, Sweden undertakes research and training in housing from an international perspective: planning, design, creation, use and management, and the connection between a home and its surroundings from neighbourhood to city level.

Host Organization Description
The Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)is a leading centre focussed on international education, training institutional development and advisory services for the urban sector, particularly in developing and transition countries. Founded in 1958 it is associated with Erasmus University, the Netherlands. UN-habitat's Training and Capacity Building Branch (TCBB) assists local authorities and civil society organizations to build core skills and competencies in strategic areas including leadership, financial management and participatory planning. The Development Planning Unit (DPU), University College, London, is an international centre specialising in academic teaching, practical training, research and consultancy in the field of urban and regional development, planning, and management. Housing Development and Management (HDM), University of Lund, Sweden undertakes research and training in housing from an international perspective: planning, design, creation, use and management, and the connection between a home and its surroundings from neighbourhood to city level.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.ihs.nl
www.unhabitat.org/programmes/tcbb/
www.ucl.ac.uk/dpu/
www.hdm.lth.se/
www.urbancapacity.blogspot.com/

Event Description
This forum will explain the Super E House Program developed by the government of Canada. The Program supports Canadian builders and their partners in other countries interested in building houses, which are energy efficient, healthy, durable, and comfortable. Super E houses have been introduced in Japan, China, United Kingdom and Ireland. DAC International, a Canadian builder, and Southern Housing Group, a charitable housing association based in the United Kingdom, will present the case study.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Louis Musto
Robin Sinha
Jeff Armstrong and Dale Meredith
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is the housing agency of Canada.

Host Organization Description
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is the housing agency of Canada.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.cmhc.ca
www.nrcan.gc.ca
 

Event Description
The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation has been contributing to several multi-year projects in Tanzania in the area of local government reform and cooperation between civil society and local government. This session presents some of the main lessons and challenges from these projects, as well as comments from youth community leaders from Kenya. Two projects will be presented: Methods for Co-operation between Civil Society and Local Government on Service Delivery; and Formative Research on the Local Government Reform.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Einar Braathen, NIBR
Siri Lange, CMI, and Hege Wallevik, AF
Liss Schanke, KS
The Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities is a national association of municipalities and county authorities of Norway. The main goal is to promote the common interests of the members on the national arena. In addition, KS has for the last 15 years been involved in international projects in Africa, Asia and Europe. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This networking event is organized in cooperation between the 4 Norwegian organizations - based on research in Tanzania - with comments from a youth project in Kenya.

Host Organization Description
The Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities is a national association of municipalities and county authorities of Norway. The main goal is to promote the common interests of the members on the national arena. In addition, KS has for the last 15 years been involved in international projects in Africa, Asia and Europe. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This networking event is organized in cooperation between the 4 Norwegian organizations - based on research in Tanzania - with comments from a youth project in Kenya.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.ks.no
www.agderforskning.no
www.cmi.no
www.nibr.no
 

Event Description
A child and youth friendly city is one that supports all aspects of a young person’s development, including self-efficacy, education, recreation, the experience of cultural harmony and a sense of connection to urban environments. This event examines urban youth issues and looks at how the Centre for Urban Youth Development, under the Global Partnership Initiative, is seeking solutions to issues of youth in the urban environment. These include policy and planning to preserve and design urban environments, such as creating-safe spaces for play, recreation, relationship building and capacity building; educating peers on safety, health and wellness related matters, including crime prevention, food security, and unemployment; and improving local access to natural resources and municipal infrastructures.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Darcy Varney, Director-Special Projects, Children, Youth & Environments Center for Research
S. Ananthakrishnan, Chief-Partners & Youth Section, UN-HABITAT
Ndwiga Kariuki. Director, Social Services and Housing, City Council of Nairobi
One Stop Youth Centre is a centre for urban youth development initiated United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat) and City Council of Nairobi through Global Partnership Initiative concept Established in 2003, One Stop Youth Information Resource Centre has been designed to address the following * To provide career and employment opportunities to young people so that they can have more access to the job markets * To promote and empower the youth with relevant information and skills on urban environment development, employment, health, and ICT * To assess urban youth needs and reduce youth vulnerability especially those residing in the urban areas by initiating programs that addresses their plight and those of others Its operations are governed through partnership with Youth, Youth Serving Organisations and Youth Led Organisation and are holistic in nature.

Host Organization Description
One Stop Youth Centre is a centre for urban youth development initiated United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat) and City Council of Nairobi through Global Partnership Initiative concept Established in 2003, One Stop Youth Information Resource Centre has been designed to address the following * To provide career and employment opportunities to young people so that they can have more access to the job markets * To promote and empower the youth with relevant information and skills on urban environment development, employment, health, and ICT * To assess urban youth needs and reduce youth vulnerability especially those residing in the urban areas by initiating programs that addresses their plight and those of others Its operations are governed through partnership with Youth, Youth Serving Organisations and Youth Led Organisation and are holistic in nature.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.eya.ca
www.onestopyouthcentre.org
www.unhabitat.org
www.nairobicity.org
www.eya.ca/wuf

Event Description
This presentation will examine the remarkably successful national approaches to the urban housing crisis, as well as the difficulties in doing so. Policy approaches and strategies for activating the private sector will be presented, along with the vast improvements in housing conditions. The presentation will examine the results of the application of housing as a leading development sector.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Lou Jianbo
Joyce Palomar
Gordon Davis
This session is one of a series of 12 networking sessions organized by the International Housing Coalition (IHC) on important housing issues.Peking University Center for Real Estate Law conducts educational programs on real estate law in China, and currently has four faculty and thirty students engaged in research and teaching programs throughout China.

Host Organization Description
Peking University Center for Real Estate Law conducts educational programs on real estate law in China, and currently has four faculty and thirty students engaged in research and teaching programs throughout China.

Event Description
This session will feature presentations by member cities and institutions.

Event Description
The quality of urban life is rooted deeply in the strength of the public realm. Education, health care, social services, transit, the arts, water and sanitation, safety, justice, libraries, natural and built heritage, parks, recreation facilities, streets, markets and public places are connecting tissues linking our individual private worlds and fusing one generation to another. The public realm is the glue holding a city together and the bedrock upon which it builds prosperity, communities and social peace. Join CUI and its southern partners in an international dialogue on new ways to use urban economies and civic engagement to restore our city regions and their community assets, ecological systems, cultural souls and rural hinterlands. This gathering will provide unique perspectives from Ethiopia, Philippines, Cuba, Jamaica, Brazil and Ukraine.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Hon. David Crombie, President & CEO, Canadian Urban Institute and former Mayor of Toronto
Hon. Jerry Treñas, Mayor, Iloilo City, and President, League of Cities of the Philippines
H.E. Ato Arkebe Oqubay, State Minister, Ministry of Works and Urban Development, Gov. of Ethiopia
 Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) is a non-profit, membership organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life in urban areas across Canada and around the world. A Canadian leader in progressive thinking for cities, CUI brings together people, resources and ideas to build strong communities and equitable, sustainable and competitive urban regions. It does so by: (i) 'connecting' decision-makers at all levels of government and within the community and business sectors to enhance urban policy making, governance and management, (ii)'convening' leaders, decision-makers and stakeholders to foster information exchange, civic engagement and new partnerships for urban development, and (iii) 'communicating' ideas and know-how through education, applied research, conferences and leadership development to bring about more co-operative and integrated approaches to urban issues. With a network of international partners, CUI shares with the world Canada’s experiences of managing its urban regions.

Host Organization Description
Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) is a non-profit, membership organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life in urban areas across Canada and around the world. A Canadian leader in progressive thinking for cities, CUI brings together people, resources and ideas to build strong communities and equitable, sustainable and competitive urban regions. It does so by: (i) 'connecting' decision-makers at all levels of government and within the community and business sectors to enhance urban policy making, governance and management, (ii)'convening' leaders, decision-makers and stakeholders to foster information exchange, civic engagement and new partnerships for urban development, and (iii) 'communicating' ideas and know-how through education, applied research, conferences and leadership development to bring about more co-operative and integrated approaches to urban issues. With a network of international partners, CUI shares with the world Canada’s experiences of managing its urban regions.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.canurb.com
www.canurb.com/wuf
 

Event Description
The sustainability of inclusive urban centres requires recognition of diversity across all dimensions of community life, from the economic and political to the social and cultural, through shared processes of creating vibrant urban life. This session will focus on local strategies towards the inclusion of diverse citizenries. Representatives of several Canadian cities and communities will share case studies, with a representative of UNESCO providing insights on strategies to combat racism in cities around the world. All participants will be encouraged to reflect on and share actionable ideas and local strategies from their own communities. Findings from this global knowledge and thought exchange will be recorded and shared with participants post WUF.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Pierre Sané, Assistant Director General for Social and Human Sciences, UNESCO
Michael Phair, Councilor, City of Edmonton
Rosanna Scotti, Director, Strategic and Corporate Policy, City of Toronto
Fr. Jacques Lapointe, Director, Carrefour d'immigration rurale; Immigration Consultant, Town of Saint-Léonard, New Brunswick, Canada Jim Donovan, Manager of Economic Development, Halifax Regional Municipality Barry Halliday, Metropolis Project, Citizenship and Immigration Canada Session Chair: Adam Ostry, Director General, Policy and Communications, Cities and Communities, Infrastructure CanadaThrough Infrastructure Canada’s programs, the Government of Canada works in partnership to meet local community needs and to create great places to live. Investments support safe drinking water, efficient public transit, secure and efficient transportation and border crossings, local capacity building and integrated community planning, tourism and trade, and broadband internet access. Infrastructure Canada works with federal partners, provinces, territories, municipalities and their associations, First Nations communities, and the private sector to identify regional and local development priorities and to finance infrastructure projects that support national objectives such as health and clean air. Infrastructure Canada also works to build knowledge about sustainable communities and infrastructure issues; to connect researchers in Canada; and to communicate knowledge about sustainable communities and infrastructure in order to help decision-makers in communities, provinces and territories across Canada, and internationally. Other Partners: Town of Saint-Léonard and the Carrefour d'immigration rurale (Saint-Leonard, New Brunswick, Canada)

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
Our_Diverse_Cities_100073.pdf
La_diversite_de_nos_villes_100073.pdf

Host Organization Description
Through Infrastructure Canada’s programs, the Government of Canada works in partnership to meet local community needs and to create great places to live. Investments support safe drinking water, efficient public transit, secure and efficient transportation and border crossings, local capacity building and integrated community planning, tourism and trade, and broadband internet access. Infrastructure Canada works with federal partners, provinces, territories, municipalities and their associations, First Nations communities, and the private sector to identify regional and local development priorities and to finance infrastructure projects that support national objectives such as health and clean air. Infrastructure Canada also works to build knowledge about sustainable communities and infrastructure issues; to connect researchers in Canada; and to communicate knowledge about sustainable communities and infrastructure in order to help decision-makers in communities, provinces and territories across Canada, and internationally. Other Partners: Town of Saint-Léonard and the Carrefour d'immigration rurale (Saint-Leonard, New Brunswick, Canada)

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.infrastructure.gc.ca  
www.unesco.org
www.canada.metroplis.net
www.edmonton.ca
www.toronto.ca
www.halifax.ca

Event Description
This event will include a presentation of PwC’s new global report: Cities of the Future - Global Competition, Local Leadership. The report is based upon interviews with 45 mayors around the globe and focuses on trends affecting cities of the future linked to challenges and opportunities. Discussion will focus on several themes, including the multidimensional focus of managing resources and "capitals" in cities of the future; social analysis and strategic navigation; strategic city branding for better attractiveness; sustainable development in a practical perspective; and leadership development and challenges for city leaders.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Jan Sturesson, Global Leader PwC Cities of the Future Network, Sweden
Trygve Sivertsen, Member of PwC cities of the future network, Norway
 
 PricewaterhouseCoopers (www.pwc.com) provides industry-focused service regarding advisory, assurance and tax for public and private clients. More then 120.000 people in 144 countries connect their thinking, experience and solutions to build public trust and enhance value for clients and their stakeholders. PwC has a global network of consultants who works with big cities focusing; Strategic sustainable development, process improvement and corporate governance.

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
Cities_of_the_Future_100105.pdf
Agenda_Networking_Event_100105.pdf

Host Organization Description
PricewaterhouseCoopers (www.pwc.com) provides industry-focused service regarding advisory, assurance and tax for public and private clients. More then 120.000 people in 144 countries connect their thinking, experience and solutions to build public trust and enhance value for clients and their stakeholders. PwC has a global network of consultants who works with big cities focusing; Strategic sustainable development, process improvement and corporate governance.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.pwc.com
 

Event Description
Beyond access to adequate housing, which remains a priority in Québec, efforts have been made in recent years to develop a healthy and stimulating milieu where each citizen can participate in the decisions regarding his or her immediate environment and quality of life. Thus, management tools are put in place to improve the conditions of residents, but also to favour their inclusion within and integration into the social and economic life of the community. The proposed panel discussion should constitute a unique opportunity to exchange and share innovative ideas aimed at the same objective, that is, the implication of those for whom social housing programs have been developed.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Madame Hélène Aubé
Madame Manon Jean et monsieur Daniel Dussault
Réseau Habitat et Francophonie et représentant d'un pays de l'Europe
 The Société d'habitation du Québec is the agency responsible for preparing and implementing housing support policies and programs in Québec. It is the Québec government’s principal advisor in the field of housing. Created in 1967, it plays a dual social and economic role. As well as helping low-income households to obtain suitable housing at an affordable price, it encourages community housing initiatives and provides support to help keep rural and urban homes in Québec in good condition. Since 1997, it has also been responsible for supporting the growth and development of Québec’s housing industry, especially on foreign markets.

Host Organization Description
The Société d'habitation du Québec is the agency responsible for preparing and implementing housing support policies and programs in Québec. It is the Québec government’s principal advisor in the field of housing. Created in 1967, it plays a dual social and economic role. As well as helping low-income households to obtain suitable housing at an affordable price, it encourages community housing initiatives and provides support to help keep rural and urban homes in Québec in good condition. Since 1997, it has also been responsible for supporting the growth and development of Québec’s housing industry, especially on foreign markets.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.habitation.gouv.qc.ca
 

Event Description
A brief case study will be presented on the implementation of the Pleasant Hill Local Area Plan and its attempt at empowering citizens through knowledge transfer to lead the call for an intersectoral approach to improving policy, program, and service delivery coordination. There will be particular emphasis on the challenges of engaging indigenous peoples and organizations within an intersectoral framework. We will further demonstrate the applicability of this framework within a developing country (e.g. The Case of Gonzales, Port of Spain, Trinidad). Using focused conversation, participants will be asked to consider their own approach and experiences with citizen-lead calls for intersectoral collaboration. Time will be allocated to developing individual and connective action plans to improve public engagement in implementing coordinated policy, program and service delivery models.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Lorne Sully, MCIP, Manager of City Planning, City of Saskatoon, Canada
Livia Kellett, MCIP, Local Area Planner, City of Saskatoon, Canada
Kelley Moore, MCIP, Regional Intersectoral Committee Coordinator, Saskatchewan Learning, Canada
Carol Bruce, Pleasant Hill Local Area Planning Committee, Saskatoon, Canada Winifred David, Acting City Deputy Clerk, City of Port of Spain, Trinidad Rev. Dr. Jason Gordon, Community of Gonzales Representative, Port of Spain, Trinidad Deborah Thomas, Managing Director, East Port-of-Spain Development Company Limited, Trinidad and Tobago The City of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, is a municipal government that works toward an enhanced quality of life, vibrant economy, responsible, progressive environmental management, continued river valley stewardship, recognition of the diversity of neighbourhoods while promoting a united community, planned growth and regional and global opportunities. Information regarding the other partners will be available at the networking session due to space requirements.

Host Organization Description
The City of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, is a municipal government that works toward an enhanced quality of life, vibrant economy, responsible, progressive environmental management, continued river valley stewardship, recognition of the diversity of neighbourhoods while promoting a united community, planned growth and regional and global opportunities. Information regarding the other partners will be available at the networking session due to space requirements.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.saskatoon.ca/org/city_planning/local_area_plans/index.asp
http://www.cip-icu.ca
 

Event Description
City Indicators will build on existing work and designed to enable relatively quick and straightforward indications of a city’s overall quality of life and efficiency of service provision. The work will be detailed and piloted and we anticipate presenting draft City Indicators at the World Urban Forum 4 in Nanjing, in 2008. This session will present a draft paper on City Indicators, reviewing the approaches and systems developed to date, as well as suggesting what we believe have been the strengths and shortcomings of many city indicator initiatives so far. The goal of the session is to provoke an interactive discussion and obtain feedback for the proposed work plan to Nanjing in 2008.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Makhtar Diop, Sector Director, LCFPSI, World Bank
John Burret, Senior Manager, Social Policy, Federation of Canadian Minucipalities
Nefise Bazoglu, Chief, Monitoring Systems Branch, UN-HABITAT
 

Event Description
Networks can be very powerful tools for addressing serious social, environmental and economic matters. Network members representing, governments, local authorities, and municipal federations will discuss their experiences in sharing tools and developing best practices for improving urban environmental management.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Mr. Joao Avamileno mayor, Santo Andres, Brazil
Ms. Patricia Duran de Jager, Executive Director, Federation of Municipalities of the Central America
Mr. Gilberto Toro, President of the Colombian Federation of Municipalities
Alberto Kleiman, International Relations Expert and Special Adviser to the Brazilian Presidency for International Cooperation, Brasilia, Brazil. Federico Burone, Regional Director, IDRC Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, Montevideo, Uruguay. Chair: Mr. Eduardo Passalacqua, urban governance specialist, Buenos Aires, Argentina.1. The Latin American Federation of Cities, Municipalities and Associations of Local Governments (FLACMA) has its seeds in the Latin American Chapter of the International Union of Local Authorities (IULA) that was founded on 17 November 1981. The main objective of FLACMA is to strengthen local governments, cities, national associations of local governments and to create new relations to institutions working in promotion, development and local democracy. 2. The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is a public corporation created by the Parliament of Canada in 1970 to help developing countries use science and technology to find practical, long-term solutions of the social, economic and environmental problems they face. Support is directed toward developing an indigenous research capacity to sustain policies and technologies developing countries need to build healthier, more equitable and more prosperous societies.

Host Organization Description
1. The Latin American Federation of Cities, Municipalities and Associations of Local Governments (FLACMA) has its seeds in the Latin American Chapter of the International Union of Local Authorities (IULA) that was founded on 17 November 1981. The main objective of FLACMA is to strengthen local governments, cities, national associations of local governments and to create new relations to institutions working in promotion, development and local democracy. 2. The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is a public corporation created by the Parliament of Canada in 1970 to help developing countries use science and technology to find practical, long-term solutions of the social, economic and environmental problems they face. Support is directed toward developing an indigenous research capacity to sustain policies and technologies developing countries need to build healthier, more equitable and more prosperous societies.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.idrc.ca/wuf
www.flacma.org  
www.mercociudades.org
www.femica.org
www.sci.ic.gc.ca
 

Event Description
Controversy, disagreement, questioning and passion can all be expected at Homeless International's second CLIFF debate. At the first debate in Barcelona, speakers dramatically changed sides halfway through and the packed audience participated volubly. In Vancouver, we expect even more engagement as we debate the motion "This house believes the urban poor cannot afford to work in formal partnership with the state and with the private sector”. Slum dwellers, NGOs, bankers and government officials will all be there to state their positions. The audience will have their say and vote to accept or reject the motion.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Mr Jockin Arpurtham, NSDF
Mr Anil Kumar, ICICI Bank
Ms Ruth McLeod
 Homeless International is the UK-based charity that supports community-led housing and infrastructure related development through local partners internationally

Host Organization Description
Homeless International is the UK-based charity that supports community-led housing and infrastructure related development through local partners internationally

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.homeless-international.org
www.sparcindia.org
www.icicibank.com
 

Event Description
Why cities in the South must take action now; and how they grow and develop over the next 20 years has very large implications for climate change and for the climate-change related risks their populations will face. What is known about the climate-change risks cities face, now and in the future? A large and growing proportion of the population most at risk are in cities in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. The issue of whether adaptation to these risks and lower greenhouse gas emissions can be combined, without damaging cities' economic prospects, will be discussed, and illustrated by case studies from Saint Louis, Senegal; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Mombassa, Kenya.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Saleemul Huq, David Satterthwaite (International Institute for Environment and Development, IIED
Khady Diagne, ENDA-Tiers Monde; Dhaka Victor Orindi, African Centre for Tech. Studies, Nairobi
Mozaharul Alam, Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies
 Sida is the Swedish government's official bilateral aid agency. IIED is an international non-profit policy research Institute.

Host Organization Description
Sida is the Swedish government's official bilateral aid agency. IIED is an international non-profit policy research Institute.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.iied.org
 

Event Description
This event is a lively discussion of street level initiatives aimed at solving conflicts and inequality in changing multicultural communities. It will include a presentation of promising actions, such as a web cafe for urban art and social issues and a “citizen’s charter”, which is a legal model for civic and cultural rights in cities. A short series of narratives from groups working in places like Vancouver, Toronto, and the South Pacific will frame a debate on best practices and encourage thought on expanding political representation. Projects include helping immigrants adapt and transition to their new communities, dealing with community violence, organizing alternatives for youth, and campaigning to develop more inclusive city planning policies. Especially important to this event is the meta-level dilemma of cultural relativity, how it relates to universal human rights, and how these issues challenge healthy community building.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Cynthia Gervais: Rights and Democracy Network, Montreal
Glenn Raynor: Executive Director, Pacific Peoples' Partnership, Victoria
Simon Schachner: Popular Participation Movement Nanaimo
Rights and Democracy Nanaimo is a student driven delegation working on projects that promote human rights and fair democratic political and social representation. Part of a Canada wide network of University student organizations, the Nanaimo delegation has developed socially conscious radio programs, elementary school educational kits, community support fundraisers, and a documentary filmakers contest. The Rights and Democracy Network itself is based in Montreal, and is a non-partisan organization which works with individuals, organizations and governments in Canada and abroad to advance the human and democratic rights defined in the United Nations' International Bill of Human Rights. Although its mandate is wide-ranging, Rights & Democracy currently focuses on four themes: democratic development, women's human rights, globalization and human rights, and the rights of indigenous peoples.

Host Organization Description
Rights and Democracy Nanaimo is a student driven delegation working on projects that promote human rights and fair democratic political and social representation. Part of a Canada wide network of University student organizations, the Nanaimo delegation has developed socially conscious radio programs, elementary school educational kits, community support fundraisers, and a documentary filmakers contest. The Rights and Democracy Network itself is based in Montreal, and is a non-partisan organization which works with individuals, organizations and governments in Canada and abroad to advance the human and democratic rights defined in the United Nations' International Bill of Human Rights. Although its mandate is wide-ranging, Rights & Democracy currently focuses on four themes: democratic development, women's human rights, globalization and human rights, and the rights of indigenous peoples.

Event Description
Teams of community leaders and supporters from tsunami-hit areas of India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand will share their unconventional strategies and experiences in rebuilding their lives, communities, livelihoods and environments. Because the scale of the disaster was too great for governments and aid agencies to handle alone, the tsunami provided a rich opportunity for exploring new aspects of people-centered disaster management and longer-term development, in which affected communities have been key actors, rather than passive victims. The likelihood of increasing natural and man-made calamities makes it crucial lessons of the Asian tsunami be shared, understood and built upon, to encourage the mainstreaming of people's central participation in disaster rehabilitation.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Ms. Somsook Boonyabanch from ACHR / CODI Thailand and community leaders
Ms. Wardah Hafidz from Urban Poor Link ( UPLINK) Indonesia and community leaders
Mr. Sandeep Virmani India and Mr. KA Jayaratne Sevanatha Sri Lanka
The Asian Coalition for Housing Rights is a regional network of grassroots community organizations, NGO's and professionals actively involved with urban poor development processes in Asian cities.

Host Organization Description
The Asian Coalition for Housing Rights is a regional network of grassroots community organizations, NGO's and professionals actively involved with urban poor development processes in Asian cities.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.achr.net
 

Event Description
What is it like to grow up in your city? What works, and what doesn't, for children and youth in the most challenging neighbourhoods of your city? How can you engage young people as meaningful partners for community change? What can we learn from them that will lead to more effective policies and services? For ten years, the Growing Up in Cities project has been engaging young people as co-researchers in understanding their communities, identifying priorities for change, and working to make change happen. This session will be an opportunity to hear from adults and young people involved in GUIC projects from Mexico, Japan, Canada, Kenya and elsewhere, to learn from their experiences and determine how to best apply their lessons to your community.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Representatives from 'Growing Up in Guadalajara'
Representatives from 'Growing Up in Tokyo'
Representatives from 'Growing Up in Gatineau,' and others...
Growing Up in Cities (GUIC) is an international network of individuals and organizations committed to the participation of children and youth in urban evaluation, planning and action. Working under the umbrella of UNESCO, GUiC partners include universities, community-based organizations, municipal agencies and advocacy groups who share a commitment of working both for and with young people. Our network is active in more than 16 countries around the world, with local projects focused on working with low income and marginalized communities. In the past year the network launched the UNESCO Chair for Growing Up in Cities at Cornell University, with partners at universities around the world.

Host Organization Description
Growing Up in Cities (GUIC) is an international network of individuals and organizations committed to the participation of children and youth in urban evaluation, planning and action. Working under the umbrella of UNESCO, GUiC partners include universities, community-based organizations, municipal agencies and advocacy groups who share a commitment of working both for and with young people. Our network is active in more than 16 countries around the world, with local projects focused on working with low income and marginalized communities. In the past year the network launched the UNESCO Chair for Growing Up in Cities at Cornell University, with partners at universities around the world.

Event Description
This event aims to promote and disseminate recent developments in the field of community safety and crime prevention in urban areas, which demonstrate effectiveness and sustainability, and the central role of youth as resources. It will highlight local, national and international good practices, experience and tools, which demonstrate the growing use of well-planned strategic crime prevention, and its impact on improving the quality of life of young people, particularly the most vulnerable. This event will inform the publication of a Youth Source Book, Policy Guidelines for Municipalities on Youth Crime Prevention and development of a Youth Crime Prevention Prize and youth city-to-city exchanges.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
 
Juma Assiago, Safer Cities Programme, UN-Habitat
Margaret Shaw, ICPC, Canada
UN-Habitat is the UN agency for human settlements. It is mandated to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) of UN-Habitat collaborates with the SCP in the implementation of regional activities on urban violence reduction and prevention. ROLAC has supported projects and the organization of regional consultations on urban violence and youth, women and children. NCPC, the Canadian National Crime Prevention Council, was created to ensure coordination across all federal departments and agencies responsible for national security and the safety of Canadians. From natural disaster to crime and terrorism, their mandate is to keep Canadians safe. NCPC works with volunteer groups, governments and businesses to support local solutions to crime and victimization. ICPC, the International Centre for the Prevention of Crime, is an international forum for national governments, local authorities, public agencies, specialised institutions, and non-government organisations to exchange experience, consider emerging knowledge, and improve policies and programmes in crime prevention and community safety.

Host Organization Description
UN-Habitat is the UN agency for human settlements. It is mandated to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) of UN-Habitat collaborates with the SCP in the implementation of regional activities on urban violence reduction and prevention. ROLAC has supported projects and the organization of regional consultations on urban violence and youth, women and children. NCPC, the Canadian National Crime Prevention Council, was created to ensure coordination across all federal departments and agencies responsible for national security and the safety of Canadians. From natural disaster to crime and terrorism, their mandate is to keep Canadians safe. NCPC works with volunteer groups, governments and businesses to support local solutions to crime and victimization. ICPC, the International Centre for the Prevention of Crime, is an international forum for national governments, local authorities, public agencies, specialised institutions, and non-government organisations to exchange experience, consider emerging knowledge, and improve policies and programmes in crime prevention and community safety.

Event Description
Community participation in local planning has become a common practice in democratized societies around the Pacific Rim. To various extents, it has contributed to a more inclusive approach in local planning and urban governance. This event will connect professionals and scholars in participatory community planning. Through presentation of cases, roundtable and group discussion we will share insights and compare experiences of how participatory planning is conducted at the community level and in different social and institutional contexts. The event seeks to expand an existing network of practitioners and researchers focusing on participatory community planning in the Pacific Rim, and involve individuals and organizations from the developing countries in the region and beyond. Through this event and follow-up discussions, we plan to formulate agenda for future collaboration across countries and regions.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Mayumi Hayashi
Margarita Hill
John K-C. Liu
In countries and regions across the Pacific Rim, participatory community design has become an increasingly important component of the urban planning and design process. From advocacy planning and citizen participation developed in the United States, models of participatory community design now can also be found in Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The Pacific Rim Community Design Network was launched following a working conference at University of California, Berkeley in 1998. This conference brought together leading community design scholars and practitioners from Japan, Taiwan and United States. The purpose of the conference was to provide the practitioners and scholars working in the field of participatory design and planning across the Pacific Rim region with an opportunity to share and compare each other's experiences and advance their practice and research. Through conferences and joint projects, the network has provided a vehicle for collaboration and mutual support, as well as a forum for comparative understanding of community design in the fast changing political and social context of the Pacific Rim.

Host Organization Description
In countries and regions across the Pacific Rim, participatory community design has become an increasingly important component of the urban planning and design process. From advocacy planning and citizen participation developed in the United States, models of participatory community design now can also be found in Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The Pacific Rim Community Design Network was launched following a working conference at University of California, Berkeley in 1998. This conference brought together leading community design scholars and practitioners from Japan, Taiwan and United States. The purpose of the conference was to provide the practitioners and scholars working in the field of participatory design and planning across the Pacific Rim region with an opportunity to share and compare each other's experiences and advance their practice and research. Through conferences and joint projects, the network has provided a vehicle for collaboration and mutual support, as well as a forum for comparative understanding of community design in the fast changing political and social context of the Pacific Rim.

Website (Organizer and partners)
faculty.washington.edu/jhou/pacrim.htm
depts.washington.edu/nwclc/
www.caup.washington.edu/larch/
www.calpoly.edu/~larc/
www.ours.org.tw/
view.megacitysite.com/

Event Description
Local engagement is the key to building strong communities and promoting change. This is a story of path-breaking partnerships and innovative approaches told by the people involved. They will share their insights in using participatory processes to develop sound urban agriculture policies to address growing urban poverty and food insecurity.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Ms. Sybilla Dekker, Minister of Housing, Spatial Planning and Environment of the Netherlands,
Ms. Raquel Barriga Velasco, Councillor of Villa Maria del Triunfo, Lima, Peru
Mr. El Hadji Oumar Sissokho, President of PROVANIA Urban Farmer Association of Pikine,
Mr. Henk de Zeeuw, Coordinator International Network of Resource Centres on Urban Agriculture and Food Security (RUAF) and senior advisor ETC-Foundation, Leusden, The Netherlands. Ms. Gayathri Devi, Researcher, International Water Management Institute (IMWI), Hyderabad, India. Mr. George Matovu, Director of the Municipal Development Partnership-Eastern and Southern Africa (MDP-ESA), Harare, Zimbabwe Chair: Mr. Dinesh Mehta, acting Chief of Urban Development Branch UN-HABITAT, Nairobi, Kenya. 1. The International Network of Resource centres on Urban Agriculture and Food security (RUAF Foundation) is an international, multi-cultural network of regional and international organisations, located in Lima (Peru), Dakar (Senegal), Accra (Ghana), Harare (Zimbabwe), Hyderabad (India), Beirut (Lebanon), Beijing (China) and the Netherlands, working on alleviating poverty, generating employment and food security by creating enabling conditions for the practice of urban and peri-urban agriculture. The RUAF Foundation works to facilitate the integration of urban agriculture in the policies and action programmes of local governments, technical departments, research centres and NGO’s, and supports the empowerment of urban farmers. 2. The International Development Research Centre is a public corporation created by the Parliament of Canada in 1970 to help developing countries use science and technology to find practical, long-term solutions of the social, economic and environmental problems they face. Support is directed toward developing an indigenous research capacity to sustain policies and technologies developing countries need to build healthier, more equitable and more prosperous societies.

Host Organization Description
1. The International Network of Resource centres on Urban Agriculture and Food security (RUAF Foundation) is an international, multi-cultural network of regional and international organisations, located in Lima (Peru), Dakar (Senegal), Accra (Ghana), Harare (Zimbabwe), Hyderabad (India), Beirut (Lebanon), Beijing (China) and the Netherlands, working on alleviating poverty, generating employment and food security by creating enabling conditions for the practice of urban and peri-urban agriculture. The RUAF Foundation works to facilitate the integration of urban agriculture in the policies and action programmes of local governments, technical departments, research centres and NGO’s, and supports the empowerment of urban farmers. 2. The International Development Research Centre is a public corporation created by the Parliament of Canada in 1970 to help developing countries use science and technology to find practical, long-term solutions of the social, economic and environmental problems they face. Support is directed toward developing an indigenous research capacity to sustain policies and technologies developing countries need to build healthier, more equitable and more prosperous societies.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.idrc.ca/wuf
www.ruaf.org
www.iagu.org
www.minbuza.nl
www.iwmi.cgiar.org/southasia/index.asp
www.mdpafrica.org.zw
www.ipes.org

Event Description
Culture as an Instrument of Social Harmony, Cohesion and Economic Vitality We invite you to participate in this interactive Networking session where the intersection between individual creation and societal context will be explored and queried - a compelling journey that recognizes culture as an integral component of urban sustainability. Recent studies on the impact of arts and culture on communities have shown how these programs enrich the lives of those who participate and play a crucial role as a catalyst for economic prosperity, social health and national identity. In Greater Vancouver - the metropolitan host area of WUF3 - creators in every discipline from food to music to video games, architecture to dance to fashion have created a unique culture defined by its eclecticism. In a vibrant mix of short performances and presentations featuring a combination of international guest speakers and local cultural actors, this interactive Networking Event will immerse participants in the diverse culture of Greater Vancouver and fuse it with the international experiences of our guests.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Bill Richardson (broadcaster and writer); Professor Pier Luigi Sacco, University IUAV, Venice, Italy); Kutapira Youth Marimba Percussion Ensemble (high energy percussion music); Lorenz von Fersen (municipal cultural planner and festival organizer); Amy Newman (Arts coordinator for Surrey School District); Fiona Black (Director of Programming at Capilano College, North Vancouver); Sitara Thobani (Dancer - Indian and Hip Hop); Qiu Xia He and Andre Thibeault- Silk Road Duo (Chinese pipa (lute) player and Quebec born multi-instrumentalist); Elaine Briere (Photographer); Stephanie Robb and Bill Pechet (interdisciplinary design studio - Canada’s entry in the 2006 Venice Biennale); Joe Wai (Architect); Hajnalka Mandula (Fashion Designer); Greg Hook (Chocolate Arts Proprietor).The GVRD is a confederation of 21 municipal governments, including the City of Vancouver, and one electoral area committed to protecting and enhancing the quality of life in our region through the delivery of region-wide essential services. To achieve this purpose, the GVRD serves as a collective and collaborative decision-making body. The Sustainable Region Initiative (SRI) is our collective commitment to ensure that the long-term consequences of our actions support a sustainable future for Greater Vancouver complete with economic prosperity, community well-being, and environmental health.

Host Organization Description
The GVRD is a confederation of 21 municipal governments, including the City of Vancouver, and one electoral area committed to protecting and enhancing the quality of life in our region through the delivery of region-wide essential services. To achieve this purpose, the GVRD serves as a collective and collaborative decision-making body. The Sustainable Region Initiative (SRI) is our collective commitment to ensure that the long-term consequences of our actions support a sustainable future for Greater Vancouver complete with economic prosperity, community well-being, and environmental health.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.gvrd.bc.ca
 

Event Description
Why is it that urban poverty and investments in housing and infrastructure for the poor are so rarely mentioned in national poverty reduction planning? ComHabitat will host a debate to explore this question based around a motion that “this house believes urban development strategies are not relevant to national poverty reduction strategies”. Those who think something can and should be done about the gap between reality and policy in this area will enjoy the event, which offers excellent opportunities for wide audience participation. Speakers include national and local government officials, slum dwellers and NGO representatives. ComHabitat is a partnership of the Commonwealth Consultative Group on Human Settlements (CCGHS - national Ministers responsible for implementing the Habitat Agenda) and agencies from government, local government, civil society and the private sector. CCGHS has adopted a Commonwealth Goal of “Demonstrated progress towards adequate shelter for all with secure tenure and access to essential services in every community by 2015”. ComHabitat aims to link CCGHS with other agencies in practical ways to promote and monitor implementation of the Habitat Agenda, Commonwealth Goal and associated Millennium Development Goals. The secretariat function of ComHabitat is provided by Homeless International. For more information see www.comhabitat.org

Host Organization Description
ComHabitat is a partnership of the Commonwealth Consultative Group on Human Settlements (CCGHS - national Ministers responsible for implementing the Habitat Agenda) and agencies from government, local government, civil society and the private sector. CCGHS has adopted a Commonwealth Goal of “Demonstrated progress towards adequate shelter for all with secure tenure and access to essential services in every community by 2015”. ComHabitat aims to link CCGHS with other agencies in practical ways to promote and monitor implementation of the Habitat Agenda, Commonwealth Goal and associated Millennium Development Goals. The secretariat function of ComHabitat is provided by Homeless International. For more information see www.comhabitat.org

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.comhabitat.org
 

Event Description
This event will cover a theme presentation followed by intervention by four panellists. The theme paper will cover institutional and financial system applied on the subject among various States in India with a particular focus on: Institutional Coordination, communication, efficiency and effectiveness in a vertical and horizontal frame-work; Financing system - Liquidity, Resource Mobilization, Outreach and Equity; Role and Effectiveness of specialized Service Agencies (water, sanitation, housing, etc.); and Local solutions - Role and Potential of Local Agencies at town level.The Association has been formed by Institutions and individuals involved in Habitat Sector in India. The objects of the Association are promotion of building and maintenance of houses, expression of collective opinion on matters affecting housing development, hold meetings on matters pertaining to financial and administrative issues on housing, suggest improved methods of administration, planning, maintenance of housing and take up consultancy and training in the field of housing within India and outside India. AIHDA specilises in Research, Training and Networking on habitat sector in India as well as abroad and has wider outreach covering the important stake holders from different parts of India. The event will provide an opportunity to share experience on delivery of housing and related infrastructure with a particular reference to local solutions for national issues such as productivity, equity, quality of life, sustainability and decentralization. In this regard, the mechanism to develop local solutions will be examined, keeping in view the element of synergy and convergence used by institutional and financial system. This will also include verticdal and horizontal framework, magnitude of supply, outreach, element of partnerships, pro-poor initiatives and regulatory mechanism.

Host Organization Description
The Association has been formed by Institutions and individuals involved in Habitat Sector in India. The objects of the Association are promotion of building and maintenance of houses, expression of collective opinion on matters affecting housing development, hold meetings on matters pertaining to financial and administrative issues on housing, suggest improved methods of administration, planning, maintenance of housing and take up consultancy and training in the field of housing within India and outside India. AIHDA specilises in Research, Training and Networking on habitat sector in India as well as abroad and has wider outreach covering the important stake holders from different parts of India. The event will provide an opportunity to share experience on delivery of housing and related infrastructure with a particular reference to local solutions for national issues such as productivity, equity, quality of life, sustainability and decentralization. In this regard, the mechanism to develop local solutions will be examined, keeping in view the element of synergy and convergence used by institutional and financial system. This will also include verticdal and horizontal framework, magnitude of supply, outreach, element of partnerships, pro-poor initiatives and regulatory mechanism.

Event Description
This session will use four Canadian ‘big city’ case studies to present the different structures, mechanisms and processes needed to fully implement a Gender Equality Policy. Discussion will be guided by a questionnaire in a publication of Federation of Canadian Municipalities called A City Tailored to Women, which identifies three sets of factors contributing to the creation of women-friendly cities. Among these factors are political, administrative and participatory concerns. Although the opening presentation will be about Canadian cities - Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa - the focus of the session will be international. Special attention will be given to the particular nature of large cities, given their diversity in terms of ethnicity, class, occupations and abilities. Are there special challenges and possibilities needing to be recognized and addressed? Or, are these lessons equally applicable to smaller communities?

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Mariana Alonso, Argentina
Konté Fatoumata Doumbia, Mali
Vu Thi Vinh, Vietnam
Nicole Boily, Canada Ellen Woodsworth, Canada Proserpina Tapales, Philippines Magdalena García Hernández, Mexico Marina Leite, Brasil WOMEN IN CITIES INTERNATIONAL is an international network for various partners concerned with gender equality issues and the place of women in cities. It seeks to disseminate information on issues relating to gender equality, the role of women in cities and the application of a gender approach in community and municipal decision-making, and the public policy process. THE FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES (FCM) is dedicated to improving the quality of life in all communities by promoting strong, effective and accountable municipal government. The FCM Committee for Increasing Women's Participation in Municipal Government promotes and supports the participation of women in government.

Host Organization Description
WOMEN IN CITIES INTERNATIONAL is an international network for various partners concerned with gender equality issues and the place of women in cities. It seeks to disseminate information on issues relating to gender equality, the role of women in cities and the application of a gender approach in community and municipal decision-making, and the public policy process. THE FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES (FCM) is dedicated to improving the quality of life in all communities by promoting strong, effective and accountable municipal government. The FCM Committee for Increasing Women's Participation in Municipal Government promotes and supports the participation of women in government.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.femmesetvilles.org
www.womenincities.org
www.fcm.ca
www.redmujer.org.ar
 

Event Description
The International Housing Coalition’s (IHC) long-term strategy is to mobilize its partners, and their worldwide private networks, in an effort to obtain affordable and decent housing for all. The IHC and its founders seek to use this session to establish relationships with housing coalitions and other parties in the developing world with goals similar to the IHC, so more attention is brought to shelter and housing issues and joint efforts can be developed to lift the priority of housing assistance by multilateral and bilateral donor agencies and to implement effective housing and slum improvement strategies in selected developing countries.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Peter Kimm, Chair International Housing Coalition
Al Mansell, Past President, NAR and Gerry Thiessen, C REA Past President
Michael Carscaddon, Executive VP International Division, Habitat for Humanity International
This session is one of a series of 12 networking sessions organized by the International Housing Coalition (IHC) on important housing issues.The International Housing Coalition (IHC) is a private, non-profit US corporation organized for the purpose of restoring housing to a position of importance and priority on the world development agenda. Its founders are Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). These organizations have networks in some 100 countries.

Host Organization Description
The International Housing Coalition (IHC) is a private, non-profit US corporation organized for the purpose of restoring housing to a position of importance and priority on the world development agenda. Its founders are Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). These organizations have networks in some 100 countries.

Event Description
Based upon the Global Campaign for Secure Tenure's concept of "removing Slums, not Slum Dwellers," BEYOND SHELTER-A HOME seeks to make a significant impact on the living and working conditions of the world's urban poor. Our experts discuss the impact of private property rights on freedom and security. Only by joining forces with a public-private sector coalition can we successfully overcome these challenges. As Gary Taylor states in "Real Property Markets - The Real Solution for Economic Development," starting with Hernando de Soto's ideas, we must concentrate on how to elevate private property rights and real property markets on the development agenda and mobilize resources to help others establish lasting frameworks which support transparent market systems.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Enrique Penalosa, former Mayor of Bogota, Colombia
Sopon Pornchokchai, Ph.D., President, Thai Appraisal Foundation, Bangkok, Thailand
Sheldon Good, CCIM, Founder, Sheldon Good & Company, Chicago
Speaker 4- Larry O. Dybvig, MAI, President, Grover, Elliott & Co. Speaker 5- Mauro Gabriele, MAI, MS, Dipl. FIABCI, New York University Speaker 6- Sylvia Martinez, High Level Commission for the Legal Empowerment of the Poor Speaker 7- Tim Wilkens, President, Global Housing Foundation Speaker 8- H.E. Sr. Eduardo Sevilla Somoza, Perm. Rep. of Nicaragua to UN Moderators- Owen Gwyn, FIABCI World President Donald Bentley, President, International Organizations, FIABCIFormed in 1948, FIABCI was awarded Special Consultative Status as a NGO with ECOSOC in 1954. Continually working on UN Habitat issues, FIABCI has grown to operate chapters in 65 countries, embracing over 3,300 individual, company and academic members and an additional 125 national associations with over 1.5 million individual real estate professionals globally. Launched in 1999 as a joint FIABCI and UN-Habitat initiative, the Global Housing Foundation seeks to house the homeless by combining public and private sector resources. Utilizing FIABCI's global knowledge pertaining to private property issues and the GHF Managua model for human settlements, these ECOSOC NGOs have formed a Global Housing/Private Property Rights Consortium to jointly present "BEYOND SHELTER-A HOME."

Host Organization Description
Formed in 1948, FIABCI was awarded Special Consultative Status as a NGO with ECOSOC in 1954. Continually working on UN Habitat issues, FIABCI has grown to operate chapters in 65 countries, embracing over 3,300 individual, company and academic members and an additional 125 national associations with over 1.5 million individual real estate professionals globally. Launched in 1999 as a joint FIABCI and UN-Habitat initiative, the Global Housing Foundation seeks to house the homeless by combining public and private sector resources. Utilizing FIABCI's global knowledge pertaining to private property issues and the GHF Managua model for human settlements, these ECOSOC NGOs have formed a Global Housing/Private Property Rights Consortium to jointly present "BEYOND SHELTER-A HOME."

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.fiabci.org
www.globalhousingfoundation.org
www.appraisalinstitute.org
www.nyu.edu
www.daniels.du.edu/burns
www.thaiappraisal.org
www.kiasia.org

Event Description
Strengthening the link between domestic capital and city infrastructure needs - what can be done? This session focuses on opportunities for action by way of partnerships between cities, national governments and their development partners. From the cities' standpoint, identifying a set of agreed internal actions and demonstrating a clear revenue stream would provide greater voice when negotiating with higher levels of governments for greater devolution of power to match increased responsibilities. At the same time, national level policy actions are necessary to enable a new market for private capital to finance public infrastructure. Bringing together representatives from national governments, cities, lenders and development partners, this session aims at a better understanding of access to finance.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Prof. Gyan-Bouffour, Deputy Minister of Finance, Ghana
Mr. J. Ngobeni, CFO, City of Johannesburg, South Africa
Ms. S. Malathi, Commissioner Economics, Tamilnadu, India
 The Cities Alliance is a global coalition of cities and their development partners committed to scaling up successful approaches to poverty reduction. The Alliance provides matching grants in support of: (a) City development strategies (CDS) which link the process by which local stakeholders define their vision for their city and its economic growth, environmental and poverty reduction objectives, with clear priorities for actions and investments; (b) Citywide and nationwide slum upgrading in accordance with the Alliance’s Cities Without Slums action plan, including promoting secure tenure, access to shelter finance and policies to help cities prevent the growth of new slums; and (c) Sustainable financing strategies for cities to attract the long-term capital investments needed for infrastructure, including improving accountability and demonstrating stable revenue streams to more effectively leverage domestic capital. Cities Alliance members are: Local authorities, represented by United Cities and Local Governments, Metropolis, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America, the Asian Development Bank, UNEP, UN-HABITAT and the World Bank.

Host Organization Description
The Cities Alliance is a global coalition of cities and their development partners committed to scaling up successful approaches to poverty reduction. The Alliance provides matching grants in support of: (a) City development strategies (CDS) which link the process by which local stakeholders define their vision for their city and its economic growth, environmental and poverty reduction objectives, with clear priorities for actions and investments; (b) Citywide and nationwide slum upgrading in accordance with the Alliance’s Cities Without Slums action plan, including promoting secure tenure, access to shelter finance and policies to help cities prevent the growth of new slums; and (c) Sustainable financing strategies for cities to attract the long-term capital investments needed for infrastructure, including improving accountability and demonstrating stable revenue streams to more effectively leverage domestic capital. Cities Alliance members are: Local authorities, represented by United Cities and Local Governments, Metropolis, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America, the Asian Development Bank, UNEP, UN-HABITAT and the World Bank.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.citiesalliance.org
www.acdi-cida.gc.ca
www.fcm.ca
www.sci.ic.gc.ca
odin.dep.no/ud/engelsk

Event Description
The challenges of urban growth are too much and too important for governments alone and the private sector can play a key role in many aspects of urban development. This event will challenge local authorities and finance institutions, as well as other urban development partners around the world, to create favourable conditions for private sector engagement. Participants will benefit from the perspectives of the World Bank and the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships. The Mayor of Porto Alegre, Brazil will explain why his city implemented a municipal Public-Private Partnership law ahead of most other cities in Brazil. Geomax International Inc., a Canadian information technology company, will provide a private sector perspective on working with municipalities around the world.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
(Chair)Trevor Rees, LEAD International; Daniel Hoornweg, Senior Municipal Engineer, World Bank
Dale Richmond, President, The Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships
José Fogaça , Mayor of Porto Alegre, Brazil; Cyril Robitaille, Geomax International Inc.
 Industry Canada’s mission is to foster a growing competitive, knowledge-based Canadian economy. The department works with Canadians throughout the economy and in all parts of the country to improve conditions for investment, improve Canada's innovation performance, increase Canada's share of global trade and build a fair, efficient and competitive marketplace. Program areas include developing industry and technology capability, fostering scientific research, setting telecommunications policy, promoting investment and trade, promoting tourism and small business development, and setting rules and services that support the effective operation of the marketplace.

Host Organization Description
Industry Canada’s mission is to foster a growing competitive, knowledge-based Canadian economy. The department works with Canadians throughout the economy and in all parts of the country to improve conditions for investment, improve Canada's innovation performance, increase Canada's share of global trade and build a fair, efficient and competitive marketplace. Program areas include developing industry and technology capability, fostering scientific research, setting telecommunications policy, promoting investment and trade, promoting tourism and small business development, and setting rules and services that support the effective operation of the marketplace.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.ic.gc.ca
www.worldbank.org
www.pppcouncil.ca
www.portoalegre.rs.gov.br
www.geomax.ca
www.lead.org

Event Description
This event will demonstrate alternatives to forced evictions are possible, even in difficult situations. The first session will highlight the global picture on forced evictions with a focus on the last decade. The second session will include regional presentations from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe focusing on recent and ongoing cases, and various solutions and successes in fighting evictions. The final session will present a play by community members on creative ways to deal with forced evictions. This event will bring together participants from countries successfully dealing with evictions with those from countries facing large scale eviction situations, creating a debate among government, civil society, and slum dwellers communities.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Jean de Plessis, Ag Director COHRE, S. Africa, Leticia Osario, COHRE, Brazil, Luz Maria Sanchez,Peru
Beth Chitekwe-Biti, Dialogue Shelter Zimbabwe, Malick Gaye, Enda,
Wardah Hafiz, UPC, Indonesia Cesare Ottolini, Mayor Birsinger,
 Advisory Group on Forced Evictions is an entity that was established by UN-HABITAT at the end of 2003 upon request from the 19th Governing Council (resolution 19/5, para7). Its mandate is to monitor and identify, and, if so requested, to promote alternatives to unlawful evictions. The group is composed of slum dweller associations, governments, local authorities, NGOs, and private sector professional organizations. It has successfully conducted a number of conciliatory missions and provided the Executive Director with advices on evictions. Its first report was launched at the 20th Governing Council.

Host Organization Description
Advisory Group on Forced Evictions is an entity that was established by UN-HABITAT at the end of 2003 upon request from the 19th Governing Council (resolution 19/5, para7). Its mandate is to monitor and identify, and, if so requested, to promote alternatives to unlawful evictions. The group is composed of slum dweller associations, governments, local authorities, NGOs, and private sector professional organizations. It has successfully conducted a number of conciliatory missions and provided the Executive Director with advices on evictions. Its first report was launched at the 20th Governing Council.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.unhabitat.org
www.unhchr.ch
www.cohre.org
www.sdinet.org
www.habitants.org

Event Description
This networking event aims to explore and discuss the following issues and sub-topics: new approaches and trends in domestic finance for human settlements; sustainable financing for low-income housing and infrastructure development; affordable housing finance mechanisms; primary and secondary mortgage finance development; integrating informal and formal human settlements financing; innovative financing mechanisms and capacity building; strategies for developing sustainable and affordable human settlements finance mechanisms; housing microfinance; and related case studies.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
L. Chiquier; & Raquel Szalachman
M. Lindfield; & Alejandro Florian
R. Struyk; & Eduardo Rojas
Other speakers: Father Emses Audax Nshalla UN-HABITAT, among other activities, conducts both normative and operational activities in human settlements development and finance, which covers four main areas: • Analysing and evaluating housing and urban finance experiences, particularly affordable financing mechanisms; • Financing municipal services in a decentralized environment; • Promoting the institutional and policy development of housing and urban finance; • Developing finance strategies for the underserved poor people. UN-ECLAC, among other activities, identifies the capacity and limitations of municipalities in addressing low income and poverty issues. It examines the financing structure of municipalities in different countries, resources availability and management and implementation issues.

Host Organization Description
UN-HABITAT, among other activities, conducts both normative and operational activities in human settlements development and finance, which covers four main areas: • Analysing and evaluating housing and urban finance experiences, particularly affordable financing mechanisms; • Financing municipal services in a decentralized environment; • Promoting the institutional and policy development of housing and urban finance; • Developing finance strategies for the underserved poor people. UN-ECLAC, among other activities, identifies the capacity and limitations of municipalities in addressing low income and poverty issues. It examines the financing structure of municipalities in different countries, resources availability and management and implementation issues.

Event Description
This session will explore all possibilities of financing urban water and sanitation in Asian cities, to ensure a significant increase in access to reliable and affordable services for safe water, sanitation and productive livelihoods. It aims at strengthening ways and means for prioritizing investments in urban water and sanitation services to support sustained economic growth in cities, including investments in water supply, sanitation and environmental improvement. This event shall bring together Governments at National, State and Local levels as important partners responsible for budgetary supports, governance and regulatory policies to meet the challenge of providing water and sanitation for human settlements.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Mr. Ranjit Issar, Secretary, Ministry of Urban Employment & Poverty Alleviation, Government of India
Dr. Somphone Dethoudom, Director General, Ministry of Communication, Transport, Post and Constructio
Mr. Cai Long, Vice-President, Nanjing Urban Construction Investment Holding (Group) Co. Ltd., P.R. C
- Mr. Kalyan Ray, Senior Advisor, Office of the Executive Director, UN-HABITAT Nairobi - Mr. Arjun Thapan, Deputy Director General, Mekong Department, Asian Development Bank, Manila - Mr. Tariq Bhatti, Senior Advisor to Deputy Head on International Affairs and Organizational Development, Govt. of Canada - Mr. Prabhu Dayal Meena, Principal Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh, India - Mrs. Susmita Shekhar, Sr. Vice President, Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, India

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
WATSANGovernanceProceeding_100164.pdf
AsiaWaterWatch2015__100164.pdf
SmallPipedWaterNetworks_100164.pdf
WACProgramme_100164.pdf

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.unhabitat.org
www.adb.org
 

Event Description
This event focuses on the host organizations' experiences with projects in Peru and the Netherlands and show how these contribute to building up a sustainable and healthy city. This event will consider: the Cities Agenda 21 project, which has been implemented in 15 cities in Peru; Sustainable Construction for the Urban Poor, which aims to apply sustainable construction concepts to informal construction in Peru; and Concepts & Strategies to include Environmental Health in Urban Planning processes

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
Programa_100085.doc

Event Description
This event will describe a process based upon an integrated approach on creating sustainable cities and towns, focused on the connection transport-building-housing-planning. Cooperation between different levels of administration is a key feature in sustainable urban development, as well as coordination between different planning processes. This means one must see the inter-relationship between transport, business, housing and people. The purpose is to stimulate integration and shared decision-making between private and public interests, as well as involving citizens. This calls for the courage to look ahead and ask how the transport system can benefit from community development and a sound urban environment. Today it is not enough for public authorities to act within demarcated areas of responsibility. A cooperation is required across borders, between all parties who work within the building and transport system and have an impact on the system.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Moderator Brian M Evans
Eva Hägglund, Olov Schultz, Anki Ingelström, Torbjörn Suneson
Eva Mattsson, Eva Andersson, Jenny Freed, Carl-Johan Engström
 Two municipalities, Municipality of Norrköping, City of Uppsala, three Swedish State Governmental organizations, The National Board of Housing, Building and Planning, The Swedish Road Administration, The Swedish Rail Administration and one Lobby organization for the municipalities, Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions.

Host Organization Description
Two municipalities, Municipality of Norrköping, City of Uppsala, three Swedish State Governmental organizations, The National Board of Housing, Building and Planning, The Swedish Road Administration, The Swedish Rail Administration and one Lobby organization for the municipalities, Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions.

Event Description
Seasoned leaders from grassroots women’s organizations, who participated in the Grassroots Women’s International Academy pre-event, will present the innovative solutions and knowledge they contribute to sustainable human settlements. Their actionable ideas address issues of economic empowerment, housing, basic services, family-friendly urban policy and communities resilient to AIDS, Disaster and Conflict. The speakers, from countries such as the Czech Republic, Philippines, Kenya, and Bolivia, will discuss how they plan to transfer skills and knowledge between one another’s organizations in peer learning processes over the next few years. The participatory nature of the session will encourage grassroots leaders to share their experience. It will, also, offer the opportunity for partners to discuss how to upscale grassroots participation inside local planning and governance processes.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Rut Kolinska - Mother Centers Network of the Czech Republic
Analucy Bengochea - Garifuna Emergency Committee of Honduras
Parakalam Bhuvaneswari - The Covenant Centre Development - CCD
 Groots International is a network of grassroots women’s organizations that contribute to the development of their communities. From the South and the North, the member organizations are committed to creating relationships of mutual support and solidarity with one another. GROOTS International was formed in 1985 during the conference of the UN Decade for Women in Nairobi, when six grassroots women came up with the vision of GROOTS, to contradict exclusion from global policy dialogues. Members believe that by working hard to solve evey day problems in their communities, grassroots women are essential resources of knowledge. GROOTS seeks to develop a movement giving voice and power to grassroots women's local visions and initiatives, attracting long term partners, and creating new policies to expand and strengthen their leadership.

Host Organization Description
Groots International is a network of grassroots women’s organizations that contribute to the development of their communities. From the South and the North, the member organizations are committed to creating relationships of mutual support and solidarity with one another. GROOTS International was formed in 1985 during the conference of the UN Decade for Women in Nairobi, when six grassroots women came up with the vision of GROOTS, to contradict exclusion from global policy dialogues. Members believe that by working hard to solve evey day problems in their communities, grassroots women are essential resources of knowledge. GROOTS seeks to develop a movement giving voice and power to grassroots women's local visions and initiatives, attracting long term partners, and creating new policies to expand and strengthen their leadership.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.groots.org
 

Event Description
It is not easy to measure the impact of meetings organised by the United Nations for discussing the problems of a given domain, especially in such limited time frames that durable results and genuine obstacles cannot be fully considered. However, over a thirty-year time span, there is evidence of mounting interest in having a critical report on the path thus far travelled and the impact of reflection and action. How has the African city evolved in its configuration, its facilities, its constraints, its resources, and its challenges? What is the impact of initiated action on its development and management? What have been known successes and setbacks? How have the concepts that guided action fundamentally changed? What has happened to the catastrophic projections and predictions made in the 1970’s to justify general intervention and mobilisation against urban problems? How have the experience’s and lessons learned been documented by countries? Have they been shared? With who? Which new theoretical and political prospective must be given in order to get to the desired massive and durable changes. This networking event is a prolongation of this debate. It will constitute one privileged moment to take stock of the thought and the interventions in the cities in general and the African cities in particular. It will be held in the presence of leading research experts, local authorities and various representatives interested in questions regarding the urban issues. The results of these exchanges will account for the paradigmatic perspectives and will direct the postures of the future. It is not easy to measure the impact of meetings organized by the United Nations for discussing the problems in a given domain, especially in time frames that ares so short that it makes it impossible to fully consider durable results and genuine obstacles. However, over a thirty year time span, there is evidence of mounting interest in having a critical report on the path thus far travelled and the impact of reflection and action. How has the African city evolved in its configuration, its facilities, its constraints, its resources, and its challenges? What is the impact of initiated actions on its development and management? What have been known successes and set backs? How have the concepts that guided action fundamentally changed? What has happened to the catastrophic projections and predictions made in the 1970’s to justify general intervention and mobilisation against urban problems? How have the experiences and lessons learned been documented by countries? Have they been shared? With whom? Which new theoretical and political prospective must be given in order to get to the desired massive and durable changes? The Networking Event in Vancouver is a prolongation of this debate. It will constitute one privileged moment to take stock of the thought and the interventions in cities in general and in African cities in particular. It will be held in the presence of leading research experts, local authorities and various representatives interested in questions regarding urban issues. The results of these exchanges will account for the paradigmatic perspectives and will direct the postures of the future. A publication of the terms of the debate and its lesson is envisaged after the World Urban Forum III. Enda Tiers Monde, ANUMI and the BRAPA of UN-HABITAT cordially invite you to take part massively to this debate.

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
Vancouver_1976_Vancouver_2006_100007.doc
vancouver_2006_100007.doc

Host Organization Description
It is not easy to measure the impact of meetings organized by the United Nations for discussing the problems in a given domain, especially in time frames that ares so short that it makes it impossible to fully consider durable results and genuine obstacles. However, over a thirty year time span, there is evidence of mounting interest in having a critical report on the path thus far travelled and the impact of reflection and action. How has the African city evolved in its configuration, its facilities, its constraints, its resources, and its challenges? What is the impact of initiated actions on its development and management? What have been known successes and set backs? How have the concepts that guided action fundamentally changed? What has happened to the catastrophic projections and predictions made in the 1970’s to justify general intervention and mobilisation against urban problems? How have the experiences and lessons learned been documented by countries? Have they been shared? With whom? Which new theoretical and political prospective must be given in order to get to the desired massive and durable changes? The Networking Event in Vancouver is a prolongation of this debate. It will constitute one privileged moment to take stock of the thought and the interventions in cities in general and in African cities in particular. It will be held in the presence of leading research experts, local authorities and various representatives interested in questions regarding urban issues. The results of these exchanges will account for the paradigmatic perspectives and will direct the postures of the future. A publication of the terms of the debate and its lesson is envisaged after the World Urban Forum III. Enda Tiers Monde, ANUMI and the BRAPA of UN-HABITAT cordially invite you to take part massively to this debate.

Event Description
This event will present an overview of current donor activity supporting improved housing, followed by short presentations on donor views of the key housing and slum issues. A description of what they are doing to resolve these key challenges and the reactions of slum dwellers and academics monitoring the events will follow. This event aims to improve the way international institutions interact with slum dwellers and remove the obstacles inherent in project preparation.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Maryvonne Plessis-Fraissard, Director, World Bank (session chair)
Eduardo Rojas, IDB; Michael Lindfield, ADB; and Robert Buckley, World Bank
Michael Shea, Westat Inc.; Michael Cohen, New School; and Om Mathur, NIPFP
This session is one of a series of 12 networking sessions organized by the International Housing Coalition (IHC) on important housing issues.The World Bank is a multi-lateral development bank which has been lending to support shelter sector development in developing countries since 1972. It has made more than $16 billion in such loans. The International Housing Coalition is a multi country NGO involved in supporting better shelter policy in developing countries with a particular emphasis on including the private sector. It promotes the goal of "Housing for All" as an essential element of ending poverty worldwide.

Host Organization Description
The World Bank is a multi-lateral development bank which has been lending to support shelter sector development in developing countries since 1972. It has made more than $16 billion in such loans. The International Housing Coalition is a multi country NGO involved in supporting better shelter policy in developing countries with a particular emphasis on including the private sector. It promotes the goal of "Housing for All" as an essential element of ending poverty worldwide.

Event Description
As the global economy becomes more of a reality, challenges of sustainable transportation and safe and secure movement of goods is becoming a global priority. For gateway cities this is particularly challenging as they respond not only to the economic opportunity but also to environmental, social and quality of life issues. The roundtable will engage gateway cities and others in an interactive discussion, through case studies and the presentation of long-term strategies for sustainable growth, of the unique challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of gateway cities. Included in the discussion, will be issues with respect to: Urban congestion; Energy/Climate Change/Air Quality; Planning for Cargo and Passenger Growth; Land Use and Transportation Planning; Public/Private Sector Leadership; Definition of the economic impact of the Gateway transportation industry on the region in terms of job generation, tax revenues and economic activity; and Policies and priorities of Governments.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Gordon Houston, Vancouver Port Authority
Larry Berg, Vancouver International Airport Authority
Pat Jacobson, Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority
Johnny Carline, Chief Administrative Officer, Greater Vancouver Regional District Jane O’Hagan, Vice President, Canadian Pacific Railway Moderator: Dan Muzyka, Dean, Faculty of Commerce, UBC The Greater Vancouver Gateway Council comprises senior executives from the region’s seaports, airport, transportation authority, railways, trucking firms and other organizations engaged in shaping the Gateway’s future. The Gateway Council is actively engaged in strategic initiatives to ensure the long term sustainability of Greater Vancouver both as a gateway for trade and tourism and as one of the world’s most livable regions.

Host Organization Description
The Greater Vancouver Gateway Council comprises senior executives from the region’s seaports, airport, transportation authority, railways, trucking firms and other organizations engaged in shaping the Gateway’s future. The Gateway Council is actively engaged in strategic initiatives to ensure the long term sustainability of Greater Vancouver both as a gateway for trade and tourism and as one of the world’s most livable regions.

Event Description
This session will focus on women's equality and equity and gender mainstreaming of local governance and local governments. It will identify the necessary pre-conditions for gender mainstreaming of local governments; successful strategies, tools, and challenges to gender mainstreaming; the use and impact of Gender-Responsive Budget Initiatives (GRBIs) at the municipal level; and process and impact indicators. The event will examine challenges and benefits of partnerships between women’s groups and municipal governments, capacity building initiatives, pilot projects and other collaborations for engendering governance between local governments, women's groups, and equality-seeking organizations.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Louise Poirier, Canada
Liliana Rainero, Argentina
Glenise Levendal, South Africa
France Bourgault, Québec, Canada Nuzhath Leedham, Canada Beatrice Boateng, Ghana Claudia Barbieri, Argentina Morena Herrera, San Salvador Elizabeth Quarcor Akpalu WILDAF/FEDDAF West Africa Tanis Houck, Canada WOMEN IN CITIES INTERNATIONAL is an international network for various partners concerned with gender equality issues and the place of women in cities. It seeks to disseminate information on issues relating to gender equality, the role of women in cities and the application of a gender approach in community and municipal decision-making, and the public policy process. Toronto Women's Call to Action advocates for anti-racist, anti-poverty women's rights and gender equity in Toronto's policies, budgets, plans, programmes and projects. The intersection of gender with other identities should inform all decision making. THE FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES (FCM) is dedicated to improving the quality of life in all communities by promoting strong, effective and accountable municipal government. The FCM Committee for Increasing Women's Participation in Municipal Government promotes and supports the participation of women in government.

Host Organization Description
WOMEN IN CITIES INTERNATIONAL is an international network for various partners concerned with gender equality issues and the place of women in cities. It seeks to disseminate information on issues relating to gender equality, the role of women in cities and the application of a gender approach in community and municipal decision-making, and the public policy process. Toronto Women's Call to Action advocates for anti-racist, anti-poverty women's rights and gender equity in Toronto's policies, budgets, plans, programmes and projects. The intersection of gender with other identities should inform all decision making. THE FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES (FCM) is dedicated to improving the quality of life in all communities by promoting strong, effective and accountable municipal government. The FCM Committee for Increasing Women's Participation in Municipal Government promotes and supports the participation of women in government.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.femmesetvilles.org
www.twca.ca
www.fcm.ca
www.womenincities.org
www.mujeresyciudades.org
www.twca.ca
www.fcm.ca
www.redmujer.org.ar

Event Description
Cities play an important role in addressing environmental topics at the local, national and global levels. Therefore, it is crucial to integrate urban issues, local priorities, capacities and lessons learned in national policies and global agendas. Only then, local stakeholders can live up to their role in implementing global conventions, multilateral environmental agreements and the Millennium Development Goals. At the same time, cities should be aware of linkages existing between their local concerns and the global environmental topics. The key questions now are: how, where and when can we strengthen these global-local linkages and which partners do we need to be successful? This event offers a platform to discuss these questions with cities, national governments and global organizations. It will focus on two urban environmental topics: climate change and biodiversity.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
representatives local level
representatives national level
David Cadman, President ICLEI
 The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT, is the United Nations agency for human settlements. It promotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. The Urban Environment Section in UN-HABITAT hosts two programmes: the joint UNEP/UN-HABITAT Sustainable Cities Programme (SCP) and the Localising Agenda 21 Programme. Both programmes aim to assist cities in achieving more environmentally sustainable growth and development. They support local authorities and their partners in capacity building in urban environmental planning and management (EPM),using a broad-based participatory urban decision making approach. UNEP is the environment programme within the UN, providing leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. The Urban Environment Unit in UNEP is the agency's focal point for issues related to cities and the environment. It aims to integrate the urban dimension in UNEP’s work, with a focus on environmental issues that both have a local and an international dimension. These include air pollution, coastal areas, waste, biodiversity, and climate change. ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability is an international association of local governments and national and regional local government organizations that have made a commitment to sustainable development. More than 475 cities, towns, countries, and their associations worldwide comprise ICLEI's growing membership. ICLEI works with these and hundreds of other local governments through international campaigns and programs.

Host Organization Description
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT, is the United Nations agency for human settlements. It promotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. The Urban Environment Section in UN-HABITAT hosts two programmes: the joint UNEP/UN-HABITAT Sustainable Cities Programme (SCP) and the Localising Agenda 21 Programme. Both programmes aim to assist cities in achieving more environmentally sustainable growth and development. They support local authorities and their partners in capacity building in urban environmental planning and management (EPM),using a broad-based participatory urban decision making approach. UNEP is the environment programme within the UN, providing leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. The Urban Environment Unit in UNEP is the agency's focal point for issues related to cities and the environment. It aims to integrate the urban dimension in UNEP’s work, with a focus on environmental issues that both have a local and an international dimension. These include air pollution, coastal areas, waste, biodiversity, and climate change. ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability is an international association of local governments and national and regional local government organizations that have made a commitment to sustainable development. More than 475 cities, towns, countries, and their associations worldwide comprise ICLEI's growing membership. ICLEI works with these and hundreds of other local governments through international campaigns and programs.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.unhabitat.org/scp
www.iclei.org
www.unep.org/dpdl/urban_environment
 

Event Description
There are few more contentious and complex problems in the world than those dealing with land and secure tenure. Many religions have firm rules on land and inheritance, most communities have deeply ingrained cultural traditions, and every government faces the challenge of land differently, with its own vast array of laws and with varying degrees of political will. In many countries, there is large-scale corruption associated with land. Sound land governance approaches are, therefore, primary in building peace. The GLTN initiative is driven by the following perceptions: there are insufficient pro poor tools to implement the land policies found in the Habitat Agenda, which is limiting the ability of governments to implement the Agenda; and land policies tend to focus on description and analysis rather than implementation.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Holger Magel, President, The International Federation of Surveyors (FIG)
Agnes Kalibbala, Ambassador, The Uganda High Commission, Kenya
Klaus Deininger, World Bank
 The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. UN-HABITAT's Land and Tenure Section is the agency's focal point for land management and tenure systems, policies and legislation that help achieve adequate shelter, security of tenure and equal access to economic resources for all, with a specific focus on gender equality. The Global Land Tool Network (GLTN) originates from requests made by Member States and local communities world-wide to UN-HABITAT, who together with Sida and the World Bank initiated the network idea. The network is a long term initiative to support and upscale ongoing initiatives on systematic, innovative, pro-poor, affordable and gender sensitive land tools.

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
GLTN_General_100138.pdf
GLTN_WUFIII_100138.pdf

Host Organization Description
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. UN-HABITAT's Land and Tenure Section is the agency's focal point for land management and tenure systems, policies and legislation that help achieve adequate shelter, security of tenure and equal access to economic resources for all, with a specific focus on gender equality. The Global Land Tool Network (GLTN) originates from requests made by Member States and local communities world-wide to UN-HABITAT, who together with Sida and the World Bank initiated the network idea. The network is a long term initiative to support and upscale ongoing initiatives on systematic, innovative, pro-poor, affordable and gender sensitive land tools.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.unhabitat.org/gltn
www.sida.se
www.fao.org/sd/IN1_en.htm
www.fig.net
www.itc.nl
www.huairou.org

Event Description
This event will bring together grassroots women from home-based care groups responding to AIDS in cities throughout Africa with local authorities to share their practices on partnering in creating a more effective response to AIDS. In poor urban environments where public services for the sick do not exist, where hospitals are completely full and, even if they weren’t, most HIV-positive people are too poor to get to them, grassroots women’s groups are implementing programs in home-based care and orphan care, as well as engaging in micro-credit and collective enterprises to support their AIDS work. Partnerships with mayors and local authorities, who create the context in which they work, make their work easier. By partnering with grassroots women to facilitate their anti-AIDS work, mayors are improving their cities by supporting some of their greatest assets — committed and empowered women.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Florence Enyogu, Uganda Community-Based Association for Child Welfare
Ann Wanjiru, GROOTS Kenya
Margaret Jobita, AMICAALL Kenya
 Established in 1995 at the 4th World Conference on Women, the Huairou Commission is a unique experiment in global democracy. Driven by grassroots women's organizations from around the world, this network promotes partnership with those who support the belief that it is in the best interest of local and international communities for grassroots women to be full partners in sustainable development. The Huairou Commission works thematically on campaigns in HIV/AIDS, Disaster, Governance, Land and Housing and Peace Building with six anchoring networks - Asian Women and Shelter Network (AWAS), GROOTS International, Habitat International Coalition - Women and Shelter Network (HIC-WAS), Women and Habitat (LAC), International Council of Women and Women and Cities International.

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
consolidated_policy_priorities_100003.doc
L2L_Concept_100003.doc
2006_AIDS_Campaign_100003.doc

Host Organization Description
Established in 1995 at the 4th World Conference on Women, the Huairou Commission is a unique experiment in global democracy. Driven by grassroots women's organizations from around the world, this network promotes partnership with those who support the belief that it is in the best interest of local and international communities for grassroots women to be full partners in sustainable development. The Huairou Commission works thematically on campaigns in HIV/AIDS, Disaster, Governance, Land and Housing and Peace Building with six anchoring networks - Asian Women and Shelter Network (AWAS), GROOTS International, Habitat International Coalition - Women and Shelter Network (HIC-WAS), Women and Habitat (LAC), International Council of Women and Women and Cities International.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.huairou.org
www.amicaall.org
www.cities-localgovernments.org/uclg
www.unhabitat.org
 

Event Description
Urban agriculture can help solve a range of social, economic, and environmental challenges. Local authorities will discuss ways to use urban and peri-urban agriculture initiatives to build cleaner, greener, and food secure cities.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Honorable David Crombie, President of Canadian Urban Institue
Mr. Miguel Zamarini, President of Rosario's Municipal Council, Argentina
Mr. John Ssebaana Kizito, former Mayor of Kampala, Uganda
Mr. Peter Ladner, Municipal Councillor, Vancouver, Canada. Ms. Junping Liu, Director of Resources & Regional Planning Office, Beijing Research Centre of Rural Economy, Beijing, China. Mr. Naser Faruqui, Team Leader, Urban Poverty and Environment Program, International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Ottawa, Canada. Chair: Ms. Marielle Dubbeling, ETC/ International Network of Resource Centres on Urban Agriculture and Food Security (RUAF), Leusden, the Netherlands. 1. The International Development Research Centre is a public corporation created by the Parliament of Canada in 1970 to help developing countries use science and technology to find practical, long-term solutions of the social, economic and environmental problems they face. Support is directed toward developing an indigenous research capacity to sustain policies and technologies developing countries need to build healthier, more equitable and more prosperous societies. 2. ETC Foundation is an international not-for-profit advisory organisation whose objective is to encourage and support initiatives of local partners for development which is sustainable and equitable in terms of access to resources, benefits and decision making.

Host Organization Description
1. The International Development Research Centre is a public corporation created by the Parliament of Canada in 1970 to help developing countries use science and technology to find practical, long-term solutions of the social, economic and environmental problems they face. Support is directed toward developing an indigenous research capacity to sustain policies and technologies developing countries need to build healthier, more equitable and more prosperous societies. 2. ETC Foundation is an international not-for-profit advisory organisation whose objective is to encourage and support initiatives of local partners for development which is sustainable and equitable in terms of access to resources, benefits and decision making.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.idrc.ca/wuf
www.rosario.gov.ar/sitio/paginainicial
www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/
www.nri.org

Event Description
There’s a new place to implement the Habitat agenda: the Global Urban Sustainability Solutions Exchange (GUSSE). It’s like Amazon.com for urban solutions: an online community where you can browse, get recommendations, review and share the best ideas in the world. We have spent this year working with urban and online learning experts to produce a “trial” version. Solutions like waste-to-energy schemes and hip hop for social change have been mapped into this online space. We are calling on practitioners - from NGOs to researchers, city planners to engineers, businesses to designers - to join this session and take GUSSE to the next level. A panel will be followed by small group discussions where you will test the pilot site and provide suggestions for a next, working version of GUSSE that is even more responsive and useful to you. The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of Canada's largest and most prestigious public research and teaching institutions. Located in the Pacific Rim gateway of Vancouver, one of the world's great cities, and in the Interior city of Kelowna, UBC is a global centre of research and learning. It offers more than 45,000 students a range of innovative undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in the arts, sciences, medicine, law, commerce and other faculties. UBC is consistently ranked among the world's 40 best universities, one of only two Canadian universities in this category. It is ranked within the top 10 North American universities, and first among Canadian universities, in terms of the number of U.S. life sciences patents and the quality of activity generated from those patents, including spin-off company creation. UBC's mission is to prepare students to become exceptional global citizens, promote the values of a civil and sustainable society, and conduct outstanding research to serve the people of Canada and the world. UBC stands as a world leader by putting this commitment into practice and creating a culture of sustainability throughout its academic program and campus operations. The Advisory Committee for GUSSE is Nola Kate Seymoar (President and CEO of the International Centre for Sustainable Cities), Peter Oberlander (Professor Emeritus and founding Director of the UBC School of Community and Regional Planning, and founder of the UBC Centre for Human Settlements, Special Advisor to the Commissioner General, World Urban Forum 2006), John Wiebe, Michael Harcourt (Chair of the Prime Minister's Advisory Committee for Cities and Communities, Honorary Chair of the International Centre for Sustainable Cities and Co-Chair of the World Urban Forum), Justin Longo (Manager, Sustainable Communities Initiative, BC Government)

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
About_GUSSE_100045.doc
GUSSE_Networking_invitation_100045.pdf
GUSSE_Networking_Session_agenda_100045.pdf

Host Organization Description
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of Canada's largest and most prestigious public research and teaching institutions. Located in the Pacific Rim gateway of Vancouver, one of the world's great cities, and in the Interior city of Kelowna, UBC is a global centre of research and learning. It offers more than 45,000 students a range of innovative undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in the arts, sciences, medicine, law, commerce and other faculties. UBC is consistently ranked among the world's 40 best universities, one of only two Canadian universities in this category. It is ranked within the top 10 North American universities, and first among Canadian universities, in terms of the number of U.S. life sciences patents and the quality of activity generated from those patents, including spin-off company creation. UBC's mission is to prepare students to become exceptional global citizens, promote the values of a civil and sustainable society, and conduct outstanding research to serve the people of Canada and the world. UBC stands as a world leader by putting this commitment into practice and creating a culture of sustainability throughout its academic program and campus operations. The Advisory Committee for GUSSE is Nola Kate Seymoar (President and CEO of the International Centre for Sustainable Cities), Peter Oberlander (Professor Emeritus and founding Director of the UBC School of Community and Regional Planning, and founder of the UBC Centre for Human Settlements, Special Advisor to the Commissioner General, World Urban Forum 2006), John Wiebe, Michael Harcourt (Chair of the Prime Minister's Advisory Committee for Cities and Communities, Honorary Chair of the International Centre for Sustainable Cities and Co-Chair of the World Urban Forum), Justin Longo (Manager, Sustainable Communities Initiative, BC Government)

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.wuf3.ubc.ca
ww.wd.gc.ca
www.universitytown.ubc.ca
www.ibm.com 

Event Description
From December 1st to 4th, 2005, over 39,000 participants from 158 countries came together to share ideas on how to solve some of the world’s most critical urban issues. They came to be heard; they came as equals; they came to Habitat JAM - a first of its kind, Internet event launched as a preparatory event for the World Urban Forum 3. We invite you to the Habitat JAM networking session to learn more about this unprecedented event and share your thoughts on future Habitat JAMs. Moderated by Charles Kelly, Commissioner General for WUF 3, this networking session will: -educate you on JAM collaboration; preview the new Habitat JAM movie; encourage a lively panel discussion “the Future of JAMs for the World Urban Forum”, with our partners and participants; open the microphone to attendees to share their stories, experiences, opinions and recommendations; and relive the excitement of Habitat JAM. JAM on!

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Charles Kelly, Commissioner General for WUF 3
Jan Peterson, Founder and chair of the secretariat of the Huairou Commission
Mike Wing VP Strategic Communications, Chris Gibbon VP Global Social Services Social Security IBM
 

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.habitatjam.com
 

Event Description
This presentation will focus on the experience of the many diverse players in the production process. It will seek to tell the story of private sector leadership in facing this problem, especially the organization and use of local business associations to help tackle the problem, and the creation of public-private partnerships essential to fashioning special instruments of finance. It will use examples of the transformation of major, blighted public housing projects into successful mixed-income communities. The primary goal of the Local Development Observatories Program is to contribute to and strengthen the development of better urban management with participatory planning in the hopes of reducing poverty. 1. Each observatory provides support and advice to decision-makers to gain support and advice, in the fields of participatory planning (by diagnosing given situations and developing, keeping track of, and evaluating local development policies using decision-making tools) and communication (by setting up a website that brings all the available information together.) 2. The goals of these Observatories are to: • strengthen the dialogue between civil society and local and government authorities; • gain better knowledge and understanding of the public’s opinions on how their environment is managed, paying particular attention to the most vulnerable groups (youth and women and especially disadvantaged populations); • encourage the public to participate, at their own level, to the common local development effort; • identify and highlight new potentialities; • promote the sharing of experiences.

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
Présentation_Obs_plaq_02.doc
Programme_provisoire_02.doc
TDR_NetwEvent_FUM_02.doc

Host Organization Description
The primary goal of the Local Development Observatories Program is to contribute to and strengthen the development of better urban management with participatory planning in the hopes of reducing poverty. 1. Each observatory provides support and advice to decision-makers to gain support and advice, in the fields of participatory planning (by diagnosing given situations and developing, keeping track of, and evaluating local development policies using decision-making tools) and communication (by setting up a website that brings all the available information together.) 2. The goals of these Observatories are to: • strengthen the dialogue between civil society and local and government authorities; • gain better knowledge and understanding of the public’s opinions on how their environment is managed, paying particular attention to the most vulnerable groups (youth and women and especially disadvantaged populations); • encourage the public to participate, at their own level, to the common local development effort; • identify and highlight new potentialities; • promote the sharing of experiences.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.ovaf.net
 

Event Description
The High Level Commission on Legal Empowerment of the Poor is a new, independent initiative aiming to make legal protection and economic opportunity, not the privilege of few, but the right of all. The Commission of global policymakers seeks reforms that ensure secure tenure and enforceable property rights to the world’s poor. This event will seek to build dialogue with civil society to ensure participation of citizens groups and the private sector in developing new approaches to legal empowerment.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Lindiwe Sisulu, Minister of Housing, Republic of South Africa
Erna Witoelar, UN Special Ambassador for MDGs in Asia & the Pacific
Lloyd Axworthy, former Minister of Foreign Affairs for Canada
 The High Level Commission on Legal Empowerment of the Poor is a new independent initiative that aims to make legal protection and economic opportunity not the privilege of the few but the right of all citizens. The HLCLEP is made up of global policymakers who will pursue reforms that ensure secure tenure and enforceable property rights for the world’s poor. The HLCLEP seeks to build a dialogue with civil society and grassroots organizations to ensure the active participation of diverse voices in the development of new approaches to legal empowerment. Legal empowerment can only take root when secure land and property rights are complemented by access to justice, access to credit, and labor rights.

Host Organization Description
The High Level Commission on Legal Empowerment of the Poor is a new independent initiative that aims to make legal protection and economic opportunity not the privilege of the few but the right of all citizens. The HLCLEP is made up of global policymakers who will pursue reforms that ensure secure tenure and enforceable property rights for the world’s poor. The HLCLEP seeks to build a dialogue with civil society and grassroots organizations to ensure the active participation of diverse voices in the development of new approaches to legal empowerment. Legal empowerment can only take root when secure land and property rights are complemented by access to justice, access to credit, and labor rights.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.huairou.org
www.sparcindia.com
www.undp.org
 

Event Description
According to ONU-HABITAT, of the world's total population of 6 billion, almost 1 billion live in shanty towns. The lack of sufficient housing at affordable prices means that a housing crisis which appeared to have been resolved is breaking out again in most countries, even in those that are less poor. Indeed, building houses is not always enough; a sufficient number of them should be made accessible to low income households. The RHF workshop entitled "Housing Crisis or Accessibility Crisis" will present a two-fold reflection dealing with the general problem of financing social housing and access to housing for all.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Paul Jean Le Roux, Président de RHF,bESH BSB (France)
Najet Karaborni, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations, (NY - USA)
Claudel Toussaint, SHQ (Canada)
Intervenants: - Paul Jean Le Roux, président de RHF, président de la SA HLM Bâtiments et Styles de Bretagne (France) - Sidi Ould Salem, directeur général de la SOCOGIM(Mauritanie) - Claudel Toussaint, vice-président aux relations avec la clientèle et les partenaires à la SHQ (Canada) - Najet Karaborni, conseiller interrégional principal, Département des affaires économiques et sociales, Nations Unies 'Réseau Habitat et Francophonie' brings together professional agencies from the social housing and urban development sectors in French-speaking countries. The members of RHF come from 18 French-speaking countries on 4 continents (Africa, America, Asia and Europe) and are organised as a world-wide network. All are committed professionally to the sector of urban development, rehabilitation of slum quarters and social housing either as developers, builders or bankers. The association promotes the access to suitable housing for the needs of one family. RHF members are all professionally committed to this action both on a worldwide scale and in the countries where they work. The association makes it possible to: - break professional or language isolation; - organise twinning projects; - constitute a genuine place for exchange and reflection; - share experiences in order to establish optimal models of practices; - carry out actions for the development of skills and human resources; - produce two top-level international conferences annually.

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
Contribution_FUM_2006_100109.doc

Host Organization Description
'Réseau Habitat et Francophonie' brings together professional agencies from the social housing and urban development sectors in French-speaking countries. The members of RHF come from 18 French-speaking countries on 4 continents (Africa, America, Asia and Europe) and are organised as a world-wide network. All are committed professionally to the sector of urban development, rehabilitation of slum quarters and social housing either as developers, builders or bankers. The association promotes the access to suitable housing for the needs of one family. RHF members are all professionally committed to this action both on a worldwide scale and in the countries where they work. The association makes it possible to: - break professional or language isolation; - organise twinning projects; - constitute a genuine place for exchange and reflection; - share experiences in order to establish optimal models of practices; - carry out actions for the development of skills and human resources; - produce two top-level international conferences annually.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.habitatfrancophonie.org
 

Event Description
Presentation of the UNECE study "Housing Finance Systems for Countries in Transition - Principles and Examples", and of practical experiences from financial and government institutions and NGOs.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Andreas Zehnder (Europ. Federation of Building Societies); Ernst Hauri (Fed. Housing Office/CH);
Doris Andoni (Ministry of Public Works, Albania); Wolfgang Förster (City of Vienna);
Peter Creuzer (UNECE WPLA); Alexey Overchuk (Fed. Agency of Cadastre, Russian Federation).
 United Nations Regional Commission

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
AGENDA_NE100166.pdf

Host Organization Description
United Nations Regional Commission

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.unece.org/hlm/welcome.html  
www.unece.org/hlm/human/welcome_human.html
www.iut.nu
www.husbanken.no/portaler/iPortEnglish.nsf
www.efbs.org
www.pss.sk

Event Description
PADCO will facilitate a round table discussion with prominent multi-national experts to brainstorm about how best to re-introduce the role of housing in the development agenda. The first part of the event will summarize the paper’s theme of housing as a main driver of economic, social and civic development. Examples from both the developed and developing world will illustrate this argument. The paper highlights the role of housing in poverty alleviation, health and humanitarian relief and as a foundation for democracy, governance and security. An interactive discussion and critique on the paper’s thesis will follow including an identification of next steps in obtaining stakeholder support.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Duane Kissick, President of PADCO
 
 
This session is one of a series of 12 networking sessions organized by the International Housing Coalition (IHC) on important housing issues.Founded in 1965, Planning and Development Collaborative International (PADCO) is an international development consulting firm headquartered in Washington, DC. PADCO has implemented projects in more than 100 countries around the world. PADCO’s wide range of expert technical advisory services include: democratic governance and urban services, sustainable economic development, infrastructure and facilities, humanitarian response and stabilization, and conflict mitigation and resolution. In 2004, PADCO joined AECOM, a leading provider of professional services for the built environment. AECOM is the parent company of a consortium of major architecture/engineering firms with more than $30 billion in projects currently under way. AECOM provides comprehensive consulting, design, program and construction management, and operations and maintenance support for government agencies and private clients on a global basis. PADCO can tap into these resources to ensure single-source management for delivering requisite services.

Host Organization Description
Founded in 1965, Planning and Development Collaborative International (PADCO) is an international development consulting firm headquartered in Washington, DC. PADCO has implemented projects in more than 100 countries around the world. PADCO’s wide range of expert technical advisory services include: democratic governance and urban services, sustainable economic development, infrastructure and facilities, humanitarian response and stabilization, and conflict mitigation and resolution. In 2004, PADCO joined AECOM, a leading provider of professional services for the built environment. AECOM is the parent company of a consortium of major architecture/engineering firms with more than $30 billion in projects currently under way. AECOM provides comprehensive consulting, design, program and construction management, and operations and maintenance support for government agencies and private clients on a global basis. PADCO can tap into these resources to ensure single-source management for delivering requisite services.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.padco.aecom.com

 

Event Description
This session will briefly review the privatization processes and the road map in housing which lead to current problems and intrinsic risks in maintenance, management and rehabilitation of housing stock in Central and Eastern Europe. It will focus on the essence of reforms, policies, mechanisms and approaches used to tackle the problem of affordable and adequate housing for all. The objective is to identify priority challenges to be addressed within regional housing programmes and explore how to strengthen and balance the rights and responsibilities of citizens and the public and private sectors with regard to their role in making urban development sustainable.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Drs.H.S. van Eyk
Nadezhda Kosareva
Alena Kasyanenka
 The Institute for Urban Economics (IUE) is a non-governmental and non-profit organization, established in 1995 in Moscow. It was created to identify, analyze and promote the solution to the social and economic problems of urban areas. Main goals of the institute are: elaboration and introduction of new approaches to the solution of housing problems; financing of housing and urban infrastructure; municipal management; urban land use; social protection of the population; and other problems of the social and economic life of cities. All IUE researchers bring considerable experience in working with different governmental and municipal structures, scientific research and educational institutes, both state-sponsored and private, as well as international donor agencies, banks, small business enterprises and foreign companies. MAIN AREAS OF WORK AND SERVICES • Investigating social and economic problems of cities and regions (certificate of state accreditation as a research institution No.4677 as of November 22, 2002) • Developing and reviewing draft laws and regulations on housing policy, municipal development and other aspects of the urban economy • Assisting state authorities and local self-governments in development of strategies and practical approaches to implementation of municipal reform programs and innovatory projects • Monitoring and evaluating social and economic development programs, social projects, and grant programs of cities and other jurisdictions • Assisting big and medium-size businesses in implementing social and local development programs • Implementation of education and advanced professional training programs and organization of methodological research and support • Disseminating innovative urban management models through the mass media, Internet and IUE publications The Institute for Urban Economics has an informational and publishing center for preparation and publication of the products which give a broad picture of lUE's activities. Starting from the year 1995, the IUE published more than 144 brochures and manuals totaling 158,000 copies. The center also includes a library, which contains more than 4,500 entries on different aspects of urban development, economic and statistical studies and reference materials. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This event is organized in a form of workshop and open debate and draws on the experience gained, achievements made, challenges faced by launched housing reforms in transitional countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) in the 1990’s. The speakers representing different organizations from CEE countries, Western countries with experience in working with CEE (the Netherlands, Austria and others), as well as UN-HABITAT with its international experience will identifying the ways to tackling the challenges in housing, particularly in maintenance, management and rehabilitation of housing stock, in introducing innovative financial mechanisms. UN-HABITAT will present its views of enhancing cooperation with CEE countries (Russia, Belarus, Bulgaria and Lithuania, Armenia etc.) and different partners in the CEE region, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) will present Countries’ Housing Profiles. Moreover, results of international projects in CEE region and tailor-made courses carried out by Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies - HIS (Rotterdam, the Netherlands) in cooperation with the Dutch Ministry of Housing-VROM for Lithuanian and Belarus professionals on management and maintenance of high-rise multi-family residential buildings in CEE countries with regard to international experience and local resources will be presented. City of Vienna will share experience in the work done to support housing reforms in CEE including in housing rehabilitation and present recently completed Guidelines for Social Housing for CEE countries prepared under the roof of UNECE. It is anticipated that the workshop will come out with recommendations to UN-HABITAT on priorities for regional programmes/projects in housing sphere.

Host Organization Description
The Institute for Urban Economics (IUE) is a non-governmental and non-profit organization, established in 1995 in Moscow. It was created to identify, analyze and promote the solution to the social and economic problems of urban areas. Main goals of the institute are: elaboration and introduction of new approaches to the solution of housing problems; financing of housing and urban infrastructure; municipal management; urban land use; social protection of the population; and other problems of the social and economic life of cities. All IUE researchers bring considerable experience in working with different governmental and municipal structures, scientific research and educational institutes, both state-sponsored and private, as well as international donor agencies, banks, small business enterprises and foreign companies. MAIN AREAS OF WORK AND SERVICES • Investigating social and economic problems of cities and regions (certificate of state accreditation as a research institution No.4677 as of November 22, 2002) • Developing and reviewing draft laws and regulations on housing policy, municipal development and other aspects of the urban economy • Assisting state authorities and local self-governments in development of strategies and practical approaches to implementation of municipal reform programs and innovatory projects • Monitoring and evaluating social and economic development programs, social projects, and grant programs of cities and other jurisdictions • Assisting big and medium-size businesses in implementing social and local development programs • Implementation of education and advanced professional training programs and organization of methodological research and support • Disseminating innovative urban management models through the mass media, Internet and IUE publications The Institute for Urban Economics has an informational and publishing center for preparation and publication of the products which give a broad picture of lUE's activities. Starting from the year 1995, the IUE published more than 144 brochures and manuals totaling 158,000 copies. The center also includes a library, which contains more than 4,500 entries on different aspects of urban development, economic and statistical studies and reference materials. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This event is organized in a form of workshop and open debate and draws on the experience gained, achievements made, challenges faced by launched housing reforms in transitional countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) in the 1990’s. The speakers representing different organizations from CEE countries, Western countries with experience in working with CEE (the Netherlands, Austria and others), as well as UN-HABITAT with its international experience will identifying the ways to tackling the challenges in housing, particularly in maintenance, management and rehabilitation of housing stock, in introducing innovative financial mechanisms. UN-HABITAT will present its views of enhancing cooperation with CEE countries (Russia, Belarus, Bulgaria and Lithuania, Armenia etc.) and different partners in the CEE region, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) will present Countries’ Housing Profiles. Moreover, results of international projects in CEE region and tailor-made courses carried out by Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies - HIS (Rotterdam, the Netherlands) in cooperation with the Dutch Ministry of Housing-VROM for Lithuanian and Belarus professionals on management and maintenance of high-rise multi-family residential buildings in CEE countries with regard to international experience and local resources will be presented. City of Vienna will share experience in the work done to support housing reforms in CEE including in housing rehabilitation and present recently completed Guidelines for Social Housing for CEE countries prepared under the roof of UNECE. It is anticipated that the workshop will come out with recommendations to UN-HABITAT on priorities for regional programmes/projects in housing sphere.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.urbaneconomics.ru
www.irup.by
www.ihs.nl
www.unhabitat.org
 

Event Description
This panel will lay out the opportunities, challenges and required building blocks for the business and social sectors to combine their assets and skills to co-design and implement large-scale housing solutions for low-income populations in developing countries. A framework of practical innovations from social entrepreneurs and effective ways in which private players can engage in finding sustainable solutions to housing challenges by establishing a new type of relationships with Citizen Sector Organizations will be presented and discussed with the audience. It will include a set of principles emerging from the work of social entrepreneurs engaged in housing or related issues in different parts of the world, to guide the most appropriate form of private sector involvement in low-income market segments with which they are often unfamiliar.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Dr Darin Gunesekera, Founder & CEO (Capital Markets for the Marginalized, Sri Lanka)
Tasneem Siddiqui, CEO and Founder (Saiban, Pakistan)
Stephanie Schmidt, Program Director (Ashoka, Global)
Panelist 4: Dr. Edmundo Werna, Coordinator, Construction Action Programme (ILO, Switzerland) Facilitator: Eric Anderson, Partner (Urban Green Builders, US) For the past 25 years, Ashoka has invested in more than 1,700 leading social entrepreneurs with system-changing ideas from 62 countries. These Ashoka Fellows are selected for their innovative and practical ideas to address social needs, including housing and urban development. Based on the innovations of the Ashoka community, the Full Economic Citizenship initiative focuses on spreading life-changing solutions for low-income populations, harnessing the potential of commercial business-social partnerships.

Host Organization Description
For the past 25 years, Ashoka has invested in more than 1,700 leading social entrepreneurs with system-changing ideas from 62 countries. These Ashoka Fellows are selected for their innovative and practical ideas to address social needs, including housing and urban development. Based on the innovations of the Ashoka community, the Full Economic Citizenship initiative focuses on spreading life-changing solutions for low-income populations, harnessing the potential of commercial business-social partnerships.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.ashoka.org
 

Event Description
The Cities Alliance is focusing on integrating environmental aspects into its approaches and activities. This event will give city practitioners, donors and the research community an opportunity to exchange views and discuss tools and best practices on incorporating environmental systemic issues into long term strategic planning of cities. How can a city achieve long-term gains and savings by factoring environmental costs and services into planning and budgeting? This event will present and discuss three topics: presentation of a paper arguing for "why" and "how" the integration of environment into strategic planning is important; examples from cities which have been environmentally successful; and an overview of available tools and methodologies.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Jeremy Harris, former Mayor Honolulu
Mayor T. Krishna Reddy of Hyderabad, India
Osman Asmal, Director of the Environmental Resource Management Department, Cape Town, South Africa
 The Cities Alliance is a global coalition of cities and their development partners. The members are United Cities and Local Governments, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America, the ADB, UNEP, UN-HABITAT and the World Bank. The Alliance provides grants in support of: (a) City development strategies and (b) Citywide and nationwide slum upgrading plans in accordance with the Cities Without Slums action plan. Sustainable financing strategies for cities to attract long-term domestic capital for infrastructure investments form a crucial part in both focal areas. UNEP's mandate is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. In the field of the urban environment, UNEP supports governments to address key urban environmental issues at the national, regional and global levels in cooperation with partners.

Host Organization Description
The Cities Alliance is a global coalition of cities and their development partners. The members are United Cities and Local Governments, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America, the ADB, UNEP, UN-HABITAT and the World Bank. The Alliance provides grants in support of: (a) City development strategies and (b) Citywide and nationwide slum upgrading plans in accordance with the Cities Without Slums action plan. Sustainable financing strategies for cities to attract long-term domestic capital for infrastructure investments form a crucial part in both focal areas. UNEP's mandate is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. In the field of the urban environment, UNEP supports governments to address key urban environmental issues at the national, regional and global levels in cooperation with partners.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.citiesalliance.org
www.unep.org
www.iclei.org

Event Description
This event will present the review and outcome of projects from the field and ongoing research, which has contributed to improved living conditions in informal settlements, including slums and squatter communities of disadvantaged citizens and marginalized groups. The crosscutting issues generated in all aspects of human settlements have motivated this presentation by representatives from youth, practitioners from the private sector, and seniors. This intergenerational overview will highlight how the provision of affordable housing and basic infrastructure leads to increased amenities, better health conditions and improved livelihoods for all members of the recipient communities. These efforts reflect the implementation prospects for the Habitat Agenda, Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and the Millennium Development Goals.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Maria Rosario
Johan Josiah
Sonia Zapata
 In 1985, the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CONGO) appointed a Committee on Housing and Shelter to coordinate the activities of its members on preparations for the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless (IYSH), 1987, for which the UNCHS (Habitat) had been designated as the coordinating unit. The Committee on Housing and Shelter became a member of the Steering Committee of the NGO Committee on Development. It was chaired by the late Eric Carlson, Director of Housing in the former UN Centre for Housing, Building and Planning and Director of the United Nations Habitat and Human Settlements Foundation and Senior Advisor to UNCHS (Habitat). Prior to the Committee's establishment, he worked closely with a former chairperson, Caroline Pezzullo, on a report highlighting the role of women in human settlements for the UN Conference on Women, Nairobi, 1985. UNCHS welcomed the establishment of the Committee and more extensive NGO involvement in the IYSH project and other major programs. The Committee will continue its collaboration with the Executive Director, UN-Habitat, Mrs. Anna Kajumulo Tibaijuka, in pursuit of the programme goals. The Committee’s focus is to support Habitat’s interests at relevant events.

Host Organization Description
In 1985, the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CONGO) appointed a Committee on Housing and Shelter to coordinate the activities of its members on preparations for the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless (IYSH), 1987, for which the UNCHS (Habitat) had been designated as the coordinating unit. The Committee on Housing and Shelter became a member of the Steering Committee of the NGO Committee on Development. It was chaired by the late Eric Carlson, Director of Housing in the former UN Centre for Housing, Building and Planning and Director of the United Nations Habitat and Human Settlements Foundation and Senior Advisor to UNCHS (Habitat). Prior to the Committee's establishment, he worked closely with a former chairperson, Caroline Pezzullo, on a report highlighting the role of women in human settlements for the UN Conference on Women, Nairobi, 1985. UNCHS welcomed the establishment of the Committee and more extensive NGO involvement in the IYSH project and other major programs. The Committee will continue its collaboration with the Executive Director, UN-Habitat, Mrs. Anna Kajumulo Tibaijuka, in pursuit of the programme goals. The Committee’s focus is to support Habitat’s interests at relevant events.

Website (Organizer and partners)
ngochs.org
infra.kth.se/bba/arc_peace/index.htm
pbworld.com
chec-hq.org
un.org/other/afics/afiaction.htm
spssi.org

Event Description
The goal of organizing this meeting on the transfer of best practices from Latin America and the Caribbean is twofold. First, the forum hopes to share the success it has had in transferring technologies, lessons learned and knowledge from one city or town to another via peer-to peer workshops, training, international or regional conferences, thematic events, the analysis and publication of capacity building tools, electronic conferences award process and through fostering direct transfers of best practices from one place to another. Secondly we hope to stimulate a spontaneous debate involving Best Practices the forum has identified which will be the impetus for a longer, more permanent, exchange of ideas. We hope this exchange will lead to mutually beneficial relationships across international borders and the transfer of best practices and improvement of the living environment. The Forum has learned the only way to improve quality of life in our city is through mutual cooperation and collaboration at all levels, and that is the goal of this meeting.The Iberoamerican and Caribbean Forum on Best Practices was established in 1997 by the United Nations Human Settlements Program (Un-Habitat) with the sponsorship of the Government of Spain. The Forum is, at present, a network of sub-regional institutions (Nodes) dedicated to the identification exchange of lessons learned from the Best Practices. Since the Forum’s formation, the Government of Spain has directed funds assure that its regional Nodes could act as full partners of the Global Best Practices Prgramme of UN-HABITAT. The activities of the individual Nodes are oriented by the Secretariat of the Forum and include such the identification, documentation and translation of Best Practices for Dubai Award and the BLP Database, the holding of conferences and workshop, the analysis and overall promotion of the use Best Practices in the region and the collaboration in a regional Award for the Transfer of Best Practices. The principal objective is to contribute to the implementation of Habitat Agenda by mobilizing and strengthening the participants of civil society in policy-making for sustainable human settlement development. Forum members work together, through joint projects, continuous information sharing, regular communication and annual meetings, in order to accomplish the objectives laid down in this strategy. However, Forum members work independently to promote and facilitate the use of Best Practices in the respective geographic and thematic areas through the sponsorship of activities that support Forum objective and through the identification of parallel funding.

Host Organization Description
The Iberoamerican and Caribbean Forum on Best Practices was established in 1997 by the United Nations Human Settlements Program (Un-Habitat) with the sponsorship of the Government of Spain. The Forum is, at present, a network of sub-regional institutions (Nodes) dedicated to the identification exchange of lessons learned from the Best Practices. Since the Forum’s formation, the Government of Spain has directed funds assure that its regional Nodes could act as full partners of the Global Best Practices Prgramme of UN-HABITAT. The activities of the individual Nodes are oriented by the Secretariat of the Forum and include such the identification, documentation and translation of Best Practices for Dubai Award and the BLP Database, the holding of conferences and workshop, the analysis and overall promotion of the use Best Practices in the region and the collaboration in a regional Award for the Transfer of Best Practices. The principal objective is to contribute to the implementation of Habitat Agenda by mobilizing and strengthening the participants of civil society in policy-making for sustainable human settlement development. Forum members work together, through joint projects, continuous information sharing, regular communication and annual meetings, in order to accomplish the objectives laid down in this strategy. However, Forum members work independently to promote and facilitate the use of Best Practices in the respective geographic and thematic areas through the sponsorship of activities that support Forum objective and through the identification of parallel funding.

Event Description
This session will present an overview of the four-pillar model of sustainability, which recognizes culture as an essential element alongside economic, environmental and social considerations. All participants are invited to engage in an active discussion of what makes a culturally sustainable city. It will profile some outstanding examples of community sustainability initiatives incorporating the four-pillar model, with cultural considerations at their core, and will review their progress at various stages of development. Emphasis will be placed on actual implementation of the cultural components of integrated community sustainability plans, and best practices will be highlighted.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Jon Hawkes; Director, Community Music Victoria, Australia; author, The 4th Pillar of Sustainability
Gayle Broad; professor, Algoma University; Research Supervisor, Batchewana First Nation, Canada
Francesc Casadesús; Director, Mercat de les Flors, Barcelona, Spain
Yazmine Laroche, Assistant Deputy Minister, Cities & Communities, Infrastructure Andrew Wilhelm-Boyles, national director - Creative City Network of Canada will also participate Moderator: Gordon Price, Project Director - the City Program, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada The Creative City Network of Canada is a "community of practice", linking Canadian municipalities of all sizes by connecting municipal cultural workers. CCN is the leading voice in Canada for cultural development in communities, and community building through culture. It provides a range of services to, and conducts research on behalf of, Canada's municipalities.

Host Organization Description
The Creative City Network of Canada is a "community of practice", linking Canadian municipalities of all sizes by connecting municipal cultural workers. CCN is the leading voice in Canada for cultural development in communities, and community building through culture. It provides a range of services to, and conducts research on behalf of, Canada's municipalities.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.creativecity.ca
 

Event Description
MDG Target 7/11 aims to improve the lives of 100 million slum dwellers by 2020, globally. There are many examples of work being implemented towards this target, and these need to be understood to achieve the target. This event will publicise the work undertaken in Asian countries. Plenary presentations will be based on documented best practices described by high-level representatives of key Asian countries, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand, which are conducting innovative demonstration projects to address the core components of slum upgrading. This presentation will be followed by facilitated discussions aiming to draw on this experience for replication in other countries.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
HE Noli de Castro, Vice President of the Philippines, Chair HUDCC
Mr Noer Soetrisno, Minstry of Housing, Indonesia
Ms Alison Barrett, LPUPAP, Dhaka, Bangladesh
 UN-HABITAT is the global focal point for low income housing and slum upgrading practice throughout the world. This mandate was emphasised by the outcome document of the 2005 World Summit held at the UN in New York - paragraph 56m - which states: "In pursuance of our commitment to achieve sustainable development, we [the Heads of State and Government] further resolve to achieve significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers by 2020, recognizing the urgent need for the provision of increased resources for affordable housing and housing-related infrastructure, prioritizing slum prevention and slum upgrading, and to encourage support for the United Nations Habitat and Human Settlements Foundation and its Slum Upgrading Facility". The UN-HABITAT Slum Upgrading Facility - SUF - is a new global facility designed to mobilize domestic capital for slum upgrading projects and activities by facilitating links among local actors and by packaging the financial, technical and political elements of upgrading and low income housing projects so that they can attract commercial finance.

Host Organization Description
UN-HABITAT is the global focal point for low income housing and slum upgrading practice throughout the world. This mandate was emphasised by the outcome document of the 2005 World Summit held at the UN in New York - paragraph 56m - which states: "In pursuance of our commitment to achieve sustainable development, we [the Heads of State and Government] further resolve to achieve significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers by 2020, recognizing the urgent need for the provision of increased resources for affordable housing and housing-related infrastructure, prioritizing slum prevention and slum upgrading, and to encourage support for the United Nations Habitat and Human Settlements Foundation and its Slum Upgrading Facility". The UN-HABITAT Slum Upgrading Facility - SUF - is a new global facility designed to mobilize domestic capital for slum upgrading projects and activities by facilitating links among local actors and by packaging the financial, technical and political elements of upgrading and low income housing projects so that they can attract commercial finance.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.unhabitat.org/suf
www.unhabitat.org
 

Event Description
The transfer of Best Practices, which have obtained remarkable results in the sustainable development of many urban areas, with the consequent improvement in the life conditions of their citizens, constitutes a mechanism of easy application for the improvement of urban policies in other cities. Learning from the results of successful practices allows other cities to avoid mistakes and to assure favourable effects in the short term. This event is an interactive discussion through the exposition of three Spanish Good Practices developed in the city of Zaragoza (Ecocity of Valdespartera), in La Habana, Cuba and within the Spanish territory (Green Ways Program), analyzing their capacity to be transferred to other cities or countries. The three practices have been selected as "good" or "best" practices by United Nations in their Awards promoted from 1996 to 2004.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Miguel Angel Portero (Ecociudad "Valdespartera", Zaragoza)
Carmen Aycart (Fundación de Ferrocarriles Españoles / Programa de Vías Verdes)
Mariano Calle (Movimiento por la Paz, el Desarme y la Libertad / Cooperación con La Habana)
 The Ministry of Housing is the Department of the Spanish Government responsible for the housing and urban policies, building regulations and fostering of Spanish architecture.

Host Organization Description
The Ministry of Housing is the Department of the Spanish Government responsible for the housing and urban policies, building regulations and fostering of Spanish architecture.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.vivienda.es
www.femp.es
www.mejorespracticas.org

Event Description
This event will present short case studies of Durban, South Africa; Kabul, Afghanistan; and Maputo, Mozambique, followed by examples from participants illustrating experiences from their own cities. This session aims to: identify strategies and foci of local cooperation, such as public sector interventions, timeframe, management structure, and methods of citizen involvement; and enhance safety and security in cities experiencing a politico-economic and/or social crisis, including high level of organized interpersonal violence. Examples will demonstrate what determined the impact of the initiative, how success was measured, and if successful, how this initiative could be replicated in other cities in similarly challenging contexts. This evenet will produce a set of generic processes, with multi-sector cooperation in conflict cities, providing stakeholders with concrete suggestions for increasing local governance effectiveness with respect to political inclusion, economic viability and violence reduction.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Professor Jo Beall
Daniel Esser, MSc
Dr. Jason Sumich
 

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.lse.ac.uk/collections/DESTIN/whosWho/beallj.htm
www.lse.ac.uk/people/[email protected]/
 

Event Description
The objectives of this event are to: provide a forum to share experiences in financing basic services and infrastructure for inclusive urban development; identify necessary factors and constraints for successful financing of infrastructure and basic services provision for low-income housing settlements; and facilitate future sharing of ideas through linking up those present with existing networks of practitioners. A catalyzing discussion will consider Gobabis, Namibia and its federated community action, which has secured a political commitment whilst a community managed loan fund has helped to ensure inclusion within the settlement. The event will, also, discuss Orangi and other Pakistan locations, where residents have used this methodology, demonstrating communities can finance, manage and build internal development provided they are organised, have technical support and managerial guidance. Finally, the discussion will consider PRODEL, in Nicaragua, where 420 different projects, in the last 12 years, have been executed to the benefit of more than 60,000 low-income families in 10 different cities.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Arif Hasan (Advisor, OPP)
Marlon Olivas (Executive Director, PRODEL)
Mr MOSES KATJAOHA (Mayor of Gobabis Municipality), Ms MARTHA KANGUE (SDFN member from Gobabis (Ha
 

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
gobabis_summary1_100124.doc
OPP_summary_ may_100124.doc

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.iied.org
 

Event Description
This session aims to obtain the commitment of all municipal, governmental, community and private partners to encourage effective and innovative initiatives to fight poverty and social exclusion. Participants will benefit from lessons learned when this approach was used in Montréal’s disadvantaged neighbourhoods. This session will explore the methods employed by the City of Montréal and its partners in this integrated approach, so they can be applied elsewhere. The integrated urban revitalization strategy is a tool local communities can use to achieve the social cohesion necessary for their sustainable development.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Gérald Tremblay, maire de Montréal (TBC)
Simon Compaoré, maire de Ougadougou/ membre de l'AIMF
André Lavallée, membre du comité exécutif, ville de Montréal.Un maire d'Amérique du Sud et d'Europe
 A city with a cosmopolitan, multicultural and bilingual population of 1.6 million, at the core of an agglomeration counting 3.4 million people, Montréal enjoys a unique personality born from its mixed ancestry from Europe and the New World. Its intellectual and cultural dynamism, is ultramodern infrastructures, its high technology and the proximity of large urban centres in the United States and Canada make Montréal a real hub for international exchanges. As cities play a crucial role in the economic, cultural, environmental and social development of our societies, Montreal has adopted a vision that revolves around key strategic areas, namely knowledge, creativity and innovation; culture; living environment; infrastructures and openness to the world. The City hopes to achieve these strategies by promoting human dignity and integrity, tolerance, peace, inclusion, as well as equality for all its citizens.

Host Organization Description
A city with a cosmopolitan, multicultural and bilingual population of 1.6 million, at the core of an agglomeration counting 3.4 million people, Montréal enjoys a unique personality born from its mixed ancestry from Europe and the New World. Its intellectual and cultural dynamism, is ultramodern infrastructures, its high technology and the proximity of large urban centres in the United States and Canada make Montréal a real hub for international exchanges. As cities play a crucial role in the economic, cultural, environmental and social development of our societies, Montreal has adopted a vision that revolves around key strategic areas, namely knowledge, creativity and innovation; culture; living environment; infrastructures and openness to the world. The City hopes to achieve these strategies by promoting human dignity and integrity, tolerance, peace, inclusion, as well as equality for all its citizens.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.ville.montreal.qc.ca
www.aimf.asso.fr

Event Description
This session will bring together mayors and distinguished scholars to discuss the challenges, opportunities, barriers, experiences and strategies in integrating global concerns into urban management in the Asia-Pacific region. Professor Akio Morishima, President of IGES and Former Chair of the Central Environment Council of Japan will open the event and the Former Mayor of Honolulu, Mr. Jeremy Harris, will deliver the keynote speech. A panel discussion will follow. The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, established by an initiative of the Japanese Government in 1998, is a research institute that conducts pragmatic and innovative strategic policy research to support sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region experiencing rapid population increase and economic growth.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Mr. Jeremy Harris, the Former Mayor of Honolulu
Dr. Bhanasopit Melkvichai, Vice Governor of Bangkok
Dr. Zhaoqian Li, Mayor of Rizhao City, China
 The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), established by an initiative of the Japanese Government in 1998, is a research institute that conducts pragmatic and innovative strategic policy research to support sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region-a region experiencing rapid population growth and expanding economic activity. The mission of IGES is to promote the transformation of 20th Century society, characterised by mass production and mass consumption, to a new societal framework founded on sustainability. We must re-examine our value systems and socio-economic activities; change is essential. IGES aims to propose various measures for improved and realistic social and economic systems, which will form a new paradigm for the future. Strategic policy research for the realisation of sustainable development is a formidable task in the Asia-Pacific region, which has such diverse topography and cultures, and great variance in the level of economic development. IGES collaborates with a broad range of stakeholders, such as national governments, non-governmental organisations, businesses and citizens groups, to carry out this research of such a challenging nature, aiming to ensure that the results are reflected in the policy-making process. At IGES, we believe that developing and presenting effective strategies for the Asia-Pacific region will play a leading role in global environmental research in the 21st Century, and contribute to the realisation of sustainable society in the world.

Host Organization Description
The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), established by an initiative of the Japanese Government in 1998, is a research institute that conducts pragmatic and innovative strategic policy research to support sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region-a region experiencing rapid population growth and expanding economic activity. The mission of IGES is to promote the transformation of 20th Century society, characterised by mass production and mass consumption, to a new societal framework founded on sustainability. We must re-examine our value systems and socio-economic activities; change is essential. IGES aims to propose various measures for improved and realistic social and economic systems, which will form a new paradigm for the future. Strategic policy research for the realisation of sustainable development is a formidable task in the Asia-Pacific region, which has such diverse topography and cultures, and great variance in the level of economic development. IGES collaborates with a broad range of stakeholders, such as national governments, non-governmental organisations, businesses and citizens groups, to carry out this research of such a challenging nature, aiming to ensure that the results are reflected in the policy-making process. At IGES, we believe that developing and presenting effective strategies for the Asia-Pacific region will play a leading role in global environmental research in the 21st Century, and contribute to the realisation of sustainable society in the world.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.iges.or.jp/en/index.html
 

Event Description
The following stakeholders coming from Canada and different regions of the world will exchange good practices and discuss how they can help improve the democratic governance of municipalities determined to respect diversity. This event will consider the role of city planners and decision-makers in policy-making and implementation; the role of researchers in monitoring, advancing reflection on the notion of 'urban citizenship'; and the role of NGOs in monitoring, campaigning, executing cultural activities. The plan of action proposed for each regional coalition takes into consideration three aspects of the life of the city: the role of the city as an organization, the role cities play in reinforcing the law and the role they play in building a community respectful of the diversity. This workshop will focus on how to build a community based on the respect of diversity.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Baldwin Wong, Multicultural Social Planner, City of Vancouver
Josep-LLuís Marjalizo, Direcció de Serveis de Dona i Drets Civils, Ajuntament de Barcelona
A representative of the City of Durban (t.b.c.)
 UNESCO - the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization was born on 16 November 1945. This UN agency works as a laboratory of ideas and a standard-setter to forge universal agreements on emerging ethical issues. The Organization also serves as a clearinghouse “ that disseminates and shares information and knowledge “ while helping Member States to build their human and institutional capacities in diverse fields. In short, UNESCO promotes international co-operation among its 191 Member States and six Associate Members in the fields of education, science, culture and communication. UNESCO works to create the conditions for true dialogue, based upon respect for commonly shared values and the dignity of each civilization and culture.

Host Organization Description
UNESCO - the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization was born on 16 November 1945. This UN agency works as a laboratory of ideas and a standard-setter to forge universal agreements on emerging ethical issues. The Organization also serves as a clearinghouse “ that disseminates and shares information and knowledge “ while helping Member States to build their human and institutional capacities in diverse fields. In short, UNESCO promotes international co-operation among its 191 Member States and six Associate Members in the fields of education, science, culture and communication. UNESCO works to create the conditions for true dialogue, based upon respect for commonly shared values and the dignity of each civilization and culture.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.unesco.org/shs/citiesagainstracism
www.unesco.ca/
 

Event Description
This session will discuss challenges of decentralization in the Islamic Republic of Iran, specifically the shift of decision-making and spending power from central to local governments. A presentation of a recent analysis of governance and the current re-structuring of government roles and functions will provide the basis for discussion. Panel members will comment on such topics as: the emerging roles of local and central government in determining the provision of services; the financing of services; and mechanisms of accountability.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Tim Campbell, Chairman-Urban Age Institute;
Hedi Larbi, Urban Projects-World Bank; Kian Tajbakhsh, Ph.D., urban planner and professor;
 
 

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.UrbanAge.org
 

Event Description
This session is designed to provide participants the opportunity to discuss how to effectively link the range of developing knowledge networks around the world, including existing international, national, regional and local networks, especially in relation to marginalized groups such as immigrant women, Aboriginal women, and women with disabilities. This session will look at ways we can create global, national and local partnerships to develop policies to promote the health and safety of at-risk women in cities.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Linda Day (Aboriginal Women's Health & Healing Research Group), Fran Odette (Education Wife Assault)
Karen Yoshida (University of Toronto), Swarna Weerasinghe (Dalhousie University)
Kamlyn Ng-See-Quan (Action Canada for Population Development), Marisol Dalmazzo (AVP)
 The National Network on Environments and Women's Health (NNEWH)is one of four Canadian Centres of Excellence for Women's Health supported by the Bureau of Women's Health and Gender Analysis to enhance Health Canada's capacity to promote equitable health outcomes for women and men, and boys and girls. NNEWH develops and conducts policy research primarily on urban and work issues, paying particular attention to the health status and needs of at risk women. WOMEN IN CITIES INTERNATIONAL is an international network for various partners concerned with gender equality issues and the place of women in cities. It seeks to disseminate information on issues relating to gender equality, the role of women in cities and the application of a gender approach in community and municipal decision-making, and the public policy process.

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
Additional _Speakers_Info_ WUF3_100025.doc
Presentations_WUF3_100025.doc
Racial_En_Fr_100025.pdf
women_disabilities_En_Fr_100025.pdf

Host Organization Description
The National Network on Environments and Women's Health (NNEWH)is one of four Canadian Centres of Excellence for Women's Health supported by the Bureau of Women's Health and Gender Analysis to enhance Health Canada's capacity to promote equitable health outcomes for women and men, and boys and girls. NNEWH develops and conducts policy research primarily on urban and work issues, paying particular attention to the health status and needs of at risk women. WOMEN IN CITIES INTERNATIONAL is an international network for various partners concerned with gender equality issues and the place of women in cities. It seeks to disseminate information on issues relating to gender equality, the role of women in cities and the application of a gender approach in community and municipal decision-making, and the public policy process.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.femmesetvilles.org
www.womenincities.org
www.yorku.ca/nnewh
 

Event Description
This session will examine a variety of assessment instruments used and the difficult questions facing governments and the private sector in making land reform and real estate markets available to their populations, the property resources of the nation. The presentation will include actual case studies and look at specific applications examining land, mortgage market and housing sectors, along with their application in selected countries of Eastern Europe. This event will, also, look at the operations of the land and property markets in Ghana, which are largely informal.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Richard Green, Prof. of Finance and Real Estate, George Washington University
Norman Flynn, President, International Real Property Foundation
Dr. Callistus Mahama, Ghanaian Chartered Surveyor, Gordon Davis, National Association of Realtors
This session is one of a series of 12 networking sessions organized by the International Housing Coalition (IHC) on important housing issues.IRPF is a non-profit foundation created from the desire of the U.S. real estate professionals to share their expertise. At the grassroots, we bring practitioners together to promote property rights globally, enabling people to own property, to own a home. We believe having a home means having hope. We deliver on the promise of hope by sharing American real estate know-how with the developing world. IRPF is committed to making the world a better place through real estate.

Host Organization Description
IRPF is a non-profit foundation created from the desire of the U.S. real estate professionals to share their expertise. At the grassroots, we bring practitioners together to promote property rights globally, enabling people to own property, to own a home. We believe having a home means having hope. We deliver on the promise of hope by sharing American real estate know-how with the developing world. IRPF is committed to making the world a better place through real estate.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.irpf.org/IRPF.nsf/homepage?OpenForm
www.rics.org/

Event Description
This session will feature presentations from local government and First Nation representatives, followed by a round table discussion. The discussion will focus on land management related issues, which hold significant partnership opportunities for First Nations and local governments. These include, but are not limited to, service provision, infrastructure projects, political protocols in working together, regional economic development and by-law compatibility.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Chief Robert Louie
Director Aaron Dinwoodie
 
 This session is jointly hosted by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has been the national voice of municipal government since 1901. FCM is dedicated to improving the quality of life in all communities by promoting strong, effective and accountable municipal government. FCM represents the interests of all member municipalities on policy and program matters within federal jurisdiction. Members include Canada’s largest cities, small urban and rural communities and the 18 major provincial and territorial municipal associations. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada(INAC)has primary, but not exclusive, responsibility for meeting the federal government’s constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and Northerners. The mandate of INAC is to improve the lives of Aboriginal people through economic development, strengthened First Nation governance, education and modernized social programs in partnership with Aboriginal people, other orders of government and non-governmental organizations.

Host Organization Description
This session is jointly hosted by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has been the national voice of municipal government since 1901. FCM is dedicated to improving the quality of life in all communities by promoting strong, effective and accountable municipal government. FCM represents the interests of all member municipalities on policy and program matters within federal jurisdiction. Members include Canada’s largest cities, small urban and rural communities and the 18 major provincial and territorial municipal associations. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada(INAC)has primary, but not exclusive, responsibility for meeting the federal government’s constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and Northerners. The mandate of INAC is to improve the lives of Aboriginal people through economic development, strengthened First Nation governance, education and modernized social programs in partnership with Aboriginal people, other orders of government and non-governmental organizations.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.fcm.ca
www.ainc-inac.gc.ca
 

Event Description
Waste as a aource of Energy to combat Climate Change will focus on the links between energy, waste management and climate change. We all know that, in theory, urban waste may be a source materials and energy. And recently, we have seen energy and materials increase in value. Still, urban waste is often littering, polluting, contaminating, and releasing greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Waste management is an economic as well as planning problem to most urban administrations. But some have managed to utilize waste. Some have been able to save valuable fossil fuels, reduce climate change and generate income. During this event I hope we can learn about the cultural, social, economic and technical conditions when waste is not only wasted.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Tomas Kåberger, (moderator), Helena Kock-Åström, Linköping;Lennart Erfors, Kristianstad;
Frederika C Rentoy, Philippines, Ritma Dubrovska, Latvia
 
 Swedish Research Council Formas, Swedish EPA, Swedish National Heritage Board, SIDA and the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning

Host Organization Description
Swedish Research Council Formas, Swedish EPA, Swedish National Heritage Board, SIDA and the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning

Event Description
The event will promote a dialogue on leadership and community involvement in local urban governance, with examples of real world urban action in South Africa, Vietnam and Sweden. Responsible local leadership and public participation are key elements and features of “good urban governance”, however in forming governance networks and partnerships, it is sometimes difficult for some groups and people to participate. A bottom-up approach and true participation are not obtained in the twinkling of an eye. Furthermore, participatory processes, which are run without anything changing in reality, are often disastrous and counter-productive. These examples offer some inspiration and positive experience, but also lessons to be learned from the ambitious processes.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Dawn McCarthy, Manager: Land Planning and Management, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, South Africa
Stina Fransson, Gårdstensbostäder, Gothenburg, Sweden
Knut Srömberg, Urban Laboratory Gothenburg, Sweden
Vo Phi Chau, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Le Quang Nguyen, Save the Children Sweden (Vietnam office)Partners Save the Children Sweden The Urban Laboratory Gothenburg

Host Organization Description
Partners Save the Children Sweden The Urban Laboratory Gothenburg

Event Description
What role can heritage play in poverty reduction and a sustainable urban development? This event will present two upgrading projects where heritage has been used as a decisive factor for urban development and the contemporary discussions based on urban and post-colonial research. The character of heritage as a capital asset gives rise to cultural, as well as economical, value. A society who uses heritage, as a resource, will gain a multiple economical effect, in contrast to societies who focuses strictly on financial matters. The concept of liveability is crucial when striving for sustainable urban development. However, reliable measures of liveability, possible to calibrate against agreed normative living standards, are elusive. How can poor inhabitants claim “ownership” to heritage values under insecure tenure and perhaps as illegitimate residents?

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Prof. Dipesh Chakrabarty, U of Chicago
Mr Christer Gustafsson, Director Heritage Halland, Sweden.
Mr Dick Sandberg and Mr Sali Shoshaj Cultural Heritage without Borders, Kosovo
Mr Thomas Melin, organizer. Head of Division The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) Ms Kersti Berggren, organizer. Architect The Swedish National Heritage Board Ms Birgitta Elfström, organizer, facilitator. Head of Division The Swedish National Heritage Board. Moderator: Ms Khouloud Daibes. Director of the Centre for Cultural Heritage Preservation in Bethlehem, West Bank.The event “Life in the Urban Landscape (3). Urban Development for the poor: the interdependence between heritage, sustainability and liveability” is co-organized by two Swedish State Governmental organizations: The Swedish National Heritage Board and The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) together with the Swedish Foundation Cultural Heritage without Borders. Three other Swedish State Governmental organizations take part in the stream of Networking Events kept together under the umbrella of Life in the Urban Landscape (LUL 1, 2 and 3): The Swedish Research Council Formas, The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and The National Board of Housing, Building and Planning. The Urban Laboratory Gothenburg, representing the City of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden is also part of the organizing team.

Host Organization Description
The event “Life in the Urban Landscape (3). Urban Development for the poor: the interdependence between heritage, sustainability and liveability” is co-organized by two Swedish State Governmental organizations: The Swedish National Heritage Board and The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) together with the Swedish Foundation Cultural Heritage without Borders. Three other Swedish State Governmental organizations take part in the stream of Networking Events kept together under the umbrella of Life in the Urban Landscape (LUL 1, 2 and 3): The Swedish Research Council Formas, The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and The National Board of Housing, Building and Planning. The Urban Laboratory Gothenburg, representing the City of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden is also part of the organizing team.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.raa.se
www.sida.se
www.chwb.org
 

Event Description
Secure access to and control over land and housing are essential for women’s security, economic empowerment and realization of human rights. Achieving gender equality in rights to and control over land and housing impacts positively on communities’ access to infrastructure and services. This equality is key for sustainable agriculture, poverty reduction and economic growth. This event will focus on the innovations already implemented by women at the grassroots to secure their land and housing. Women will present strategies and highlight impacts of such interventions. Comments from panellists will follow, highlighting lessons learned to facilitate dialogue on various approaches and to develop a space for collective organizing. The Women’s Land Link Africa will be highlighted as an innovative practice.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Lajana Manandhar, Lumanti, Nepal
Luz Maria Sanchez Hurtado, Estrategia-United Women for a Better Community, Peru
Violet Shivutse, Groots Kenya
Evelyn V. Abagao, DAMPA Inc., PhilippinesThe Huairou Commission is a global partnership coalition of networks, institutions and individual professionals that links grassroots women, community development organizations to partners for access to resources, information sharing and political spaces. Further, it links development professionals to on-the-ground experiences/practice. Currently, the network focuses its joint efforts on governance, AIDS, disaster, secure tenure and post-conflict. The WLLA Initiative is an effort of the Huairou Commission, the Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions, FAO SAFRO, and UN HABITAT, and links all actors working towards positive change for women's housing and land in Africa, in order to support and strengthen ongoing work.

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
LISTEN_TO_US_100004.doc
WLLA_NEWSLETTER_100004.doc
WHRP_FACT_SHEET_10004.doc
WHRP_FACT_SHEET_TWO_10004.doc
 

Host Organization Description
The Huairou Commission is a global partnership coalition of networks, institutions and individual professionals that links grassroots women, community development organizations to partners for access to resources, information sharing and political spaces. Further, it links development professionals to on-the-ground experiences/practice. Currently, the network focuses its joint efforts on governance, AIDS, disaster, secure tenure and post-conflict. The WLLA Initiative is an effort of the Huairou Commission, the Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions, FAO SAFRO, and UN HABITAT, and links all actors working towards positive change for women's housing and land in Africa, in order to support and strengthen ongoing work.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.huairou.org
www.cohre.org
www.fao.org
www.unhabitat.org
 

Event Description
Although local authorities play a significant role in construction and related services, information and knowledge of their potential to generate jobs and improve work conditions, through policy-making and strategic allocation of public resources, is still poorly understood. While a number of local authorities implement best practices related to labour, few others have the knowledge necessary for such implementation. This discussion will aim to reduce the gap between the two sets of local authorities. It will include the presentations of related research by the International Labour Office and the University of Geneva, complemented by speakers knowledgeable in good practices. This event will, also, discuss the formation of a mutually supportive network of local authorities with a view on promoting decent work.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Steven Miller, International Labour Office;
Gunde Odgaard, Building and Wood Workers International; Fernando Pimentel, Mayor of Belo Horizonte;
Mariana Paredes, University of Geneva; Edmundo Werna (chair)
 The event is based on a project executed by the ILO in partnership with UNIGE, funded by GIAN. The primary goal of the ILO (International Labour Office) is to promote opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and productive work, in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity. For decades the ILO has been active in urban development initiatives related to its four strategic objectives, namely: employment, social dialogue, social protection and rights at work. Cities are not merely places to live, but equally, places to work. Given the magnitude and pace of urbanization, a crucial challenge is to create more and better quality employment in urban settlements. By 2008, over 50% of the world’s population will live in urban areas . The fastest growth rate of urban population is in developing countries where it is estimated that about 180,000 new urban residents are added per day. By 2020, the urban population in developing countries is expected to reach 50 per cent . Work is mainly and often the only way to stay out of urban poverty.

Host Organization Description
The event is based on a project executed by the ILO in partnership with UNIGE, funded by GIAN. The primary goal of the ILO (International Labour Office) is to promote opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and productive work, in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity. For decades the ILO has been active in urban development initiatives related to its four strategic objectives, namely: employment, social dialogue, social protection and rights at work. Cities are not merely places to live, but equally, places to work. Given the magnitude and pace of urbanization, a crucial challenge is to create more and better quality employment in urban settlements. By 2008, over 50% of the world’s population will live in urban areas . The fastest growth rate of urban population is in developing countries where it is estimated that about 180,000 new urban residents are added per day. By 2020, the urban population in developing countries is expected to reach 50 per cent . Work is mainly and often the only way to stay out of urban poverty.

Event Description
BC’s local government system has attracted international attention due to the high levels of political autonomy, financial self-sufficiency and public accountability. It is successful in part because of the high degree of collaboration within the system. This workshop will provide an overview of this system and present case studies of how it works on the ground. This workshop will be of interest to delegates from all levels of government, academic institutions, and anyone interested in the subject of effective local government.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Tom MacDonald, Executive Director, LGMA
Gary Paget, Executive Director, Government and Structure Division, Ministry of Community Services
 
 The Local Government Management Association of British Columbia (LGMA) is a professional organization representing municipal and regional district managers, administrators, clerks, treasurers and other local government officials in the Province of British Columbia. The Association is dedicated to promoting professional management and leadership excellence in local government and to create awareness of the local government officers' role in the community

Host Organization Description
The Local Government Management Association of British Columbia (LGMA) is a professional organization representing municipal and regional district managers, administrators, clerks, treasurers and other local government officials in the Province of British Columbia. The Association is dedicated to promoting professional management and leadership excellence in local government and to create awareness of the local government officers' role in the community

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.lgma.ca
www.mcaws.gov.bc.ca/lgd/

Event Description
Upon completing the decentralization processes, mayors of southern cities are required to take on new responsibilities, including increasing their ability to mobilize funds. This session will demonstrate how AIMF supports its member cities in several ways. First, the city of Douala, Cameroon, will present how it mobilizes private funds by improving its accounting and financial management. Second, the Niamey addressing project will demonstrate how it maximized the city’s fiscal potential through tax collection. Finally, the Dakar experience will demonstrate how a city can revitalize its socio-economic fabric and increase its fiscal resources through micro financing.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Simon COMPAORE, Maire de Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) - M. Gérald Tremblay, maire de Montreal
Lamine Mbassa, Directeur des Affaires financières, Douala (Cameroun)
Amadou Souley , Directeur de la cellule d'adressage de Niamey (Niger) - Mme Fayol Tall, Dakar
 AIMF (International Association of Francophone Mayors) is a network of 156 cities committed to promoting good municipal governance and assisting its mayors with the implementation of urban development policies. It works closely with local communities on processes involved with decentralization, largely by reinforcing the cities’ abilities in managing their local finances and vital statistics. Its annual investment budget is 4 million Euros. Its programs can range from modernizing tools used by the cities, to training municipal officials, and they are supported by its network of Francophone territorial experts. AIMF also strives to meet the Millennium Goals in its member cities by making concrete advances in the areas of access to water, health, and education. AIMF is the operating agency of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (International Organization of La Francophonie) for decentralized cooperation.

Host Organization Description
AIMF (International Association of Francophone Mayors) is a network of 156 cities committed to promoting good municipal governance and assisting its mayors with the implementation of urban development policies. It works closely with local communities on processes involved with decentralization, largely by reinforcing the cities’ abilities in managing their local finances and vital statistics. Its annual investment budget is 4 million Euros. Its programs can range from modernizing tools used by the cities, to training municipal officials, and they are supported by its network of Francophone territorial experts. AIMF also strives to meet the Millennium Goals in its member cities by making concrete advances in the areas of access to water, health, and education. AIMF is the operating agency of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (International Organization of La Francophonie) for decentralized cooperation.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.aimf.asso.fr
www.ville.montreal.qc.ca
 

Event Description
Even though the MDGs are global, they can most effectively be achieved through action at the local level. A UN-Habitat guidebook on “Localising the MDGs” has been developed to help local authorities implement activities at achieving the MDGs. It describes a process to be used as a planning framework for a poverty-reduction strategy prepared in the context of local economic development. Local Urban Observatories have been collecting urban indicators relevant for local decision-making. This guide provides further steps to use the local indicators for achieving the MDGs. UN-HABITAT’s Global Urban Observatory and Urban Management Programme, in partnership with Metropolis, has organized this event to share experiences from Local Urban Observatories and other cities who have begun to implement MDG based local strategies.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Honorable Jesse Robredo, Mayor of Naga City, the Philippines
Honorable Prisca Auma, Mayor of Kisumu, Kenya
Mr. Horacio Guerrero Garcia, Director General, IPLAN, Leon, Mexico
Other key partners presenting at the event are the cities implementing the Localising MDGs work, namely those in Mexico, the Philippines, Kenya, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.The Urban Management Programme (1986 - 2006) was one of the largest global technical assistance programmes in the urban sector. A joint undertaking of UN-HABITAT, UNDP, the World Bank, and many bilateral donor agencies, its goal was to strengthen the contribution that cities and towns in developing countries make towards economic growth, social development and the elimination of poverty. It has now handed over to its partners at the regional, national and local level. The UMP responded to the Habitat Agenda themes of sustainable urban development and the urbanisation of poverty. UMP used the strategies of institutional anchoring and city consultations, working closely with local government, local and regional institutions and community groups to achieve its goals in over 120 city consultations in 57 countries. UN-HABITAT has developed a pilot programme on localising MDGs with the anchor networks and institutions of the Urban Management Programme, which engages local authorities and other stakeholders in developing local action plans to meet the MDGs. A guidebook entitled “Localising the Millennium Development Goals” has been developed.

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
LMDG_100140.doc

Host Organization Description
The Urban Management Programme (1986 - 2006) was one of the largest global technical assistance programmes in the urban sector. A joint undertaking of UN-HABITAT, UNDP, the World Bank, and many bilateral donor agencies, its goal was to strengthen the contribution that cities and towns in developing countries make towards economic growth, social development and the elimination of poverty. It has now handed over to its partners at the regional, national and local level. The UMP responded to the Habitat Agenda themes of sustainable urban development and the urbanisation of poverty. UMP used the strategies of institutional anchoring and city consultations, working closely with local government, local and regional institutions and community groups to achieve its goals in over 120 city consultations in 57 countries. UN-HABITAT has developed a pilot programme on localising MDGs with the anchor networks and institutions of the Urban Management Programme, which engages local authorities and other stakeholders in developing local action plans to meet the MDGs. A guidebook entitled “Localising the Millennium Development Goals” has been developed.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.unhabitat.org/ump
 

Event Description
This session will address how to strengthen Local Government Authorities (LGAs) to fully recognize women's rights, achieve women's and men's full and equal participation in local decision making and ensure equity in access to services and resources. ALGP partners will share information on the current African local governance context and conditions to mainstream gender as experienced by the LGAs involved in the program. Participants will be asked for input on a new practical tool for building LGA competencies and capacities to promote gender equality. They will also seek to create linkages with similar initiatives in other parts of the world.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Councillor Jane Edna Nyame
Miss Esther Offei Aboagye, Director- Institute of Local Government Studies
 
 Ghana is conducting local level elections in August this year. At the session of the women caucus of NALAG we will discuss ways of increasing the paticipation of women in local governance in Ghana. We have drawn up a programe to train potential women contestants in advocacy and lobbying skills campaing stratergies among others. We are also in league with the Ministry for Women and Children's Affairs to raise funds to assist such women.

Host Organization Description
Ghana is conducting local level elections in August this year. At the session of the women caucus of NALAG we will discuss ways of increasing the paticipation of women in local governance in Ghana. We have drawn up a programe to train potential women contestants in advocacy and lobbying skills campaing stratergies among others. We are also in league with the Ministry for Women and Children's Affairs to raise funds to assist such women.

Event Description
In 2000, as a part of the Millennium Declaration adopted by the UN, member states resolved to halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS. Since 2004, UN-HABITAT has been active in Abengourou, Cote D’Ivorie, Blantyre, Malawi, Kisumu, Kenya, Louga, Senegal and Makurdi, Nigeria, helping local authorities assess the impact of HIV/AIDS at the local level and planning responses with local communities. The programme also supports national and regional networks of municipalities in their local-level HIV/AIDS activities, including the replication of experience. This networking event will showcase experiences from the cities and countries managing HIV/AIDS at the local level in Africa. It will also include presentations from key partners, such as the World Bank, AMICAALL, the Huariou Commission and youth groups.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Dr. Lycester Bandawe, Blantyre, Malawi and Ms. Deliwe Malema, Lilongwe, Malawi
Honorable Mayor Prisca Auma, Mayor of Kisumu, Kenya, and Cllr. Samuel Nyabinda, Kisumu, Kenya
Mr. El Housseynou Ly, IAGU, Senegal and Mr. Pascal Rakotomalala, BNETD, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
 Urban Management Programme (1986-2006) was one of the largest global technical assistance programmes in the urban sector. A joint undertaking of UN-HABITAT, UNDP, the World Bank, and many bilateral donor agencies, its goal was to strengthen the contribution that cities and towns in developing countries make towards economic growth, social development and the elimination of poverty. It has now handed over to its partners at the regional, national and local level. The UMP responded to the Habitat Agenda themes of sustainable urban development and the urbanisation of poverty. UMP used the strategies of institutional anchoring and city consultations, working closely with local government, local and regional institutions and community groups to achieve its goals in over 120 city consultations in 57 countries. Originally implemented through the UMP and underway in 2006 through regional networks, the objectives of the HIV/AIDS activities within the UN-HABITAT project “Managing the HIV/AIDS Pandemic at the Local Level in Africa” are to enable municipal local governments and other local stakeholders to assess the impact of HIV/AIDS and to plan and implement appropriate responses. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Key partners are the cities of Abengourou, Cote D’Ivorie; Blantyre, Malawi; Kisumu, Kenya; Louga, Senegal, and Makurdi, Nigeria, as well as partner institutions: The Development Policy Centre, Nigeria; The Africa Institute of Urban Management, Senegal, the Municipal Development Partnership, Zimbabwe and Bureau National d'Etudes Techniques et de Developpement, Cote d'Ivoire.

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
HIV_AIDS_100153.doc

Host Organization Description
Urban Management Programme (1986-2006) was one of the largest global technical assistance programmes in the urban sector. A joint undertaking of UN-HABITAT, UNDP, the World Bank, and many bilateral donor agencies, its goal was to strengthen the contribution that cities and towns in developing countries make towards economic growth, social development and the elimination of poverty. It has now handed over to its partners at the regional, national and local level. The UMP responded to the Habitat Agenda themes of sustainable urban development and the urbanisation of poverty. UMP used the strategies of institutional anchoring and city consultations, working closely with local government, local and regional institutions and community groups to achieve its goals in over 120 city consultations in 57 countries. Originally implemented through the UMP and underway in 2006 through regional networks, the objectives of the HIV/AIDS activities within the UN-HABITAT project “Managing the HIV/AIDS Pandemic at the Local Level in Africa” are to enable municipal local governments and other local stakeholders to assess the impact of HIV/AIDS and to plan and implement appropriate responses. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Key partners are the cities of Abengourou, Cote D’Ivorie; Blantyre, Malawi; Kisumu, Kenya; Louga, Senegal, and Makurdi, Nigeria, as well as partner institutions: The Development Policy Centre, Nigeria; The Africa Institute of Urban Management, Senegal, the Municipal Development Partnership, Zimbabwe and Bureau National d'Etudes Techniques et de Developpement, Cote d'Ivoire.

Event Description
The main objectives of this event are twofold: to identify critical issues related to mainstreaming L-MDG action plans into existing local development plans, programming and management instruments; and to optimize the design, indicators and data management for urban monitoring systems, relating to the L-MDG. A representative from a local authority with experience in urban development and planning, with in-depth knowledge of the MDG and urban information and monitoring systems, will act as moderator. Three professionals will present their experiences and emerging issues arising from the setting up of L-MDG process and observatory/monitoring system.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Municipalities of Belo Horizonte and Nova Iguaçu (Brazil)
Municipality of Guayaquil (Ecuador)
Caribbean Region
 UN-Habitat is the UN Agency for human settlements. It is mandated to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat has initiated a programme on Localising the Millennium Developments Goals (L-MDG). Its initial phase aims at engaging local authorities and stakeholders in developing local action plans to meet the MDG and at building their capacity to achieve the MDG. Millennium Developments Goals collaborates with cities in developing countries in the establishment of Local Urban Observatories (LUO) so that they can get an accurate picture of their situation, monitor progress, and collect and process relevant information and indicators for this purpose. LUO are a key input for follow up to the MDG. The Regional Office for Latin American and the Caribbean (ROLAC) of UN-Habitat collaborates with L-MDG and GUO in the implementation of the regional component of both programmes, presently working in over 8 countries of the region.

Host Organization Description
UN-Habitat is the UN Agency for human settlements. It is mandated to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat has initiated a programme on Localising the Millennium Developments Goals (L-MDG). Its initial phase aims at engaging local authorities and stakeholders in developing local action plans to meet the MDG and at building their capacity to achieve the MDG. Millennium Developments Goals collaborates with cities in developing countries in the establishment of Local Urban Observatories (LUO) so that they can get an accurate picture of their situation, monitor progress, and collect and process relevant information and indicators for this purpose. LUO are a key input for follow up to the MDG. The Regional Office for Latin American and the Caribbean (ROLAC) of UN-Habitat collaborates with L-MDG and GUO in the implementation of the regional component of both programmes, presently working in over 8 countries of the region.

Event Description
This session features Measuring Up, a guide to assist communities in assessing and advancing common elements of access and inclusion issues, such as Support Services, Access to Information, Economic Participation and Community Participation. The Measuring Up framework recommends engaging a broad cross-section of community representatives in a dialogue process to effectively establish priorities and solutions to local access and inclusion issues. Focusing on the importance of dialogue, the Measuring Up experience will be described by members of a panel representing diverse communities. Participants will engage in an interactive forum demonstrating the importance of inclusive dialogue in achieving effective results and the adaptability of the guide to diverse structural, economic, cultural and other circumstances.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
City of Vancouver / 2010 Legacies Now Society / VANOC
Municipalities of Vancouver, Powell River and Whistler
Venus Ilagan, Chair, Disabled Persons International; CACL; Int'l Paralymic Ctte
 2010 Legacies Now is a not-for-profit society that works in partnership with community organizations, non-government organizations (NGOs), the private sector and all levels of government to develop sustainable legacies in sport & recreation, arts, literacy, and volunteerism. 2010 Legacies Now actively assists communities discover and create unique and inclusive social and economic opportunities leading up to, during and beyond the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. For more information please visit www.2010LegaciesNow.com.

Host Organization Description
2010 Legacies Now is a not-for-profit society that works in partnership with community organizations, non-government organizations (NGOs), the private sector and all levels of government to develop sustainable legacies in sport & recreation, arts, literacy, and volunteerism. 2010 Legacies Now actively assists communities discover and create unique and inclusive social and economic opportunities leading up to, during and beyond the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. For more information please visit www.2010LegaciesNow.com.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.2010LegaciesNow.com
 
 

Event Description
This workshop will focus on monitoring the human right to adequate housing and land using methodological monitoring tools. It will provide a Toolkit, from the HIC Housing and Land Rights Network, as a problem-solving method for use in monitoring, defending and fulfilling the human right to adequate housing and land. This multi-use Toolkit addresses forced evictions, budgets, women’s rights, post disaster reconstruction, housing and land issues in conflict, policy formulation and other habitat situations. This workshop will provide training for participants on the most comprehensive and effective ways to monitor violations of the right to adequate housing, which also comprises other auxiliary rights including the right to water, food, and employment. The goal is to provide participants with the necessary background in monitoring and the strategic capability to start their own monitoring systems.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Joseph Schechla, , coordinator, Housing and Land Rights Network (HLRN)
Maher Bushra, Better Life Association for Community Development (Egypt)
Shivani Chaudhry, HLRN, South Asia Regional Programme (India), Issa Samandar, Popular Development Ce
 Habitat International Coalition (HIC), the global movement specialized in human settlements since 1976, comprises some 450 members in 80 countries, in the North and South. They include NGOs, community-based organisations, social movements, academic and research centers, professional associations and like-minded individuals dedicated to the struggle against deprivation of well-being and for realizing the human right to adequate housing for all. HIC is coordinated through member-based regional Focal Points, as well as organises members with common interests within thematic structures, including: -Housing and Land Rights Network (HLRN) -Women and Shelter Network (HIC-WAS) -Habitat and Sustainable Environment Network (HSEN) -Social Production Working Group HLRN shares with general HIC a set of objectives that bind and shape HLRN's commitment to communities struggling to secure housing and improve their well-being and living conditions as a human right. HLRN seeks to: -Advocate the recognition, defence and full implementation of everyone’s right everywhere to a secure place to live in peace and dignity; -Promote public awareness about human settlement problems and needs globally; -Defend the human rights of the poor, displaced, homeless and inadequately housed. -Maintain a progressive platform for formulating common housing-rights strategies.

Host Organization Description
Habitat International Coalition (HIC), the global movement specialized in human settlements since 1976, comprises some 450 members in 80 countries, in the North and South. They include NGOs, community-based organisations, social movements, academic and research centers, professional associations and like-minded individuals dedicated to the struggle against deprivation of well-being and for realizing the human right to adequate housing for all. HIC is coordinated through member-based regional Focal Points, as well as organises members with common interests within thematic structures, including: -Housing and Land Rights Network (HLRN) -Women and Shelter Network (HIC-WAS) -Habitat and Sustainable Environment Network (HSEN) -Social Production Working Group HLRN shares with general HIC a set of objectives that bind and shape HLRN's commitment to communities struggling to secure housing and improve their well-being and living conditions as a human right. HLRN seeks to: -Advocate the recognition, defence and full implementation of everyone’s right everywhere to a secure place to live in peace and dignity; -Promote public awareness about human settlement problems and needs globally; -Defend the human rights of the poor, displaced, homeless and inadequately housed. -Maintain a progressive platform for formulating common housing-rights strategies.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.hic-net.org
www.hlrn.org
 

Event Description
The North/North Network for Urban Sustainability and Leadership invites representatives of communities and cities above the 35th Latitude to explore a new network for urban sustainability. The planned discussion and discourse on issues of consumption of natural resources and urban sustainability will be especially enriched by the attendance of city administrators, urban NGO and winter city organizations' representatives, members of academic communities, and professionals in community development, planning, and architecture. Representatives of provincial, state, and regional governments are also welcome. Panellists leading the discussion of issues and best practices will represent China, Russia, and the United States of America.

Event Description
This session will engage experiential women, youth at risk of exploitation and organizations who work within the spectrum of the sex industry. Topics for discussion include: improving working conditions; health and safety; public education; and sexual exploitation of youth and trafficking. The Vancouver Agreement, comprised of local organizations including PEERS, WISH, PACE, SWAN, along with representative organizations from Chile and Nairobi, will lead the session. This event hopes to share best learning practices and successes, as well as create enduring partnerships and linkages between groups and individuals to increase safety and security in cities worldwide. *** Moderater: Lauren Casey, Coordinator for the Canadian National Coalition of Experiential Women, a consortium of current and former sex workers advocating for the human rights and social justice of sex workers across Canada *** *** Opening remarks: Ardath Paxton Mann, Federal Chair- Vancouver Agreement, Assistant Deputy Minister- Western Economic Diversification Canada *** ****** KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Maria Hudspith Director, Community Engagement, Vancouver Coastal Health ******

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Kyla Kaun (PEERS - Vancouver), Melanie Mark (Covenant House/Urban Native Youth Association)
Eliana Dentone Verardi (Chilean Union of Sex Workers), Marcela Tchimino Nhamias (MOMIC)
Hamza Ahmed (Vision Sisters Working Sisters/Interfaith Women - Kenya)
 

Event Description
The Government of Ontario has embarked on a comprehensive approach to growth management that will achieve long-term sustainability, a high quality of life and prosperity. Innovative policy and planning initiatives have been undertaken to provide a rational planning approach to sustainable growth and infrastructure development including Places to Grow and the Greater Golden Horseshoe Growth Plan, the Greenbelt Plan, and the Toronto Waterfront revitalization plans for the West Don Lands precinct. This networking session will highlight the key features of these initiatives including: legislation, stakeholder involvement, and inter-ministerial collaboration. Subsequent breakout groups will offer opportunities to explore and discuss the Ontario experience, as well as the experiences and lessons learned in sustainable growth planning from other jurisdictions around the world.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Paul Evans, Assistant Deputy Minister, Infrastructure Policy and Planning Branch, Ministry of Public
Brad Graham, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ontario Growth Secretariat, Ministry of Public Infrastructur
Barb Konyi, Manager, Planning And Development Division, Ministry of Municipal Affairs And Housing
Joe Berridge, Partner, Urban Strategies Inc Debbe Crandall, Executive Director, Save the Oak Ridges Moraine Kristin Jenkins, VP Public Affairs, Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation Cynthia Wilkey, Chair, West Don Lands Committee

Event Description
HIV/AIDS is a housing issue! The urban poor often lose their homes when they get sick and incomes drop. People with weak immune systems get infections because of poor living conditions. This event will be inspired by the responses of African, Aboriginal and Canadian housing groups. It will provide hands-on training by simulating action-planning workshops organized by African NGOs with community housing groups. The first half will draw out people’s experiences of the housing related impacts of HIV/AIDS. Two smaller groups will then consider strategies to respond. All participants will receive training materials, a workshop synopsis and participants list. This event is closely linked to a three-day workshop in Vancouver immediately prior to WUF3, bringing together African and Canadian organizations involved in housing and HIV/AIDS issues.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Barbra Kohlo, Executive Director, Housing People of Zimbabwe
Barry Pinsky, Executive Director, Rooftops Canada
Marcel Swain, Executive Director, Lu'ma Native Housing Society
 Housing People of Zimbabwe (HPZ) was founded in 1992 to assist housing cooperatives with cooperative development, technical services, financial planning and management and legal services. During the last five years HPZ has launched initiatives to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on cooperative members, including, impact studies, training and skills building, policy development and coalition building. Responses at the community level include feeding programs for orphans, loan programs for people living with AIDS and training for members. Lu'ma Native Housing Society: Over the past 23 years Lu'ma has successfully developed and operates a social housing portfolio of over 250 units for people of Aboriginal ancestry in Vancouver, Canada. The society aims to ensure a continued supply of adequate housing at a modest cost to Aboriginal people with low and moderate incomes. It also works to educate the community about the housing problems of Aboriginal people in the urban community. Rooftops Canada / Abri International: Founded in 1984, Rooftops Canada is the international development program of co-operative and social housing organizations in Canada. Rooftops works with partner organizations to improve housing conditions, build sustainable communities and develop a shared vision of equitable global development. Rooftops Canada's current focus is on disadvantaged communities in Africa and Asia. Other Partners: Healing our Spirit BC Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Society, Vancouver

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
HIV_AIDS_Housing_100006.pdf
south_africa_workshops_resource_material_100006.doc
Report_NE_Overcoming_Barriers_HousingHIVAIDS_100006.pdf
WUF_NE_Healing_Spirit_100006.ppt
WUF_NE_HPZ_Presentation_100006.ppt

Host Organization Description
Housing People of Zimbabwe (HPZ) was founded in 1992 to assist housing cooperatives with cooperative development, technical services, financial planning and management and legal services. During the last five years HPZ has launched initiatives to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on cooperative members, including, impact studies, training and skills building, policy development and coalition building. Responses at the community level include feeding programs for orphans, loan programs for people living with AIDS and training for members. Lu'ma Native Housing Society: Over the past 23 years Lu'ma has successfully developed and operates a social housing portfolio of over 250 units for people of Aboriginal ancestry in Vancouver, Canada. The society aims to ensure a continued supply of adequate housing at a modest cost to Aboriginal people with low and moderate incomes. It also works to educate the community about the housing problems of Aboriginal people in the urban community. Rooftops Canada / Abri International: Founded in 1984, Rooftops Canada is the international development program of co-operative and social housing organizations in Canada. Rooftops works with partner organizations to improve housing conditions, build sustainable communities and develop a shared vision of equitable global development. Rooftops Canada's current focus is on disadvantaged communities in Africa and Asia. Other Partners: Healing our Spirit BC Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Society, Vancouver

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.kubatana.net/html/sectors/hou001.asp?sector=LOCGOV&details;=Tel&orgcode;=hou001
www.lnhs.ca
www.rooftops.ca
nachu.or.ke
www.mazinst.org
www.wat.kabissa.org/bckgrnd.htm
www.congeh.kabissa.org/preseng.html
www.bcnpha.bc.ca

Event Description
The involvement of citizens in post-disaster reconstruction planning and implementation at the local level is usually very limited. This has demonstrably led to ineffective and unsustainable reconstruction efforts. In this event, practical examples from tsunami-affected areas in India will be provided on how citizens and citizen groups can successfully work with local authorities in an integral approach to reconstruction, leading to better results.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Professor G. Palanithurai
Mr. R. Spreekmeester
Mr. J. Breugem
 The Participation Toolkit Partnership is a growing network of civil society and local government organisations from all over the world, working together to promote and support participatory local governance.

Host Organization Description
The Participation Toolkit Partnership is a growing network of civil society and local government organisations from all over the world, working together to promote and support participatory local governance.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.toolkitparticipation.com
 

Event Description
The purpose of this event is to promote a cross-regional dialogue on Participatory Budgeting (PB), reviewing its current trends and challenges in the international context. More specifically, it expects to promote networking, disseminate information and knowledge and turn visible the potential of PB to improve governance, democracy, and urban management. This open discussion will result in a wide impulse to mature an international agenda on PB at global level.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Yves Cabannes & Giovanni Allegretti
Mayors of Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte, Dondo and Matam
Directors fo CIGU and MDP
 The local governments of Porto Alegre and Belo Horizonte, two pioneering and leading cities of participatory budgeting in Brazil, together with two African Municipalities that recently have initiated their own processes, Dondo, Mozambique, and Matam, Senegal, have joined the initiative of the International Center of Urban Management (CIGU) and the Municipal Development Partnership (MDP) for organizing the networking event Participatory Budgeting: Building Participatory Democracy and Improving Municipal Finance in the framework of the WUF3.

Host Organization Description
The local governments of Porto Alegre and Belo Horizonte, two pioneering and leading cities of participatory budgeting in Brazil, together with two African Municipalities that recently have initiated their own processes, Dondo, Mozambique, and Matam, Senegal, have joined the initiative of the International Center of Urban Management (CIGU) and the Municipal Development Partnership (MDP) for organizing the networking event Participatory Budgeting: Building Participatory Democracy and Improving Municipal Finance in the framework of the WUF3.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.cigu.org/
 
 

Event Description
This session explores urban housing strategies, incorporating growing with community-based design. Innovative approaches to urban upgrading is illustrated by four city examples of “edible landscapes”: Kampala, Uganda: a new neighbourhood supporting incremental building methods and growing; Colombo, Sri Lanka: traditional medicinal plant as part of space-confined settlement upgrading; Montreal, Canada: one of North America’s most effective community gardening programs; Rosario, Argentina: use of open spaces in productive garden neighbourhoods. The audience will consider the potential for similar projects elsewhere, and how participatory governance can be married with innovative land uses.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Mr. James Sseggane, Town Clerk (Acting Mayor, City of Kampala)
Mrs. Maxensia Nakibuuka Takirambule, Community representative
Dr Jayantha Liyanage, Municipal Commissioner, Colombo Municipal Council (Acting Mayor, Colombo)
K.A. Jayaratne, Presdient. Sevanatha Urban Resource Centre Mr. Gerard Tremblay, Mayor. City of Montreal. Mr. Daniel Reid, Animateur Horticole. City of Montreal. Mr Gerardo Barro, Director of Secretariat for Public Housing. Municipality of Rosario. Mr. Antonio Lattuca, Mr. Antonio Lattuca, Project Leader, Coordinator of the Municipal Urban Agriculture Programme CHAIR: Hon. H. Peter Oberlander REPORTER: Prof. Vikram Bhatt, EL Project Team Leader, Director, Minimum Cost Housing Group, McGill University School of Architecture

Event Description
This session will start by briefly outlining lessons learned from a successful four-year exchange between the Johannesburg Housing and Toronto Community Housing Companies facilitated by Rooftops Canada. Some of the key areas of sharing between the two non-profit social housing companies have included: decentralized social housing management; ideas and practices of community development and tenant engagement; housing development, community revitalization and city building. This will be followed by an interactive exchange among all the session participants using “open space” participatory methods to explore three themes: youth engagement in social housing; social housing management and community development; and learning from international exchanges. These themes and others identified during the open discussion will be the basis for small group discussions. Groups will explore the potential for widespread and local application of the benefits of international exchange.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Barry Pinsky, Executive Director Rooftops Canada/Abri International
Taffy Adler, CEO Johannesburg Housing Company, Lindi Malinga, Manager Makhulong a Matala Community
M Mwarigha, Community Housing Unit Manager, Toronto Community Housing
 Toronto Community Housing is the largest social housing provider in Canada and the second largest in North America. It is home to about 164,000 low and moderate-income tenants in 58,000 households, including seniors, families, singles, refugees, recent immigrants to Canada and people with special needs. Our tenants come from diverse backgrounds. This diversity includes characteristics such as age, education, language, sexual orientation, mental and physical disability, religion, ethnicity and race as well as increasing diversity in lifestyles and values. Our portfolio includes more than 360 high-rise and low-rise apartment buildings, as well as about 800 houses and duplexes throughout the city. Toronto Community Housing was formed in January 2002, bringing together the assets of the former Metro Toronto Housing Corporation and the former Toronto Housing Company.

Host Organization Description
Toronto Community Housing is the largest social housing provider in Canada and the second largest in North America. It is home to about 164,000 low and moderate-income tenants in 58,000 households, including seniors, families, singles, refugees, recent immigrants to Canada and people with special needs. Our tenants come from diverse backgrounds. This diversity includes characteristics such as age, education, language, sexual orientation, mental and physical disability, religion, ethnicity and race as well as increasing diversity in lifestyles and values. Our portfolio includes more than 360 high-rise and low-rise apartment buildings, as well as about 800 houses and duplexes throughout the city. Toronto Community Housing was formed in January 2002, bringing together the assets of the former Metro Toronto Housing Corporation and the former Toronto Housing Company.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.torontohousing.ca
www.jhc.co.za/
 

Event Description
Shack Dwellers International, a global network of slum dweller organisations, is committed to brokering deals with formal institutions, especially government. The primary focus is on land tenure, infrastructure and housing. These national federations have a long track record of negotiating solutions with state institutions and other development stakeholders. This session will showcase partnerships between the South African Government, the South African Federation of the Urban Poor and SDI. It will, also, showcase the partnership between the Indian National Slum Dwellers Federation and the city of Mumbai.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
The Honorable Ms. Lindiwe Sisulu, South Africa Minister of Housing
A Jockin, President - Shack Dwellers International
Police Commissioner Roy - Chief Police Commissioner, Mumbai
 

Event Description
This session aims to present progress and debate around the social production of habitat (SPH) concept and its role in fighting poverty and exclusion, regarding the MDGs. It will, also, provide the interchange and analyzing of proposals to include SPH in public policy, including the legal, administrative, and financial instruments; and national and local housing and urban development programmes.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Enrique Ortiz, HIC President, Mexico
Kirtee Shah, ASAG Director, India
Barry Pinsky, Rooftops/Co-operative Movement, Canada
 Habitat International Coalition (HIC), the global movement specialized in human settlements since 1976, comprises some 450 members in 80 countries, in the North and South. They include NGOs, community-based organisations, social movements, academic and research centers, professional associations and like-minded individuals dedicated to the struggle against deprivation of well-being and for the recognition, defence and full implementation of everyone's right everywhere to a secure place to live in peace and dignity. HIC strategic focus include: * Developing relationships inside and outside HIC, through advocacy, promotion, facilitative, supportive and direct action. * Strengthening people’s processes by supporting community based efforts to improve housing and settlements and alleviate poverty by assisting a broad range of people’s actions. * Advocacy for recognition, defense and full implementation of housing rights, to improve the quality of life of the poor through improvement of housing conditions, in addition to income enhancement and social empowerment; and to move toward sustainable environment.

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
SPH_in_world_100060.doc
EOF_on_SPH_100060.doc
GR_on_SPH_debate_100060.doc

Host Organization Description
Habitat International Coalition (HIC), the global movement specialized in human settlements since 1976, comprises some 450 members in 80 countries, in the North and South. They include NGOs, community-based organisations, social movements, academic and research centers, professional associations and like-minded individuals dedicated to the struggle against deprivation of well-being and for the recognition, defence and full implementation of everyone's right everywhere to a secure place to live in peace and dignity. HIC strategic focus include: * Developing relationships inside and outside HIC, through advocacy, promotion, facilitative, supportive and direct action. * Strengthening people’s processes by supporting community based efforts to improve housing and settlements and alleviate poverty by assisting a broad range of people’s actions. * Advocacy for recognition, defense and full implementation of housing rights, to improve the quality of life of the poor through improvement of housing conditions, in addition to income enhancement and social empowerment; and to move toward sustainable environment.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.hic-net.org
www.hic-al.org
 

Event Description
This event provides a major platform for debate on the role of planning in a rapidly urbanizing world. What key principles underpin planning practice for the 21st century where the urbanization of poverty is creating new kinds of settlements? What generic skills are emerging amongst a range of professions and NGOs actively engaged in trying to make urban development more sustainable? How can the capacity for managing settlements be transformed quickly so that it at least keeps pace with the rate of urbanization? This forum builds on the successful networking event on "Urban Planning Revisited", held in WUF II and featured in the December 2004 issue of Habitat Debate. It will be the main link between the World Planners Congress and the Dialogue on Environment and Planning on the Thursday morning at WUF.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Cliff Hague (UK)
Chijioke Odimuko (Nigeria)
Roger Brewster (Australia)
 The Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP) brings together the professional planners in the Commonwealth's 53 countries. These countries are very diverse. They include rich, large countries such as Canada or Australia, but also rapidly urbanising countries and small island states where climate change is a significant threat. Thus CAP's members together have direct, practical experience of tackling urban challenges across the globe. CAP supports the Habitat Agenda and argues that there can be no sustainable development without sustainable urbanization, and no sustainable urbanization without effective, pro-poor urban planning. CAP holds workshops in its different regions and also produces a newsletter, CAP News, which is available on CAP's website or by surface mail. CAP also has a Women in Planning Network. CAP is a non-governmental organisation, which is supported by the Commonwealth Foundation.

Host Organization Description
The Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP) brings together the professional planners in the Commonwealth's 53 countries. These countries are very diverse. They include rich, large countries such as Canada or Australia, but also rapidly urbanising countries and small island states where climate change is a significant threat. Thus CAP's members together have direct, practical experience of tackling urban challenges across the globe. CAP supports the Habitat Agenda and argues that there can be no sustainable development without sustainable urbanization, and no sustainable urbanization without effective, pro-poor urban planning. CAP holds workshops in its different regions and also produces a newsletter, CAP News, which is available on CAP's website or by surface mail. CAP also has a Women in Planning Network. CAP is a non-governmental organisation, which is supported by the Commonwealth Foundation.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.commonwealth-planners.org/

 
 

Event Description
Vancouver is recognized as one of the world’s most liveable cities. Senior City officials will share their experiences in establishing sustainable governance, financing, and planning approaches and delivering transportation, social, and infrastructure services. The presentations will focus on innovative local government tools to turn ideas into action. These include techniques for engaging broad public participation in policy planning and program implementation; financing the maintenance of existing infrastructure and provision of new growth related services; design-based management of development; and using partnerships with other governments, business, and the community to implement plans.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Ms. Judy Rogers, City Manager, City of Vancouver
Dr. Ann McAfee, Co-Director of Planning, City of Vancouver
Mr. Larry Beasley, Co-Director of Planning, City of Vancouver
 

Event Description
Dutch organisations, together with their partner organisations around the world, will show the impact of their youth activities. This event will mainly focus on the need for a public space in cities for young people, specifically as a place for leisure, but, also, a place to learn, interact globally and to act.

Website (Organizer and partners)
 
www.baobabconnections.org
www.musicmayday.org
www.jeugdraad.nl
 

Event Description
South Eastern Europe has recently been riven by ethnic violence. This has now largely ceased, but the process of transition, reconciliation and socio-economic development still has a long way to go. The institutional and human capacity in SEE to respond positively to the new environment is limited. Cities are under pressure due to economically motivated rural-urban migration and a breakdown of control orientated systems. Drawing on the experience of developing a Regional Capacity Strengthening Programme for SEE, this event will look at alternative capacity strategies which can address these shortcomings in the human settlements sector, the contingent actions necessary to make them work, and the contribution they can make to sustainable stabilisation and socio-economic development in the region.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Ms Doris Andoni, Director (Ministry for Public Works, Transport and Telecommunication of Albania)
Prof. Miodrag Ralevic, Assistant Minister (Ministry for Capital investments of Serbia)
Mr Dritan Shutina, Director of Co-Plan Institute for Habitat Development in Albania
 The Stability Pact is an intergovernmental organization set up in 1999 under the auspices of the European Union to 'foster peace, democracy, respect for human rights and economic prosperity in order to achieve stability in the whole region'. In line with the overall objectives of Working Table II of the Stability Pact for SEE to promote economic reconstruction, development and co-operation in South Eastern Europe, the Housing and Urban Management Initiative (HUMI) is promoting affordable housing and sustainable urban development. It is assisting the countries in SEE to overcome obstacles in the development of housing policy and urban development instruments and furthering the process of exchange of information on these policies and related matters throughout South-East Europe.

Host Organization Description
The Stability Pact is an intergovernmental organization set up in 1999 under the auspices of the European Union to 'foster peace, democracy, respect for human rights and economic prosperity in order to achieve stability in the whole region'. In line with the overall objectives of Working Table II of the Stability Pact for SEE to promote economic reconstruction, development and co-operation in South Eastern Europe, the Housing and Urban Management Initiative (HUMI) is promoting affordable housing and sustainable urban development. It is assisting the countries in SEE to overcome obstacles in the development of housing policy and urban development instruments and furthering the process of exchange of information on these policies and related matters throughout South-East Europe.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.stabilitypact.org

Event Description
Opened by Maurice Strong, this international panel will discuss successful sustainable community development initiatives from around the world and the key role of citizen participation. Participants will join panellists to examine the importance of local leadership committed to long-term strategies over short-term economic goals; the importance of active participation in local decision-making; how cooperation among business, government and community groups can realize the benefits of sustainable community development; and how people working together can transform harmful patterns of development into ones providing prosperity which is both ecologically and socially sustainable. A live radio broadcast will show how alternative media can promote sustainable community development.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Mr. Michael Bloomfield
Dr. Marcelo de Andrade
Ms. Li Lailai
 Harmony Foundation (1985) is a registered charitable organization recognized internationally for its leadership in multi-sectoral cooperation and creating innovative training programs and educational materials for educators, youth, schools, the workplace and communities. Harmony's innovative programs have been recognized through a variety of honours including the United Nations Environment Programme's Global 500 Award (1992), Commonwealth Foundation Fellowship (1994),& the Ethics in Action Award 1998.

Host Organization Description
Harmony Foundation (1985) is a registered charitable organization recognized internationally for its leadership in multi-sectoral cooperation and creating innovative training programs and educational materials for educators, youth, schools, the workplace and communities. Harmony's innovative programs have been recognized through a variety of honours including the United Nations Environment Programme's Global 500 Award (1992), Commonwealth Foundation Fellowship (1994),& the Ethics in Action Award 1998.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.harmonyfdn.ca
www.earthcouncilalliance.org
www.urbanage.org
 

Event Description
This event will stimulate discussion and interaction between private sector, municipal and national government representatives, civil society and development partners on municipal PPPs. It will serve to advocate inclusive PPPs at the local level as an alternative approach to sustainable provision of basic services benefiting the poor and, hence, the local developmental agenda. The pursuit of this purpose will be supported through brief presentations of experiences from municipality representatives, presentation of PPP initiatives and their impacts on local development. Networking, sharing of experiences and information exchange will also be advanced. The representatives of the PPP practices from Africa and Asia will make brief presentations on their initiatives, experiences and impacts on local development and poverty reduction efforts. The collaborating partners will make brief presentations further analysing, clarifying, and complementing the above practices. This event will be facilitated by a representative from the Institute of Housing and Urban Development Studies of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, which has significant experience in local level PPP and capacity development on pro-poor PPP for local stakeholders. This session will be an opportunity for all partners involved in PPP at the local level to share their experiences in pro-poor PPP in basic services provision and discuss how PPPs can contribute to create local economies. It is, also, envisaged the session will pave the way for relevant sharing knowledge products and the development of a learning network of practitioners engaged in local level poverty reduction initiatives involving private sector and the initiation of joint initiatives.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Representative from Accra Metropolitan Assembly, City of Accra, Ghana.
Representative from Aguas de Mozambique, private operator providing water under a lease arrangement
Representative from Marikina Municipality, the Philippines
 The Public-Private Partnerships for the Urban Environment (PPPUE) programme is UNDP's global and multi-partner initiative in support of alleviating poverty through public-private partnerships at the local level throughout the developing world. The core goal of the programme is to increase the access of the urban poor to basic services such as water, sanitation, solid waste management and decentralised energy services provision by promoting inclusive partnerships between local government, business and communities. The Africa-Asia Eco Partnership Programme (AAEP) is an inter-regional programme of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with a special emphasis on South-South paradigm. The programme is aimed to further support selected African and Asian cities in establishing environmentally sustainable urban societies through shared experiences and by promoting inter-city and intra-city partnerships. CIDA-Dhaka Environment Programme (DEP): It is a one generation Strategy to save the city of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh from Environmental Catastrophe. Dhaka is expected to have a population of nearly 23 million people by 2020 making it the second biggest city in the world. Implementation of DEP is expected to save the city from an environmental catastrophe as its current infrastructure is capable of supporting a population of 10 million at best and already has a population of 13 million. DEP addresses various aspects of urban habitat. IHS is a leading international organization in applied knowledge for urban development. We provide advice, training and institutional support for managing cities worldwide. In our experience, public-private partnerships can significantly improve urban service delivery, provided the partnerships are well conceptualised, structured and managed. We assist public and private clients, and those supporting service partnerships, with professional advice linked to the transfer of knowledge and institutional capability. Our advice and tailored training is based on international experience and research, translated to the local conditions and circumstances of our clients.

Host Organization Description
The Public-Private Partnerships for the Urban Environment (PPPUE) programme is UNDP's global and multi-partner initiative in support of alleviating poverty through public-private partnerships at the local level throughout the developing world. The core goal of the programme is to increase the access of the urban poor to basic services such as water, sanitation, solid waste management and decentralised energy services provision by promoting inclusive partnerships between local government, business and communities. The Africa-Asia Eco Partnership Programme (AAEP) is an inter-regional programme of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with a special emphasis on South-South paradigm. The programme is aimed to further support selected African and Asian cities in establishing environmentally sustainable urban societies through shared experiences and by promoting inter-city and intra-city partnerships. CIDA-Dhaka Environment Programme (DEP): It is a one generation Strategy to save the city of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh from Environmental Catastrophe. Dhaka is expected to have a population of nearly 23 million people by 2020 making it the second biggest city in the world. Implementation of DEP is expected to save the city from an environmental catastrophe as its current infrastructure is capable of supporting a population of 10 million at best and already has a population of 13 million. DEP addresses various aspects of urban habitat. IHS is a leading international organization in applied knowledge for urban development. We provide advice, training and institutional support for managing cities worldwide. In our experience, public-private partnerships can significantly improve urban service delivery, provided the partnerships are well conceptualised, structured and managed. We assist public and private clients, and those supporting service partnerships, with professional advice linked to the transfer of knowledge and institutional capability. Our advice and tailored training is based on international experience and research, translated to the local conditions and circumstances of our clients.

Website (Organizer and partners)
pppue.undp.org/
www.ihs.nl
 

Event Description
This session approaches building sustainable communities from the unique perspective of enhancing governance through collaborations between grassroots women and local authorities. The dialogue will show how developing partnerships between grassroots women's groups and local government have contributed to the improvement of cities, including slum-upgrading, increased access to basic services, increased participation in government processes and safer urban environments. This is a session to share actionable ideas to build knowledge, strengthen existing partnerships, create new collaboration opportunities, and to provide a platform for innovative ideas and practices.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Tessie Fernandez, Lihok Philipina
Elizaveta Bozhkova, Information Center of the Independent Women's Forum (ICIWF), Russia
Sonia Jay Wright, Centro das Mulheres do Cabo, Brazil
 Established in 1995 at the 4th World Conference on Women, the Huairou Commission is a unique experiment in global democracy. Driven by grassroots women's organizations from around the world, this network promotes partnership with those who support the belief that it is in the best interest of local and international communities for grassroots women to be full partners in sustainable development. The Huairou Commission works thematically on campaigns in HIV/AIDS, Disaster, Governance, Land and Housing and Peace Building with six anchoring networks - Asian Women and Shelter Network (AWAS), GROOTS International, Habitat International Coalition - Women and Shelter Network (HIC-WAS), Women and Habitat (LAC), International Council of Women and Women and Cities International. Since its inception, Huairou Commission has since forged partnerships with a range of organizations, from faith based group such as AFRUS-AIDS, local government organization such as United Cities & Local Governments (UCLG), rights-based thematic advocacy organization such as the Centre on Housing Rights and Eviction (COHRE), donor co-development funding institution like CORDAID, and UN agencies such as UN-HABITAT, and Food and Agriculture Association of the UN (FAO). It has also collaborated with a UNDP project such as the Equator Initiative, the World Bank and also the American Jewish World Service (AJWS). Except for the organization's administrative work and some international advocacy, Huairou Commission programs are executed by its member organizations.

Host Organization Description
Established in 1995 at the 4th World Conference on Women, the Huairou Commission is a unique experiment in global democracy. Driven by grassroots women's organizations from around the world, this network promotes partnership with those who support the belief that it is in the best interest of local and international communities for grassroots women to be full partners in sustainable development. The Huairou Commission works thematically on campaigns in HIV/AIDS, Disaster, Governance, Land and Housing and Peace Building with six anchoring networks - Asian Women and Shelter Network (AWAS), GROOTS International, Habitat International Coalition - Women and Shelter Network (HIC-WAS), Women and Habitat (LAC), International Council of Women and Women and Cities International. Since its inception, Huairou Commission has since forged partnerships with a range of organizations, from faith based group such as AFRUS-AIDS, local government organization such as United Cities & Local Governments (UCLG), rights-based thematic advocacy organization such as the Centre on Housing Rights and Eviction (COHRE), donor co-development funding institution like CORDAID, and UN agencies such as UN-HABITAT, and Food and Agriculture Association of the UN (FAO). It has also collaborated with a UNDP project such as the Equator Initiative, the World Bank and also the American Jewish World Service (AJWS). Except for the organization's administrative work and some international advocacy, Huairou Commission programs are executed by its member organizations.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.huairou.org
www.cordaid.com
www.cities-localgovernments.org
 

Event Description
Development pressures occur at the urban interface with the farm land that feeds the cities. In Canada, provincial legislation, municipal and regional government bylaws, and planning and farm management criteria are used to contain the urban growth, protect normal farm practices, and help resolve complaints at the interface. Two Canadian models for preserving farm land and farmers (British Columbia and Québec) will be presented and a dialogue with representatives from the Municipality of eThekwini (Durban) South Africa and an NGO from Dakar, Sénégal will focus on how or whether the models might apply in those African cities.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Gary Hall, Jim LeMaistre
Charles Savoie
Moussa Sy, Salinda Kandapola
 1. British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BCMAL) enhances the economic development and environmental sustainability of the agriculture and food sectors and of Crown land. The Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) is an independent agency that administers the BC's land use zone for agriculture. 2. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Québec (MAPAQ) influences and supports the development of the agri-food industry with a sustainable development perspective. The Commission for the Protection of Agricultural Land of Québec (CPTAQ) guarantees for future generations land suitable for farming activities. 3. The African Institute for Urban Management (IAGU) is an International NGO based in Dakar, Senegal. It assists municipalities and local authorities of West and Central Africa cities to strengthen their urban planning and management capacity to improve local governance, promote sustainable environmental management, and reduce poverty. 4. The International Centre for Sustainable Cities (ICSC) does practical demonstration projects of urban sustainability, supports networks to share learning and ideas, and galvanizes action on urban sustainability.

Host Organization Description
1. British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BCMAL) enhances the economic development and environmental sustainability of the agriculture and food sectors and of Crown land. The Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) is an independent agency that administers the BC's land use zone for agriculture. 2. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Québec (MAPAQ) influences and supports the development of the agri-food industry with a sustainable development perspective. The Commission for the Protection of Agricultural Land of Québec (CPTAQ) guarantees for future generations land suitable for farming activities. 3. The African Institute for Urban Management (IAGU) is an International NGO based in Dakar, Senegal. It assists municipalities and local authorities of West and Central Africa cities to strengthen their urban planning and management capacity to improve local governance, promote sustainable environmental management, and reduce poverty. 4. The International Centre for Sustainable Cities (ICSC) does practical demonstration projects of urban sustainability, supports networks to share learning and ideas, and galvanizes action on urban sustainability.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.al.gov.bc.ca/resmgmt/sf/
www.alc.bc.ca
www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca
www.icsc.ca
www.iagu.org
 

Event Description
This presentation will focus on the experience of the many diverse players in the production process. It will seek to tell the story of private sector leadership in facing this problem, especially the organization and use of local business associations to help tackle the problem, and the creation of public-private partnerships essential to fashioning special instruments of finance. It will use examples of the transformation of major, blighted public housing projects into successful mixed-income communities.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Al Mansell, NAR Past President
Alven Lam of HUD, and Roger Williams of Annie E. Casey Foundation
Richard Hanson of Mesa Development, LLC and James Miller of Park Boulevard
This session is one of a series of 12 networking sessions organized by the International Housing Coalition (IHC) on important housing issues.The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is a professional association of U.S. real estate practitioners. It currently has 1.2 million individual members. NAR maintains cooperative working relationships pursuant to formal agreements with some 66 national real estate associations in 53 countries around the world. NAR has a long association with fair housing and the affordable housing issue. It is a Founding Sponsor of the International Housing Coalition (IHC) and has a been involved in international human settlements and housing issues for more than thirty years.

Host Organization Description
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is a professional association of U.S. real estate practitioners. It currently has 1.2 million individual members. NAR maintains cooperative working relationships pursuant to formal agreements with some 66 national real estate associations in 53 countries around the world. NAR has a long association with fair housing and the affordable housing issue. It is a Founding Sponsor of the International Housing Coalition (IHC) and has a been involved in international human settlements and housing issues for more than thirty years.

Website (Organizer and partners)
realtor.org
www.cre.org
www.aecf.org

 

Event Description
The focus of this session is on public participation in planning and land management and how planning professionals can contribute to this topic. The selected themes of the discussion include: an interdisciplinary approach in planning; the role of citizens in planning processes; how to support indigenous groups and minorities in the planning process; the means of empowering civic engagement; and how public engagement promotes sustainable society.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Dr.-Ing. Irene Wiese - von Ofen, Past President of the International Federation for Housing and Plan
Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Matthias Reichenbach-Klinke; Faculty of Architecture, TU München, Germany
Prof. James R. Taylor, Vice President of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA)
Ms. Christine Platt, South African Planning Institution (SAPI), South Africa Mr. Selman Ergüden, UN-Habitat, Chief, Housing Policy & Development Section, UN-Habitat Facilitator: Prof. Dr-Ing. Holger Magel, President of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG)The Habitat Professionals Forum has been established and put on the road as a repetitive phenomenon under the auspices of UN-HABITAT on the initiative of International Society of City and Regional Planners, IsoCaRP, International Federation of Housing and Planning, IFHP, International Union of Architects UIA , International Federation of Surveyors, FIG, Centre for African Settlement Studies and Development CASSAD and Arabian Urban Development Institute AUDI. The Forum was organized under the auspices of UN-HABITAT with the enthusiastic support of Dr. Klaus Töpfer, then Ag. Executive Director of UN-HABITAT and presently United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi and is now supported by Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, the new Executive Director of UN-HABITAT. Goals and objectives: The forum is explicitly aimed at interchange between professionals in the field and the government of the UN-HABITAT. It organises a direct orientation of the Forum towards the UN work. It monitors the implementation of the Habitat Agenda. Professionals from different countries, working directly for the improvement of urban living conditions, and influencing decision making in their home situations, will be able to learn from each other here, support each other and be given a common reference, to strengthen their position. It should help the Habitat Agenda to follow the spontaneous and autonomous dynamics in our societies through time and contribute to making it really a living instrument for progress.

Host Organization Description
The Habitat Professionals Forum has been established and put on the road as a repetitive phenomenon under the auspices of UN-HABITAT on the initiative of International Society of City and Regional Planners, IsoCaRP, International Federation of Housing and Planning, IFHP, International Union of Architects UIA , International Federation of Surveyors, FIG, Centre for African Settlement Studies and Development CASSAD and Arabian Urban Development Institute AUDI. The Forum was organized under the auspices of UN-HABITAT with the enthusiastic support of Dr. Klaus Töpfer, then Ag. Executive Director of UN-HABITAT and presently United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi and is now supported by Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, the new Executive Director of UN-HABITAT. Goals and objectives: The forum is explicitly aimed at interchange between professionals in the field and the government of the UN-HABITAT. It organises a direct orientation of the Forum towards the UN work. It monitors the implementation of the Habitat Agenda. Professionals from different countries, working directly for the improvement of urban living conditions, and influencing decision making in their home situations, will be able to learn from each other here, support each other and be given a common reference, to strengthen their position. It should help the Habitat Agenda to follow the spontaneous and autonomous dynamics in our societies through time and contribute to making it really a living instrument for progress.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.habitatforum.org
www.fig.net
www.ifhp.org
www.iflaonline.org
www.uia-architectes.org
www.saplanners.org.za

Event Description
Brief country and city presentations focusing on how visions, ideas, and consultation results have been taken further into action through partnerships with global donors and programmes. Presentations will serve as a basis for vibrant exchange of experiences between the various participants. As many of the profiles are supported by academia in the various countries their feedback will focus on how the RUSPS approach has influenced curricula.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Sr John Kaputin (ACP Secretary General)
Dr. Sarwari Basir (Afghanistan), Rakan Al-Allaf (Iraq)
Hani N. A. Abdalmasih (Palestine), Hon. Toga Gayewea McIntosh (Liberia),
 

Event Description
In the wake of the tsunami in Southeast Asia, the Mouvement Desjardins has joined forces with the Société d'habitation du Québec and the Canadian International Development Agency to help with the rebuilding effort in Sri Lanka. The partnership will provide financial support and expertise for the SANASA network of savings and credit cooperatives to help build and manage homes for underprivileged tsunami victims. Representatives from these organizations will discuss their experiences, concentrating on the benefits of the partnership formula and the challenges of rebuilding in disasterdamaged areas.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Robert Gaboriault, économiste
Bernard McNamara, architecte
 
 The Société d'habitation du Québec is the agency responsible for preparing and implementing housing support policies and programs in Québec. It is the Québec government’s principal advisor in the field of housing. Created in 1967, it plays a dual social and economic role. As well as helping low-income households to obtain suitable housing at an affordable price, it encourages community housing initiatives and provides support to help keep rural and urban homes in Québec in good condition. Since 1997, it has also been responsible for supporting the growth and development of Québec’s housing industry, especially on foreign markets.

Host Organization Description
The Société d'habitation du Québec is the agency responsible for preparing and implementing housing support policies and programs in Québec. It is the Québec government’s principal advisor in the field of housing. Created in 1967, it plays a dual social and economic role. As well as helping low-income households to obtain suitable housing at an affordable price, it encourages community housing initiatives and provides support to help keep rural and urban homes in Québec in good condition. Since 1997, it has also been responsible for supporting the growth and development of Québec’s housing industry, especially on foreign markets.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.habitation.gouv.qc.ca
 
 

Event Description
This event takes the form of a debate on the role of subsidy to reduce the levels of indoor air pollution worldwide for those living in poverty. Smoke from kitchen fires leads to more than 1.5 million premature deaths each year and 2.7% of all disease. A global analysis by WHO shows investment in clean fuels and improved technologies is highly cost-effective. Should these funds ever be used to reduce the price of technologies, directly, so more people can access them? Two speakers will debate the role of direct subsidy, complemented by a case study from Sudan and one from Nepal. Voting will be preceded by a question/answer session. Issues and findings summed up by the Chair.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Professor Michael Brauer, University of British Columbia (Chair)
Don O'Neal, HELPS International
Keith Openshaw - Energy Consultant
 Practical Action is a people-focused international development agency working in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Building on local knowledge and skills, our approach seeks to use technology to improve the quality of life for those living in poverty. Working in partnership with communities, Practical Action is participative, locally relevant and environmentally sensitive. Through our work, we demonstrate alternatives, share knowledge and influence change.

Host Organization Description
Practical Action is a people-focused international development agency working in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Building on local knowledge and skills, our approach seeks to use technology to improve the quality of life for those living in poverty. Working in partnership with communities, Practical Action is participative, locally relevant and environmentally sensitive. Through our work, we demonstrate alternatives, share knowledge and influence change.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.practicalaction.org
 
 

Event Description
This event will be structured as a “roundtable”, where MINURVI will present the updated report of the Regional Programme of Social Housing and Human Settlements, formulated in cooperation with the ECLAC and UN-HABITAT-ROLAC, followed by an open debate. The report analyzes the advances made by the countries of the region in relation to the Habitat Agenda, Agenda 21, and the Human Settlements Regional Action Plan for Latin America and the Caribbean, in five key thematic issues: production and improvement of urban land; provision and access to basic services and infrastructure; provision and access to housing; provision and improvement of public areas and social services; provisions for the development of productive activities and the generation of employment and income. MINURVI was established in 1992 as an intergovernmental coordination and cooperation body of the Ministers and lead public authorities of Latin America and Caribbean countries, in the sector of housing and urban development. MINURVI has a pro-tempore presidency (Uruguay - 2006) and executive committee (chaired by Argentina - 2006) that is renewed every year. MINURVI has developed a regional action plan to guide its deliberations. The Executive Secretariat meets in inter-session periods to prepare the technical material for the deliberations of the ministers and lead authorities The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) of UN-Habitat, collaborate with MINURVI by providing technical inputs to enrich its substantive work and deliberations.

Host Organization Description
MINURVI was established in 1992 as an intergovernmental coordination and cooperation body of the Ministers and lead public authorities of Latin America and Caribbean countries, in the sector of housing and urban development. MINURVI has a pro-tempore presidency (Uruguay - 2006) and executive committee (chaired by Argentina - 2006) that is renewed every year. MINURVI has developed a regional action plan to guide its deliberations. The Executive Secretariat meets in inter-session periods to prepare the technical material for the deliberations of the ministers and lead authorities The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) of UN-Habitat, collaborate with MINURVI by providing technical inputs to enrich its substantive work and deliberations.

Event Description
Part 1: The trend, today, is privatization of social and public housing in developed countries. We witness how the state and the public sector step away from its responsibilities, leaving the issue of access to affordable housing to NGOs and the private sector. In developing countries, rental housing is often undervalued and not considered an alternative to ownership. We will argue rental housing is a valuable tenure to virtually every household and therefore, should constitute a substantial element in the housing sector of every society. Part 2: Cooperative housing, especially those using methods of self-management, self-help and self-construction, has been successful in achieving housing accessible for low-income persons. Mr. Gustavo D Gonzalez will, through positive experiences from Latin America, show how non-profit cooperative housing has contributed to the realization of housing rights and, also, discuss the obstacles facing this model.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Magnus Hammar, Secr Gen. IUT
Gusatvo Gonzáles, Swedish Cooperative Centre; Martha J. Lewis, Tenants´ Rights Action Coalition, Van
Sayed-Iqbal Mohammed, Org. of Civic Rights, South Africa
 International Union of Tenants (IUT) is an NGO that was founded in 1926 in Zürich, Switzerland, with the purpose of safeguarding the interests of tenants, and promoting affordable healthy housing throughout the world. IUT has its Secretariat in Stockholm, Sweden. IUT is a non-partisan political organisation, working along democratic lines. IUT represents primarily national tenant organisations, but also secondarily regional organisations. As of January 2006, IUT had 55 members in 46 countries. IUT has Consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council and the ECE, Economic Commission for Europe - Committee on Human Settlements and Participatory status with the Council of Europe, Strasbourg, France. Bi lateral projects: In 2005/2006 IUT established a Housing Information Centre in Belgrade. • The Swedish Cooperative Centre, SCC is a Swedish NGO working with international cooperation to fight poverty and injustice. It was created 1958 and work mainly with cooperative and other democratic local partner organizations. We have no political or religious affiliation. We currently work in 26 developing countries around the world with approximately 120 development projects and programs. Focus is Latin America, Southern and Eastern Africa and in East Europe. Main working areas are rural development, housing and habitat and financial services.

Host Organization Description
International Union of Tenants (IUT) is an NGO that was founded in 1926 in Zürich, Switzerland, with the purpose of safeguarding the interests of tenants, and promoting affordable healthy housing throughout the world. IUT has its Secretariat in Stockholm, Sweden. IUT is a non-partisan political organisation, working along democratic lines. IUT represents primarily national tenant organisations, but also secondarily regional organisations. As of January 2006, IUT had 55 members in 46 countries. IUT has Consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council and the ECE, Economic Commission for Europe - Committee on Human Settlements and Participatory status with the Council of Europe, Strasbourg, France. Bi lateral projects: In 2005/2006 IUT established a Housing Information Centre in Belgrade. • The Swedish Cooperative Centre, SCC is a Swedish NGO working with international cooperation to fight poverty and injustice. It was created 1958 and work mainly with cooperative and other democratic local partner organizations. We have no political or religious affiliation. We currently work in 26 developing countries around the world with approximately 120 development projects and programs. Focus is Latin America, Southern and Eastern Africa and in East Europe. Main working areas are rural development, housing and habitat and financial services.

Website (Organizer and partners)
utangranser.se
www.iut.nu
www.ocr.org.za
www.tenants.bc.ca
 

Event Description
The “Urban Violence and Security Policies in Barcelona and Bogotá” project has now entered its last phase of dissemination of research findings. This presentation will focus on the fieldwork carried out in both cities and the exemplary city-to-city co-operation between them. Cities can be viewed both as challenges, and as corresponding opportunities for enhancing human security, a vision supported by Foreign Affairs Canada’s Human Security Programme. The “Human Security: Urban Safety and Security Practices” project will finally reinforce the human security concept through cases studies.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Charlotte Boisteau- Jean-Claude Bolay - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Bob Lawson, Foreign Affairs Canada- Human Security Policy Division
Michael A. Cohen, Global Report on Human Settlements 2007, Director, New School Univ., NY
 The Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), and UN-HABITAT(Safer Cities Programme)with the collaboration of Foreign Affairs Canada is organising a networking event at World Urban Forum III on the subject of “Security and Safety: Key Challenges and Prospects for Enhancing Human Security in Cities”. The event will present results of ongoing research on human security in cities, and reflect on avenues for a more holistic approach towards making cities safe and secure.

Host Organization Description
The Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), and UN-HABITAT(Safer Cities Programme)with the collaboration of Foreign Affairs Canada is organising a networking event at World Urban Forum III on the subject of “Security and Safety: Key Challenges and Prospects for Enhancing Human Security in Cities”. The event will present results of ongoing research on human security in cities, and reflect on avenues for a more holistic approach towards making cities safe and secure.

Website (Organizer and partners)
lasur.epfl.ch/
www.unhabitat.org/programmes/safercities/other_projects.asp
www.humansecurity-cities.org
 

Event Description
This effort involves contrasting a variety of tsunami responses by NGO’s, the United Nations and local organizations along with the methodology and poverty reduction outcomes from the UN East Timor shelter kit response program. Specific methodology reviewed includes community engagement and governance models; the impact of various types of housing solutions on the poor; housing response and its timeliness and ultimately what has been learned to better shape a rapid and strategic response to such tragedies. Included in the session will be a discussion of the Habitat Resource Centers (HRC) and their application in the tsunami. HRCs were developed in India and modified by Habitat for Humanity Philippines, which resulted in 2000 units more than projected at no additional costs.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Steven Weir, Area VP Asia Pacific, Habitat for Humanity Int.
Charlito Ayco, Director of Regional Programs, Habitat for Humanity Int.
Earl Kessler, Asian Disaster Preparedness Center
This session is one of a series of 12 networking sessions organized by the International Housing Coalition (IHC) on important housing issues.Established in 1976, Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit, financed with affordable loans. The homeowners' monthly mortgage payments are used to build still more Habitat houses. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need.

Host Organization Description
Established in 1976, Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit, financed with affordable loans. The homeowners' monthly mortgage payments are used to build still more Habitat houses. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.habitat.org/ap
\

Event Description
This brings together slum dwellers, filmmakers, potential funders and broadcasters to discuss participatory media creation for social change. An overview will be presented of models and needs for such projects. The long-term aim of the organizers is to work collaboratively in presenting a global survey of life in the informal settlements of the world's mega-cities through the voices of the slum dwellers themselves.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Al Jazeera International's Peggy Holter; Filmmaker Nettie Wild; Slum Dwellers International
Homeless Nation's Daniel Cross & Brett Gaylor; MYSA Children's project (Kenya);
SEWA (India); Serendip Productions (Pakistan), Communicating for Change (Nigeria)
 Television Trust for the Environment (TVE) is a Media NGO that works with partners worldwide, particularly in the developing world, to produce films that raise awareness of issues such as globalization, poverty and social development, human rights and the environment. TVE films are shown by global and national broadcasters (including the UK and Europe) and are distributed internationally for television and educational use. In 2004, TVE made or commissioned more than 80 films and reached more than 300 million households, almost every week of the year. Founded in 1939, the National Film Board of Canada has produced more than 11,000 films and other audiovisual works and won more than 4,500 awards - including 11 Oscars®. As Canada's public film producer, the NFB produces and distributes distinctive, culturally diverse, challenging and relevant audiovisual works that provide Canada and the world with a unique Canadian perspective. Named one of the top documentary organizations in the world by realscreen magazine, the NFB is equally renowned for its auteur animation - with this year marking the 65th anniversary of cutting-edge animated filmmaking from the National Film Board. UN-HABITAT is the United Nations’ lead agency for human settlement issues. It is directly responsible for helping governments to implement the Habitat Agenda, which was signed by 171 countries at the Second UN Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) in Istanbul in 1996. The agency also helps governments achieve the Millennium Development Goal 7: Target 11, which is aimed at improving the living conditions of slum dwellers. As part of this initiative, UN-HABITAT encourages filmmakers, journalists and media practitioners to highlight the problems and living conditions of the urban poor.

Host Organization Description
Television Trust for the Environment (TVE) is a Media NGO that works with partners worldwide, particularly in the developing world, to produce films that raise awareness of issues such as globalization, poverty and social development, human rights and the environment. TVE films are shown by global and national broadcasters (including the UK and Europe) and are distributed internationally for television and educational use. In 2004, TVE made or commissioned more than 80 films and reached more than 300 million households, almost every week of the year. Founded in 1939, the National Film Board of Canada has produced more than 11,000 films and other audiovisual works and won more than 4,500 awards - including 11 Oscars®. As Canada's public film producer, the NFB produces and distributes distinctive, culturally diverse, challenging and relevant audiovisual works that provide Canada and the world with a unique Canadian perspective. Named one of the top documentary organizations in the world by realscreen magazine, the NFB is equally renowned for its auteur animation - with this year marking the 65th anniversary of cutting-edge animated filmmaking from the National Film Board. UN-HABITAT is the United Nations’ lead agency for human settlement issues. It is directly responsible for helping governments to implement the Habitat Agenda, which was signed by 171 countries at the Second UN Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) in Istanbul in 1996. The agency also helps governments achieve the Millennium Development Goal 7: Target 11, which is aimed at improving the living conditions of slum dwellers. As part of this initiative, UN-HABITAT encourages filmmakers, journalists and media practitioners to highlight the problems and living conditions of the urban poor.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.tve.org
www.nfb.ca
www.unhabitat.org
 

Event Description
Cities throughout the world face the challenge of adapting to the demands of sustainable development. Fundamental to this challenge is the need to establish sustainable energy solutions, urban structures and modes of living that diminish the use of energy while at the same time increasing democracy and quality of life. Sweden proposes an international ideas competition for sustainable integrated solutions for cities beyond oil. The purpose is to find new and innovative ideas for how cities can be planned in a sustainable way and to raise awareness and stimulate interest in tackling these issues among key actors. This event will present and discuss the plans for the competition. It is directed at city representatives, planners, students and all other interested in sustainable cities.The Swedish Ministry of Sustainable Development has a proactive role in work to reorient and modernise Sweden for the sake of sustainable development and growth, using new technology, construction, planning and pursuing an active energy and environmental policy. The Ministry is responsible for issues relating to energy and climate, housing and construction, chemicals, ecocycles, nature conservation and the environmental quality objectives. The Ministry is also responsible for coordinating government work to promote sustainable development. An important dimension of the Ministry´s activities is Sweden´s sustainability and environmental work in the EU and other international forums.

Host Organization Description
The Swedish Ministry of Sustainable Development has a proactive role in work to reorient and modernise Sweden for the sake of sustainable development and growth, using new technology, construction, planning and pursuing an active energy and environmental policy. The Ministry is responsible for issues relating to energy and climate, housing and construction, chemicals, ecocycles, nature conservation and the environmental quality objectives. The Ministry is also responsible for coordinating government work to promote sustainable development. An important dimension of the Ministry´s activities is Sweden´s sustainability and environmental work in the EU and other international forums.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.bkn.se
 

Event Description
Since the 1950’s, the percentage of the world’s population living in urban areas has increased to nearly 50 per cent and is expected to rise to 60 per cent by 2030. Population movements have led to a mix of ages, cultures, religions, nationalities and citizenship status and urban populations are, in many jurisdictions, become increasingly diverse. This networking session is an opportunity to explore the impact of international migration on urbanization and the pursuit of social cohesion in our cities. Panel commentary will cover demographic trends, efforts at immigrant integration and addressing increasing cultural diversity, through the experiences of three urban mayors from three continents. Each panellist brings an insight and experience in fostering social cohesion within their cities and regions, which will serve as a launching point for an interactive discussion.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Mayor Sam Sullivan, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Eduardo Guimaraes, Secretary of International Relations Curitiba, Brazil
Mayor Adam Kimbisa of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
 

Event Description
This event will consider the ability of sport to help overcome challenges of urbanization. As one of the most popular forms of community engagement, sport initiatives have the potential to raise awareness and dispel myths concerning healthy practices; to create role models and community leaders; to involve those groups often lying at the margins of community participation, including street children, those affected with HIV/AIDS and disabled youth; and to promote methods of upgrading the physical environment. Further, sport provides an opportunity to bring different cultures together towards a positive common goal.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
George Nderitu, Youth Leader and Founding Member of the Mathare Youth Sport Association in Kenya
Jacqui Ferraby & Leona Sparrow of the Musqueam First Nation and the University of British Columbia
Kate Johnson, Right to Play Athlete Ambassador
David McCrindle, Manager, Sport Participation Policy, Sport Canada, Department of Canadian Heritage Mike McWhinney, Manager, International Development Through Sport Unit, International Sport, Department of Canadian Heritage

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
MYSA-MUFC_Notes_100075.doc
Sport_en_fr_100075.doc
WUF_Sport_Description_100075.doc
Mike_McWhinney_Biography_100075.doc
George_Ndiritu_biography_100075.doc

Event Description
This networking session will be a participatory workshop where theory meets practice. This engaging event will allow participants to interact and add new tools to their conflict resolution approaches. Sustainable Cities and the Cross-Cultural Peacebuilding Approach will showcase the YOUCAN Peacebuilding approach with highlights from our pioneering Cross-Cultural Conflict Resolution Module for youth. Theory will be highlighted through group activities and discussion, understanding that while conflict is universal, how we deal with it is not. This workshop takes a holistic view of culture - including ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality, ability, and gender - to provide participants with a framework to build a culturally sensitive, collaborative conflict resolution process which can be tailored to their individual communities and cultures.About YOUCAN: Many children and youth grow up in families, schools and communities where conflict is a part of daily living. These young people must cope with violence, bullying, and gangs. YOUCAN is committed to providing them with training to develop skills to confidently and courageously address these sources of conflict. YOUCAN is Canada's leading "for youth, by youth" organization providing training in conflict resolution. YOUCAN was founded in 1997 and has trained 18,000 Canadian youth in 15 cities and more than 30 schools. YOUCAN's Vision: To ensure every youth in Canada learns conflict resolution skills and is inspired to use and share these skills to ultimately make a peaceful difference in the world. Rock.Paper.Scissors Inc. is Vancouver’s award winning corporate training and entertainment company. Established in 1992, Rock.Paper.Scissors (RPS) has built a reputation for producing hit comedy shows and critically acclaimed corporate entertaining and training. RPS is where great minds come to laugh, learn and play--from the stage to the boardroom; and from the convention hall to the classroom. Community Works, RPS’s not for profit training division, is a catalyst for skill building and creating capacity in the not-for-profit sector. Through our workshops in cross-cultural and diversity training and team building we engage and inspire participants to build skills while bridging differences, to strengthen their relation to community by celebrating diversity. Our customized workshops offer hands-on practical skills in a creative and collaborative learning environment. We also cover areas such as needs assessment, evaluation and planning, curriculum design, and cultural audits for organizations. A key component of all of our training services is to provide sustainable action plans for the future so that knowledge and skills are transferred back into the workplace. Please Note: Community-Works accepts full responsibility for all information presented in our workshops. And if the world becomes a better place for it, you can take all the credit.

Host Organization Description
About YOUCAN: Many children and youth grow up in families, schools and communities where conflict is a part of daily living. These young people must cope with violence, bullying, and gangs. YOUCAN is committed to providing them with training to develop skills to confidently and courageously address these sources of conflict. YOUCAN is Canada's leading "for youth, by youth" organization providing training in conflict resolution. YOUCAN was founded in 1997 and has trained 18,000 Canadian youth in 15 cities and more than 30 schools. YOUCAN's Vision: To ensure every youth in Canada learns conflict resolution skills and is inspired to use and share these skills to ultimately make a peaceful difference in the world. Rock.Paper.Scissors Inc. is Vancouver’s award winning corporate training and entertainment company. Established in 1992, Rock.Paper.Scissors (RPS) has built a reputation for producing hit comedy shows and critically acclaimed corporate entertaining and training. RPS is where great minds come to laugh, learn and play--from the stage to the boardroom; and from the convention hall to the classroom. Community Works, RPS’s not for profit training division, is a catalyst for skill building and creating capacity in the not-for-profit sector. Through our workshops in cross-cultural and diversity training and team building we engage and inspire participants to build skills while bridging differences, to strengthen their relation to community by celebrating diversity. Our customized workshops offer hands-on practical skills in a creative and collaborative learning environment. We also cover areas such as needs assessment, evaluation and planning, curriculum design, and cultural audits for organizations. A key component of all of our training services is to provide sustainable action plans for the future so that knowledge and skills are transferred back into the workplace. Please Note: Community-Works accepts full responsibility for all information presented in our workshops. And if the world becomes a better place for it, you can take all the credit.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.youcan.ca
www.rpsinc.ca
 

Event Description
Cities copy one another’s best ideas. The PLUS Network has pioneered advances to urban sustainability planning by encouraging cities to imagine their future in 100 years instead of the more typical 5-20 year timeframe. The PLUS Network is a peer-learning network of cities from around the world embarking on bringing such ambitious plans into action. In this session, cities and communities using this approach will discuss their key challenges, opportunities and current actions as they plan far beyond the current electoral term.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Councillor Linda Fox-Mellway, City of Calgary, Canada
Juan Blanco, Mayor of Chihuahua, Mexico
Mayor Adam Kimbisa, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Sogen Moodley, Durban, South Africa Salvador Trevino, Matamoros, Mexico Luis Henrique Fragomeni, President of IPPUC, Curitiba, Brazil Alison Dwyer, Adelaide, Australia Salvador Herrera, IMPLAN, Chihuahua, Mexico

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.plusnetwork.org
 
 

Event Description
Women in Cities International is currently engaged in linking local community-government partnerships working on violence prevention from a gendered perspective. There are projects in Canada, Australia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and Asia, working on these issues, bridging violence prevention in both public and ‘private’ space. What are the opportunities? What are the roadblocks and how can they be overcome? What can we learn from one another? How can we create ongoing cross-cultural communications on our common issues? This event will attempt to gain perspective into these questions.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Cookie Edwards, South Africa
Dipak Naker , Uganda
Olga Segovia, Chile; Johanne Bouchard, Montréal,Canada
 WOMEN IN CITIES INTERNATIONAL is an international network for various partners concerned with gender equality issues and the place of women in cities. It seeks to disseminate information on issues relating to gender equality, the role of women in cities and the application of a gender approach in community and municipal decision-making, and the public policy process. UN HABITAT, the United Nations Human Settlement Programme, promotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities throughout the world. UN HABITAT works to disseminate knowledge about viable urban development and about initiatives to reduce poverty in cities, and in slums in particular. UN HABITAT has launched 2 major campaigns to achieve these aims: the Global Campaign on Urban Governance and the Global Campaign for Secure Tenure. UN-HABITAT SAFER CITIES. The Safer Cities Programme supports the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, which acknowledges the responsibility of local authorities in crime prevention. The main objectives of the programme are to: (1) build capacities at city level to adequately address urban insecurity; and thereby (2) contribute to the establishment of a culture of prevention.

Host Organization Description
WOMEN IN CITIES INTERNATIONAL is an international network for various partners concerned with gender equality issues and the place of women in cities. It seeks to disseminate information on issues relating to gender equality, the role of women in cities and the application of a gender approach in community and municipal decision-making, and the public policy process. UN HABITAT, the United Nations Human Settlement Programme, promotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities throughout the world. UN HABITAT works to disseminate knowledge about viable urban development and about initiatives to reduce poverty in cities, and in slums in particular. UN HABITAT has launched 2 major campaigns to achieve these aims: the Global Campaign on Urban Governance and the Global Campaign for Secure Tenure. UN-HABITAT SAFER CITIES. The Safer Cities Programme supports the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, which acknowledges the responsibility of local authorities in crime prevention. The main objectives of the programme are to: (1) build capacities at city level to adequately address urban insecurity; and thereby (2) contribute to the establishment of a culture of prevention.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.femmesetvilles.org
www.unhabitat.org/safercities
www.redmujer.org.ar
www.womenincities.org
 

Event Description
This event is an opportunity to share experiences in applying Canadian sustainable community design principles to China’s rapidly urbanizing regions. This session will begin with a panel format presentation of these principles and how they relate to a demonstration community master-planning project in Nan Hui, a Shanghai suburb. The panel will focus on a “best of both worlds” approach, in the context of China’s current development practice and market economy. Issues involved, questions raised, challenges, successes, and lessons learned are applicable to implementing new, healthy, sustainable communities anywhere. A workshop will follow, encouraging participants to respond to a series of questions on incorporating sustainable design principles into a practical and effective Corporate Sustainability Standard for the Chinese development companies involved in Nan Hui and much larger projects. Participants will be invited to join an ongoing internet-based exploration of the topic.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Louis Musto - Manager; Canada Mortgage and Housing International, Ottawa
Bob Worden - Principal; Ramsay Worden Architects Ltd., Vancouver
Peter Reese - Project Manager; Ramsay Worden Architects Ltd., Vancouver
Grace Fan - Landscape Architect; Phillips Farevaag Smallenberg, Vancouver Patrick Condon - James Tayler Chair; University of British Columbia Design Centre for Sustainability, Vancouver David Rousseau - Principal; Archemy Consulting Ltd., Vancouver Nils Larsson - Executive Director; International Initiative for a Sustainable Built Environment, Ottawa Qiu Jiang - Principal; Coast Palisade Consulting Group Ltd., Shanghai Teng Guowei - Vice General Manager; Shanghai Land Group Co., Shanghai Ramsay Worden Architects Ltd.- A medium sized Architectural firm based in Vancouver with extensive experience designing a wide of projects including sustainable communities in Canada, USA, and China. Canada Mortgage and Housing International - the branch of Canada's national housing organization involved in facilitating the marketing of Canadian services and products overseas, particularly related to sustainable housing and communities.

Host Organization Description
Ramsay Worden Architects Ltd.- A medium sized Architectural firm based in Vancouver with extensive experience designing a wide of projects including sustainable communities in Canada, USA, and China. Canada Mortgage and Housing International - the branch of Canada's national housing organization involved in facilitating the marketing of Canadian services and products overseas, particularly related to sustainable housing and communities.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.rwa.ca
www.cmhc.ca
 

Event Description
The Arctic Council brings together the eight countries with territory in the Arctic, and six international organizations representing many of the indigenous communities in the North, for the purpose of protecting the Arctic environment and fostering sustainable development to improve the social, economic, and cultural well being of people living in the Arctic. This session will profile key Council activities showcasing partnerships between regions, communities, indigenous peoples and local groups which address various aspects of sustainable communities, including issues of sustainable tourism, gender and natural resources, living conditions, and traditional resource management.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Hannu Viranto, Head of International Department, State Provincial Office of Lapland, Finland
Joanna Kafarowski, Doctoral Candidate Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Program, Universit
Michael Bruce , Medical Epidemiologist, International Circumpolar Surveillance, Arctic Investigation
 The Arctic Council brings together the eight countries that have territory in Arctic lands — Canada, Denmark (Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Russian Federation, Sweden, and the United States of America — for the purpose of protecting the Arctic environment and fostering sustainable development as a way of improving the social, economic, and cultural well-being of people living in the Arctic. Six international organizations representing many indigenous communities in the Arctic have the status of Permanent Participants of the Arctic Council and are involved in the work of the Council in full consultation with governments. These organizations are the Aleutian International Association, Arctic Athabaskan Council, Gwich”in Council International, Inuit Circumpolar Conference, Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, and Saami Council.Non-Arctic countries and organizations interested in the work of the Council can participate as observers.

Host Organization Description
The Arctic Council brings together the eight countries that have territory in Arctic lands — Canada, Denmark (Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Russian Federation, Sweden, and the United States of America — for the purpose of protecting the Arctic environment and fostering sustainable development as a way of improving the social, economic, and cultural well-being of people living in the Arctic. Six international organizations representing many indigenous communities in the Arctic have the status of Permanent Participants of the Arctic Council and are involved in the work of the Council in full consultation with governments. These organizations are the Aleutian International Association, Arctic Athabaskan Council, Gwich”in Council International, Inuit Circumpolar Conference, Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, and Saami Council.Non-Arctic countries and organizations interested in the work of the Council can participate as observers.

Website (Organizer and partners)
http://portal.sdwg.org/
 
 

Event Description
Current urban energy usage patterns are widely recognized to be unsustainable, especially in the face of the challenges posed by globalization, climate change and rapid rates of urbanization. There is an urgent need for new solutions and approaches to energy usage patterns and provision for cities both in the South and the North. This event will bring together researchers and practitioners from around the world to disseminate and discuss best practice examples of new and innovative ways of achieving sustainable energy usage. The format of the event will include presentations of best practice examples, followed by a discussion of the key outcomes and lessons from the case studies. Finally, the discussion will aim to highlight key strategic pathways for cities engaged in a transition towards sustainable patterns of urbanization.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.lead.org
 
 

Event Description
The objective of this event is to draw together partners of UN-HABITAT for an informal, provocative networking session concentrating on the operational aspects of the conceptual framework and guiding principles. The event will introduce good practices and lessons learned from the field, all within the context of reflecting and reviewing the precision of the conceptual Sustainable Relief and Reconstruction framework. This event hopes to further elaborate the SRR framework into the following outcomes: inputs received, both operational and normative, for the UN- HABITAT Policy on Human Settlements in Crisis; participants are committed to the Sustainable Relief and Reconstruction approach on normative as well as operational level; cohesion and framework developed on how and in what ways participants will implement the Sustainable Relief and Reconstruction guiding principles.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
The dialogue moderator Wayne Caldwell, will lead the dialogue with experts on
sustainable relief and reconstruction
Scott Leckie, COHRE
 As a lead agency in human settlements issues within UN, UN-HABITAT promotes inclusion, participation and sustainability in the context of human settlements. These overarching issues are also reflected in the work of the Disaster Management Programme, supporting sustainable, pro-poor, and people-centred solutions to crisis. The cornerstone of our approach is to integrate emergency and rehabilitation efforts into long-term development strategies and to introduce the principles of sustainability from the earliest stages of recovery in human settlements. Rather than rebuilding the status-quo, we strive to build back more inclusive, more disaster-resilient, and more vibrant cities. Post-crisis situations offer a unique opportunity to rethink past practices, improve the sustainability of human settlements development and prepare communities to prevent against threats and risks. It entails more than rebuilding houses -it involves security of land tenure, livelihoods restoration, improving local governance, and disaster mitigation. Our strength lies in hand-on experiences to develop understanding and credibility, and a clear exit strategy for promoting sustainability and self-reliance.

Host Organization Description
As a lead agency in human settlements issues within UN, UN-HABITAT promotes inclusion, participation and sustainability in the context of human settlements. These overarching issues are also reflected in the work of the Disaster Management Programme, supporting sustainable, pro-poor, and people-centred solutions to crisis. The cornerstone of our approach is to integrate emergency and rehabilitation efforts into long-term development strategies and to introduce the principles of sustainability from the earliest stages of recovery in human settlements. Rather than rebuilding the status-quo, we strive to build back more inclusive, more disaster-resilient, and more vibrant cities. Post-crisis situations offer a unique opportunity to rethink past practices, improve the sustainability of human settlements development and prepare communities to prevent against threats and risks. It entails more than rebuilding houses -it involves security of land tenure, livelihoods restoration, improving local governance, and disaster mitigation. Our strength lies in hand-on experiences to develop understanding and credibility, and a clear exit strategy for promoting sustainability and self-reliance.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.unhabitat.org/rdmu
www.unisdr.org
www.ifrc.org
www.huairou.org
www.cohre.org
www.fcm.ca

Event Description
In May 2005, the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University supported by the Rockefeller Foundation, established a new housing policy, known as the Bellagio Housing Declaration, affirming that sound, sanitary and affordable housing for all is central to the wellbeing of nations. Participants at an international housing meeting from Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand and the USA, affirmed housing is indeed more than shelter: it is a powerful engine which creates opportunity and economic growth. The panel will review the findings and implications for housing partnerships, global networks, and next steps in its implementation.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
David Smith, Founder Affordable Housing Institute
Lauren Moser, VP ShoreBank International and Cate Ambrose, UN High Commission
Torre Nelson, Area VP, Latin America-Caribbean, Habitat for Humanity International
This session is one of a series of 12 networking sessions organized by the International Housing Coalition (IHC) on important housing issues.The Joint Center for Housing Studies is Harvard University's center for information and research on housing in the United States. The Joint Center analyzes the dynamic relationships between housing markets and economic, demographic, and social trends, providing leaders in government, business, and the non-profit sector with the knowledge needed to develop effective policies and strategies. Established in 1959, the Joint Center is a collaborative unit affiliated with the Graduate School of Design and the Kennedy School of Government. Through its rich array of research, education, and public outreach programs, the Joint Center serves as a convener for informed discussion on a broad range of issues in the housing sector of the nation’s economy. The Joint Center promotes national and international discussion of important housing policy issues by convening and collaborating on major conferences and symposia on topics of critical importance in the housing field.

Host Organization Description
The Joint Center for Housing Studies is Harvard University's center for information and research on housing in the United States. The Joint Center analyzes the dynamic relationships between housing markets and economic, demographic, and social trends, providing leaders in government, business, and the non-profit sector with the knowledge needed to develop effective policies and strategies. Established in 1959, the Joint Center is a collaborative unit affiliated with the Graduate School of Design and the Kennedy School of Government. Through its rich array of research, education, and public outreach programs, the Joint Center serves as a convener for informed discussion on a broad range of issues in the housing sector of the nation’s economy. The Joint Center promotes national and international discussion of important housing policy issues by convening and collaborating on major conferences and symposia on topics of critical importance in the housing field.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.jchs.harvard.edu/bellagio/
 
 

Event Description
This session will include an interactive roundtable of expert actors from Brazil, India, South Africa and Canada, brought together to discuss the challenges confronting effective urban governance on the ground. On-going urban reform experiments in each country will be briefly profiled as a way to open the discussion, engage audience participation and draw additional local experiences and practices from the participants and stakeholders in the room. The discussion will address strategies and practices with useful lessons in civic engagement.

Event Description
This event will discuss recent strategies in developing ‘transformation’ and OECD countries to facilitate social inclusion and to counterbalance the widening socio-spatial gap within cities. The main questions of this event are: How can deprived areas be rehabilitated and the formation of new slums be prevented? And what could be the role of local, national and international institutions to promote good urban practices and policies of inclusion? The panel, with speakers from Egypt, South Africa and Germany, along with the participants will help highlight innovations relevant to other cities, and pinpoint essential requirements for practical urban development policy.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Prof. Dr. Sameh El Alily, Cairo University (Egypt)
Duma Nkosi, Executive Mayor Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (South Africa)
Prof. Dr. Hartmut Häußermann, Humboldt University Berlin (Germany)
 The German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) develops the guidelines and the fundamental concepts on which German development policy is based. It defines long-term strategies for German Development Cooperation and defines principles and strategies for its implementing agencies. It has for many years supported efforts for socially inclusive urban development in a number of programmes and projects. The Cities Alliance is a coalition of cities and their development partners committed to scaling up successful approaches to poverty reduction. It brings cities together in a direct dialogue with bilateral and multilateral agencies and financial institutions. Its members promote the developmental role of local governments and help cities to obtain more coherent international support. By promoting the positive impacts of urbanisation, the Alliance helps local authorities among others to develop sustainable financing strategies for infrastructure.

Host Organization Description
The German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) develops the guidelines and the fundamental concepts on which German development policy is based. It defines long-term strategies for German Development Cooperation and defines principles and strategies for its implementing agencies. It has for many years supported efforts for socially inclusive urban development in a number of programmes and projects. The Cities Alliance is a coalition of cities and their development partners committed to scaling up successful approaches to poverty reduction. It brings cities together in a direct dialogue with bilateral and multilateral agencies and financial institutions. Its members promote the developmental role of local governments and help cities to obtain more coherent international support. By promoting the positive impacts of urbanisation, the Alliance helps local authorities among others to develop sustainable financing strategies for infrastructure.

Website (Organizer and partners)
 
www.bmz.de/en
www.citiesalliance.org
www.ekurhuleni.com
www2.hu-berlin.de/stadtsoz/english/english.php
 

Event Description
This panel will debate the following questions: How can architects contribute to solve the urban housing crisis? What is Architecture Without Borders and what should we do? It will, also, provide an overview of methods to solve the global housing crisis and discuss the role of architects in disaster prevention and disaster remediation. The panel will investigate community participation in slum rehabilitation in Lima, Peru and consider types of housing best suited to combat urban sprawl in low-income countries.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Jaime Royo Olid, MA(Cantab) Dip (Arch), Research Assnt Sust Humane Habitat in Dev. countries
Luz Maria Sanchez, Arch. Slum improvement projetcs, Lima Peru
D. Urban Vestbro, E. Sellis, C. Williams and/or A. Nnaggenda-Musana
 ASF-International constitutes an independent and non-hierarchical network of not-for-profit and participative organisations concerned with the equitable, social, cultural and environmental commitment of architecture, construction, urbanism and the conservation of historical heritages to ‘human development’.

Host Organization Description
ASF-International constitutes an independent and non-hierarchical network of not-for-profit and participative organisations concerned with the equitable, social, cultural and environmental commitment of architecture, construction, urbanism and the conservation of historical heritages to ‘human development’.

Event Description
There is a crucial need for re-thinking urban development and, thus, the processes of knowledge production and management by using systems design. Urban development processes and products with points of departure in everyday lives of people and enterprises should be designed and facilitated to promote the integration of scientific knowledge at the forefront with experience-based and traditional knowledge. Students constitute an important target group for capacity building as being a great resource in data collection, idea generation and communication with local experts and laymen. Students are the practitioners of the future and the best actors for the dissemination of knowledge into action. Partners from industry should co-operate with cities and universities for an affordable and innovative next generation urban systems. This event explores how experience from the moon reflects in the Lake Victoria region if enhanced by designing "leapfrogging" mechanisms of networking cities, universities and industry.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Mr Graham Alabaster, WSIB, UN-habitat and invited guests
Dr. Suki K. K. Mwendwa, Director, School of The Arts & Design, Nairobi University and invited guests
Prof. Maria Nystrom, Star Design, Lund University, Sweden and invited guests
 Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden is conducting research and eduction within the domains of a technical faculty, including Architecture, with a central policy to promote sustainable development and a strong commitment to promote capacity building through collaborative research, education, networking and knowledge dissemination. Chalmers is a member of the Alliance for Global Sustainability(AGS)in partnership with ETH, Zurich, MIT, Boston, and Tokyo University. Chalmers is also one of the first official Habitat Partner Universities. The event is organised in cooperation with the universities of Nairobi, Kenya, and Lund, Sweden, and the Water, Sanitation and Infrastructure Branch of UN-Habitat.

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
Side_event_at_WUF_100131.doc

Host Organization Description
Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden is conducting research and eduction within the domains of a technical faculty, including Architecture, with a central policy to promote sustainable development and a strong commitment to promote capacity building through collaborative research, education, networking and knowledge dissemination. Chalmers is a member of the Alliance for Global Sustainability(AGS)in partnership with ETH, Zurich, MIT, Boston, and Tokyo University. Chalmers is also one of the first official Habitat Partner Universities. The event is organised in cooperation with the universities of Nairobi, Kenya, and Lund, Sweden, and the Water, Sanitation and Infrastructure Branch of UN-Habitat.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.chalmers.se
www.unhabitat.org
 

Event Description
This event will include a live interactive demonstration of the RETScreen Clean Energy Project Analysis Software using real project case studies, including energy, cost, GHG, financial and risk analysis. The demonstration will be followed by a discussion on clean energy project analysis and implementation process. This event will help raise awareness of the RETScreen Software and share best practices in clean energy project analysis.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Gregory J. Leng
Alexandre Monarque
 
 The RETScreen International Clean Energy Decision Support Centre seeks to build the capacity of planners, decision-makers and industry to implement renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Lead by Natural Resources Canada’s CANMET Energy Technology Centre, RETScreen is developed in collaboration with UNEP, NASA, GEF, and the World Bank along with a network of 221 experts from industry, government and academia. The RETScreen Software now has users in 213 countries and is recognized as the world's leading software for screening the viability of clean energy technology applications. The software comes with product, cost and climate databases, an online user manual, training material and case studies that can be downloaded free-of-charge at: www.retscreen.net.

Host Organization Description
The RETScreen International Clean Energy Decision Support Centre seeks to build the capacity of planners, decision-makers and industry to implement renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Lead by Natural Resources Canada’s CANMET Energy Technology Centre, RETScreen is developed in collaboration with UNEP, NASA, GEF, and the World Bank along with a network of 221 experts from industry, government and academia. The RETScreen Software now has users in 213 countries and is recognized as the world's leading software for screening the viability of clean energy technology applications. The software comes with product, cost and climate databases, an online user manual, training material and case studies that can be downloaded free-of-charge at: www.retscreen.net.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.retscreen.net

 

Event Description
This event will describe the Sustainable City concept, which is based upon a holistic and integrated approach to creating sustainable towns and cities. It brings together and communicates information on the most innovative and promising sustainable solutions in urban areas. It emphasizes the three aspects of sustainable development - economic, environmental and social. This event will start with a presentation on a concept level, followed by a city and business level.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/2066
www.swedentech.com
www.swedishtrade.com
 

Event Description
: Learn the five catalysts for change which made it possible for BC's grassroots coalitions to tap into community resources, inspire leadership, engage government, spark social entrepreneurial approaches, attract media attention, and get business involved in proactive solutions to combat poverty and affordable housing. In 2005, small, medium and large cities across British Columbia instigated a bold campaign to kick-start a collaborative cross-sectoral approach in their communities to eradicate homelessness. Under the National Homelessness Initiative, the Sustaining Community Partnerships Committee in six of these cities launched projects, which are changing the story of homelessness at a local and provincial level. Hear their unique approaches to getting all sectors on board to build stronger communities, and share your stories of asset-based community development.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Ms Bayla Kolk, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Hsg and Homelessness Branch, HRSDC
Mr Richard Prokopanko, Director of Corporate Affairs, Alcan
Mr Craig Lloyd, Pres & CEO, Coast Capital Savings
Other Speakers will include: Michele Rule, Councillor, City of Kelowna Ian Graham, Chair, Poverty and Homelessness Action Team of Central Okanagan John Horn, Chair, Nanaimo Group on Homelessness Phyllis Nash, RSW, MSW, Chair, Nelson Committee on Homlessness, Raymond Jolicoeur, Chair, Kamloops Social Planning Council Alice Sundberg, Executive Director, British Columbia Non Profit Housing Association Jane Hopkins, Facilitator-National Homelessness Initiative The Sustaining Community Partnerships Committee (SCPC) was established in May 2003 to raise awareness about homelessness and to attract private sector support to implement Community Plans promoting collaborative approaches to housing, income and support service solutions to homelessness. The SCPC is composed of representatives from 8 communities in BC and the Yukon Territory participating in the federal government’s National Homelessness Initiative’s Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative, whose steering committees represent all 3 levels of government and more than 160 service providers region-wide.

Host Organization Description
The Sustaining Community Partnerships Committee (SCPC) was established in May 2003 to raise awareness about homelessness and to attract private sector support to implement Community Plans promoting collaborative approaches to housing, income and support service solutions to homelessness. The SCPC is composed of representatives from 8 communities in BC and the Yukon Territory participating in the federal government’s National Homelessness Initiative’s Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative, whose steering committees represent all 3 levels of government and more than 160 service providers region-wide.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.homelessness.gc.ca
www.kelownahomeless.com
www.bcnpha.bc.ca
 

Event Description
Urban areas around the world face a major challenge in responding to criminal acts and violence, which impede sustainable economic development, and affect human rights and the quality of life. This event is an opportunity to demonstrate how countries and cities are drawing on the 2002 United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Crime to develop or strengthen strategies in support of city and community-based prevention efforts. This event will discuss the importance of national frameworks in support of local crime prevention initiatives, and the role of international standard and norms, in particular the 2002 UN Guidelines for Crime Prevention, for the establishment of effective and sustainable strategies and policies. It will provide examples of national adoption and adaptation of such guidelines, including Canada’s national strategy, which support and facilitate crime prevention at sub-regional and especially local levels, and showcase tools, which support the development of comprehensive local strategies, and apply the UN Guidelines. UN HABITAT, the United Nations Human Settlement Programme, promotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities throughout the world. UN HABITAT works to disseminate knowledge about viable urban development and about initiatives to reduce poverty in cities, and in slums in particular. UN HABITAT has launched 2 major campaigns to achieve these aims: the Global Campaign on Urban Governance and the Global Campaign for Secure Tenure. ICPC, the International Centre for the Prevention of Crime, is an international forum for national governments, local authorities, public agencies, specialised institutions, and non-government organisations to exchange experience, consider emerging knowledge, and improve policies and programmes in crime prevention and community safety. UNODC, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, works to educate the world about the dangers of drug abuse and to strengthen international action against drug production, trafficking and drug-related crime. UNODC also works to improve crime prevention and to assist with criminal justice reform in a number of countries. The Office works with Member States to strengthen the rule of law, promote stable and viable criminal justice systems and combat the growing threats of transnational organized crime and corruption. NCPC, the Canadian National Crime Prevention Council, was created to ensure coordination across all federal departments and agencies responsible for national security and the safety of Canadians. From natural disaster to crime and terrorism, their mandate is to keep Canadians safe. NCPC works with volunteer groups, governments and businesses to support local solutions to crime and victimization.

Host Organization Description
UN HABITAT, the United Nations Human Settlement Programme, promotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities throughout the world. UN HABITAT works to disseminate knowledge about viable urban development and about initiatives to reduce poverty in cities, and in slums in particular. UN HABITAT has launched 2 major campaigns to achieve these aims: the Global Campaign on Urban Governance and the Global Campaign for Secure Tenure. ICPC, the International Centre for the Prevention of Crime, is an international forum for national governments, local authorities, public agencies, specialised institutions, and non-government organisations to exchange experience, consider emerging knowledge, and improve policies and programmes in crime prevention and community safety. UNODC, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, works to educate the world about the dangers of drug abuse and to strengthen international action against drug production, trafficking and drug-related crime. UNODC also works to improve crime prevention and to assist with criminal justice reform in a number of countries. The Office works with Member States to strengthen the rule of law, promote stable and viable criminal justice systems and combat the growing threats of transnational organized crime and corruption. NCPC, the Canadian National Crime Prevention Council, was created to ensure coordination across all federal departments and agencies responsible for national security and the safety of Canadians. From natural disaster to crime and terrorism, their mandate is to keep Canadians safe. NCPC works with volunteer groups, governments and businesses to support local solutions to crime and victimization.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.unhabitat.org/safercities
 

Event Description
PADCO will raise awareness of urban policy and development through interaction with the Urban Development Timeline, a knowledge management tool designed to stimulate discussion and share lessons from the past. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in substantive discourse on the most pressing urban issues while learning from prior experience. This opening event, in conjunction with the Urban Development Timeline exhibit, will stimulate greater understanding of the critical role urban issues play in modern development as well as encourage concrete steps for future action to address urban policy and development.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Duane Kissick, President of PADCO
Founded in 1965, Planning and Development Collaborative International (PADCO) is an international development consulting firm headquartered in Washington, DC. PADCO has implemented projects in more than 100 countries around the world. PADCO’s wide range of expert technical advisory services include: democratic governance and urban services, sustainable economic development, infrastructure and facilities, humanitarian response and stabilization, and conflict mitigation and resolution. In 2004, PADCO joined AECOM, a leading provider of professional services for the built environment. AECOM is the parent company of a consortium of major architecture/engineering firms with more than $30 billion in projects currently under way. AECOM provides comprehensive consulting, design, program and construction management, and operations and maintenance support for government agencies and private clients on a global basis. PADCO can tap into these resources to ensure single-source management for delivering requisite services.

Host Organization Description
Founded in 1965, Planning and Development Collaborative International (PADCO) is an international development consulting firm headquartered in Washington, DC. PADCO has implemented projects in more than 100 countries around the world. PADCO’s wide range of expert technical advisory services include: democratic governance and urban services, sustainable economic development, infrastructure and facilities, humanitarian response and stabilization, and conflict mitigation and resolution. In 2004, PADCO joined AECOM, a leading provider of professional services for the built environment. AECOM is the parent company of a consortium of major architecture/engineering firms with more than $30 billion in projects currently under way. AECOM provides comprehensive consulting, design, program and construction management, and operations and maintenance support for government agencies and private clients on a global basis. PADCO can tap into these resources to ensure single-source management for delivering requisite services.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.padco.aecom.com
www.usaid.gov
www.hud.gov
 

Event Description
Canada has a long and noble history of creative initiatives at the UN, urging Member Nations and the UN itself to frame and implement policies, programs and projects to improve urban living, within, beyond, and through settlements. Canada’s foreign-policy initiatives through the UN usually parallelled domestic goals. Domestic programs of improving city life were linked to comparable initiatives overseas and vice-versa. In addition, Canada’s initiatives have always reflected its commitment to connect issues of natural and built environment for human settlements. IDRC’s generous research grant together with Western Economic Diversification, and UBC's contribution enabled a research team at Centre for Human Settlements (CHS) to assemble and review the ebb and flow of Canada’s initiatives over three decades.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
H. Peter Oberlander, Centre for Human Settlements, UBC
Ingrid Leman Stefanovic (U. of Toronto), Jeanne M. Wolfe (McGill U.), David Covo (McGill U.)
Arie Shachar (Hebrew U.), Pietro Garau (U. of Rome), John MacLeod and Ron Williams (U. of Montreal)
 

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.chs.ubc.ca
www.environment.utoronto.ca
www.mcgill.ca/urbanplanning/
www.huji.ac.il/huji/eng/
 

Event Description
Urban poverty reduction is impossible unless cities are productive and capable of providing the poor with economic opportunities. This session focuses on strategic planning for economic development, for which cities managers, private sector and local stakeholders need to understand the local economy, including its constraints and prospects. With support of the Netherlands, Cities Alliance has commissioned research to identify tools, methods and good practices of cities taking steps to understand their local economy. This practical workshop aims to share global good practice in local economy and competitiveness assessments, and disseminate findings on tools and methods, which enable cities with little reliable information to design strategies with more confidence.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Mr. R. Carlson, Team Leader Urban Programme USAID; Ms. G. Swinburn, LED Consultant
Mr. G. Robins, Research Fellow, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban,South Africa
Ms. D. Tewari, Sr Municipal Dev. Specialist, World Bank; Mr. I. Sadisu, Chairman BEDC, Karu, Nigeria
www.kaiseredp.comThe Cities Alliance is a global coalition of cities and their development partners committed to scaling up successful approaches to poverty reduction. The Alliance provides matching grants in support of: (a) City development strategies (CDS) which link the process by which local stakeholders define their vision for their city and its economic growth, environmental and poverty reduction objectives, with clear priorities for actions and investments; (b) Citywide and nationwide slum upgrading in accordance with the Alliance’s Cities Without Slums action plan, including promoting secure tenure, access to shelter finance and policies to help cities prevent the growth of new slums; and (c) Sustainable financing strategies for cities to attract the long-term capital investments needed for infrastructure, including improving accountability and demonstrating stable revenue streams to more effectively leverage domestic capital. Cities Alliance members are: Local authorities, represented by United Cities and Local Governments, Metropolis, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America, the Asian Development Bank, UNEP, UN-HABITAT and the World Bank.

Host Organization Description
The Cities Alliance is a global coalition of cities and their development partners committed to scaling up successful approaches to poverty reduction. The Alliance provides matching grants in support of: (a) City development strategies (CDS) which link the process by which local stakeholders define their vision for their city and its economic growth, environmental and poverty reduction objectives, with clear priorities for actions and investments; (b) Citywide and nationwide slum upgrading in accordance with the Alliance’s Cities Without Slums action plan, including promoting secure tenure, access to shelter finance and policies to help cities prevent the growth of new slums; and (c) Sustainable financing strategies for cities to attract the long-term capital investments needed for infrastructure, including improving accountability and demonstrating stable revenue streams to more effectively leverage domestic capital. Cities Alliance members are: Local authorities, represented by United Cities and Local Governments, Metropolis, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America, the Asian Development Bank, UNEP, UN-HABITAT and the World Bank.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.citiesalliance.org
www.worldbank.org/urban/led
www.minbuza.nl
www.makingcitieswork.org/
www.unhabitat.org/
www.lse.ac.uk/

Event Description
The session will open with a traditional welcome from local First Nations to honour the land on which the World Urban Forum is being hosted. Lou Demerais, GVUAS and Peter Dinsdale, NAFC will co-chair the session providing an overview and introductions. The co-chairs will lead a facilitated dialogue session with government partners and Aboriginal people looking at new approaches to working in partnership with urban Aboriginal people. This discussion will focus on the methods to include urban Aboriginal people in policy and decision making processes and will use the Canadian government’s Urban Aboriginal Strategy as a concrete example for discussion. The discussion will highlight promising practices on human capital and women’s development with Sylvia Maracle (Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres) and Kama Steliga (Lillooet Friendship Centre) providing informative dialogue on best practices;The facilitated dialogue session will enable participants to look at challenges and opportunities and to learn from other countries and jurisdictions about the approaches they are taking in this area. International participation will be announced at a later date.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Sylvia Maracle, Ontario Federation of Friendship Centres
Kama Steliga , Executive Director of the Lillooet Friendship Centres
GVUAS and International participants to be announced
 The GVUAS SC is made up of 16 members representing three levels of government and the Greater Vancouver urban Aboriginal community. Members include youth and Elders, Aboriginal organizations, representatives from the federal and provincial governments, the City of Vancouver and the City of Surrey. The NAFC acts as a central unifying body for the Friendship Centre movement by promoting and advocating the concerns of Aboriginal Peoples and represents the needs of local Friendship Centres across the country to the federal government and to the public in general. More than 750,000 Indigenous peoples access the services and supports designed with culturally-based principles in areas of; literacy, racism, AIDS, employment equity, economic development and justice to name a few. The GVUAS and the NAFC are supported by the Canadian government as part of a national strategy aimed at improving the quality of life of urban Aboriginal people. The federal Office of the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians(OFI)in the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada is a full partner in this session.

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
NCW_HR_100081.pdf
NCW_Inequality_100081.pdf
NUIFC_UN_WORLD_URBAN_FORUM_100081.doc
Urban_Aboriginal_Strategy_100081.doc
NUIFC_MEMBER_CENTERS_100081.doc

Host Organization Description
The GVUAS SC is made up of 16 members representing three levels of government and the Greater Vancouver urban Aboriginal community. Members include youth and Elders, Aboriginal organizations, representatives from the federal and provincial governments, the City of Vancouver and the City of Surrey. The NAFC acts as a central unifying body for the Friendship Centre movement by promoting and advocating the concerns of Aboriginal Peoples and represents the needs of local Friendship Centres across the country to the federal government and to the public in general. More than 750,000 Indigenous peoples access the services and supports designed with culturally-based principles in areas of; literacy, racism, AIDS, employment equity, economic development and justice to name a few. The GVUAS and the NAFC are supported by the Canadian government as part of a national strategy aimed at improving the quality of life of urban Aboriginal people. The federal Office of the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians(OFI)in the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada is a full partner in this session.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.nafc.ca/
www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/interloc/index_e.html
www.gvuas.ca
www.wd.gc.ca
www.gov.bc.ca/arr
www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/
www.city.surrey.bc.ca

Event Description
A 30 minutes PowerPoint presentation will focus on urban design and planning cases in Brazil, Cuba, India, Kenya, Kosovo, Morocco, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. The presentation, followed by comments by invited respondents, will stimulate an open debate on the potential of space as a resource, register, negotiating mechanism and generator of development. This presentation will highlight the importance of properly designed and projected space in relation to post-disaster and conflict reconstruction, poverty reduction and sustainable development. Questions to be debated include: How is space a major resource in urban contexts? How does the shape of the city contribute to urban sustainability? Can natural and/or human disasters be seen as an opportunity for urban redevelopment? How does the way cities are planned influence the local economy? What is the role of urban planners in a context of slum upgrading? And how can urban projects mobilize urban stakeholders around a common objective?

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Prof. André Loeckx, Bruno De Meulder, Kelly Shannon
Respondents: Raquel Rolnik (Ministry of Cities, Brazil); Arif Hasan (Karachi, Pakistan)
Respondents: Anna Rubbo (University of Sydney); Modjeh Baratloo (Columbia University)
 The Post Graduate Center for Human Settlements, Urbanism and Strategic Planning is within the Department of Architecture, Urbanism and Regional Planning of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. Within the scope of education, the center offers a one-year Master of Human Settlements) which addresses rapid urbanization in the developing world and contemporary urban transformation within the scope of sustainable development and a two-year Master of Urbanism and Strategic Planning) which focuses on a critical understanding of contemporary conditions of cities and urban regions. Both programs develop innovative concepts and strategies for qualitative interventions through design, planning and policy-making. In terms of research, through projects such as LA21 with UN-Habitat(work in Essaouira, Morocco; Nakuru, Kenya; Vinh, Vietnam; Bayamo, Cuba)and EU Asia-Urbs/Link (work in Matara, Sri Lanka and Karachi, Pakistan), the center develops its unremitting interest in processes of development and modernization and the specific conditions and cultures that foster them. Its research centers upon how urbanism and urbanization affect one another. The exploration is always design-oriented - design as a tool of analysis and of sustainable development.

Host Organization Description
The Post Graduate Center for Human Settlements, Urbanism and Strategic Planning is within the Department of Architecture, Urbanism and Regional Planning of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. Within the scope of education, the center offers a one-year Master of Human Settlements) which addresses rapid urbanization in the developing world and contemporary urban transformation within the scope of sustainable development and a two-year Master of Urbanism and Strategic Planning) which focuses on a critical understanding of contemporary conditions of cities and urban regions. Both programs develop innovative concepts and strategies for qualitative interventions through design, planning and policy-making. In terms of research, through projects such as LA21 with UN-Habitat(work in Essaouira, Morocco; Nakuru, Kenya; Vinh, Vietnam; Bayamo, Cuba)and EU Asia-Urbs/Link (work in Matara, Sri Lanka and Karachi, Pakistan), the center develops its unremitting interest in processes of development and modernization and the specific conditions and cultures that foster them. Its research centers upon how urbanism and urbanization affect one another. The exploration is always design-oriented - design as a tool of analysis and of sustainable development.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.asro.kuleuven.be
www.unhabitat.org

Event Description
Inter-governmental relationships directly affect the design and management of urban development polices and programs. This panel will assess different aspects of this topic- national government policies and sub-national development programs, pubic finance and urban investments, public-private partnerships, land use options and provincial, state and local planning powers. Various national experiences since Habitat II will be discussed to identify those governance arrangements, which seem to provide the more effective framework for the growth and development of healthy urban regions.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Shannon Sorzano, HUD, Moderator
Lawrence M. Hannah, Lead Economist , The World Bank
Duane Kissick, President, PADCO
 

Event Description
This debate will consider the following topics: key aspects for the harmonization of the GEO Cities assessment methodology with the broader SCP/LA21 methodology for the formulation of urban environmental profiles and actions plans; how GEO Cities and SCP/LA21 instruments can be better incorporated into the formulation of urban development plans; and data, information and indicators gathered for the conduction of the GEO Cities and SCP/LA21 processes which can serve as the basis for the establishment of sustainable urban monitoring and assessment systems or observatories. Speakers include people from PNUMA, UN-Habitat, environmental and planning institutes and mayors. UN-Habitat is the UN agency for human settlements. It is mandated to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. The Sustainable Cities Programme (SCP), a joint UN-Habitat/UNEP program, was established to build capacities in urban environmental planning and management (EPM) with participatory approaches . It targets urban local authorities and their partners. The objectives of its present activities are: improve EPM/SCP applications, develop an institutional framework and network for sustained support to partners and institutionalize SCP normative activities. The Regional Office for Latin American and the Caribbean (ROLAC) of UN-Habitat collaborates with SCP/LA21 in the implementation of the regional component of the programme, presently working in 5 countries. Both offices are collaborating in the formulation of GEO-Cities studies and city environmental profiles and action plans under the SCP/LA21 component.

Host Organization Description
UN-Habitat is the UN agency for human settlements. It is mandated to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. The Sustainable Cities Programme (SCP), a joint UN-Habitat/UNEP program, was established to build capacities in urban environmental planning and management (EPM) with participatory approaches . It targets urban local authorities and their partners. The objectives of its present activities are: improve EPM/SCP applications, develop an institutional framework and network for sustained support to partners and institutionalize SCP normative activities. The Regional Office for Latin American and the Caribbean (ROLAC) of UN-Habitat collaborates with SCP/LA21 in the implementation of the regional component of the programme, presently working in 5 countries. Both offices are collaborating in the formulation of GEO-Cities studies and city environmental profiles and action plans under the SCP/LA21 component.

Event Description
L’Observatoire de l’Immobilier et du Foncier (The Land and Property Observatory) is a decision-making tool that helps keep better track of urban and housing programs. Its goals are: - to give authorities access to a set of indicators related to housing, land, and more specifically, the living conditions of the families inhabiting these dwellings, as well as simulations depicting the evolution of urbanization in the city; - to ensure better coordination between the various participants in the housing sector and urban development stakeholders; - to develop a regional plan based on real data and statistics of the highest quality; - to establish a scorecard that conveys accurate and up-to-date information on the Land and Housing sector.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Mohamedi Slim, directeur général de l'Habitat
Fahima El Shahed, Director General, GOPP
 
 GOPP is a national entity responsible for setting the general directives for physical planning policy and preparing urban development plans and programs in Egypt, and coordinating between these plans and other economic and social development plans to meet present and future needs. GOPP is also mandated with the responsibility of verifying the implementation of urban development plans under the jurisdiction of the minister of housing and reconstruction, subject to his supervision control and direction. GOPP responsibilities according to physical planning law became the state’s agency responsible for setting the overall policy for physical planning, preparing urban development plans and project in Egypt, and supervising the implementation of these plans. The concerned local unit is responsible for executing all works and tasks as mandated to it by law either through its technical departments or by contracting specialized consulting companies. Local units are to cooperate closely with GOPP in executing all of its works. In response to rapid global transformation, GOPP is continuously developing and revisiting its approach to addressing urban problems. Increased emphasis is placed on programs for managing urban development, mobilization resource, and building the capacities of all members of civic society to take more active role in policy making and implementation. Moreover, GOPP is continuously implementing most advanced techniques and methods in the fields of information, communication, technology, etc… Partner Organizations: · Jordan Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDC) · Ministère de l’Équipement, de l’Habitat et de l’Aménagement du Territoire - Tunisia · Arab Towns Organization (ATO) The partner organization are: · Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) - partner of the GOPP · Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) - funding CMHC partnership · UN-Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
observatoire_de_Tunisie_100011.ppt

Host Organization Description
GOPP is a national entity responsible for setting the general directives for physical planning policy and preparing urban development plans and programs in Egypt, and coordinating between these plans and other economic and social development plans to meet present and future needs. GOPP is also mandated with the responsibility of verifying the implementation of urban development plans under the jurisdiction of the minister of housing and reconstruction, subject to his supervision control and direction. GOPP responsibilities according to physical planning law became the state’s agency responsible for setting the overall policy for physical planning, preparing urban development plans and project in Egypt, and supervising the implementation of these plans. The concerned local unit is responsible for executing all works and tasks as mandated to it by law either through its technical departments or by contracting specialized consulting companies. Local units are to cooperate closely with GOPP in executing all of its works. In response to rapid global transformation, GOPP is continuously developing and revisiting its approach to addressing urban problems. Increased emphasis is placed on programs for managing urban development, mobilization resource, and building the capacities of all members of civic society to take more active role in policy making and implementation. Moreover, GOPP is continuously implementing most advanced techniques and methods in the fields of information, communication, technology, etc… Partner Organizations: · Jordan Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDC) · Ministère de l’Équipement, de l’Habitat et de l’Aménagement du Territoire - Tunisia · Arab Towns Organization (ATO) The partner organization are: · Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) - partner of the GOPP · Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) - funding CMHC partnership · UN-Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)

Event Description
This session will discuss "Urban Policies and the Right to the City: towards Good Governance and Local Democracy". UNESCO first discussed the concept of "the Right to the City" in 1995 at a Conference on "City of Solidarity and Citizenship". UN-HABITAT addresses this topic as part of the Global Campaign on Urban Governance and its emphasis on the Inclusive City. The aim of the session is to discuss the notion of the Right to the City and share the views of city stakeholders, such as local government, civil society and grassroots groups, on what is meant by the concept of the Right to the City. The session will also discuss existing urban policies at regional and municipal levels, as well as practices and approaches to promoting the Right to the City. There will be brief presentations by panellists, followed by a discussion on social cohesion and inclusiveness in urban management and development and how to take this concept to international level.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Gerald Tremblay, Mayor of Montréal (Canada)
Raquel Rolnik, National Secretary of Urban Programmes, Ministry of Cities (Brazil)
Maria Fides Bagasao, Huairou Commission (Philippines)
 UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was born on 16 November 1945. This UN agency works as a laboratory of ideas and a standard-setter to forge universal agreements on emerging ethical issues. The Organization also serves as a clearinghouse – that disseminates and shares information and knowledge – while helping Member States to build their human and institutional capacities in diverse fields. In short, UNESCO promotes international co-operation among its 191 Member States and six Associate Members in the fields of education, science, culture and communication. UNESCO works to create the conditions for true dialogue, based upon respect for commonly shared values and the dignity of each civilization and culture.

Related Documents (in English and / or French)
RTTC_leaflet_back_english_web_100150.pdf
RTTC_leaflet_front_eng_web_100150.pdf
RTTC_leaflet_back_french_web_100150.pdf
RTTC_leaflet_front_french_web_100150.pdf

Host Organization Description
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was born on 16 November 1945. This UN agency works as a laboratory of ideas and a standard-setter to forge universal agreements on emerging ethical issues. The Organization also serves as a clearinghouse – that disseminates and shares information and knowledge – while helping Member States to build their human and institutional capacities in diverse fields. In short, UNESCO promotes international co-operation among its 191 Member States and six Associate Members in the fields of education, science, culture and communication. UNESCO works to create the conditions for true dialogue, based upon respect for commonly shared values and the dignity of each civilization and culture.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.unesco.org/shs/urban
www.unhabitat.org
ville.montreal.qc.ca/charterofrights
www.clgf.org.uk
www.huairou.org
www.bcn.es/centre_interreligios
www.edcities.org

Event Description
Where they live makes the urban poor especially vulnerable to extreme natural events, such as floods, and the effects of climate change. Latin Americans and Canadians will share their experiences in developing and using environmental management and planning tools to reduce urban vulnerability to disasters and climate change.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Mr. Jorge Gavidia, Director of the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, UN-HABITAT
Mr. Omar Dario Cardona, Profesor, University of the Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
Mr. Brad Anguish, Director - Environmental Management Services, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Mr. Omar Dario Cardona, Professor, University of the Andes, Bogotá, Colombia. Mrs. Hilda Herzer, Director Centro de Estudios Sociales y Ambientales (CENTRO), Buenos Aires, Argentina. Mr. Victor Manuel Gonzalez, Regional Coordinator Integrated Risk Management Federation of Municipalities of the Central America Isthmus (FEMICA), Huehuetenango, Guatemala. Mrs. Nelly Soliman, former Mayor, El Progreso, Honduras. Federico Burone, Regional Director, IDRC Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, Montevideo, Uruguay. Chair: Mr. Jose Ballesteros, Consultant for the Ministry of Environment, Housing and Territorial Development, Bogota Colombia.The International Development Research Centre is a public corporation created by the Parliament of Canada in 1970 to help developing countries use science and technology to find practical, long-term solutions of the social, economic and environmental problems they face. Support is directed toward developing an indigenous research capacity to sustain policies and technologies developing countries need to build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous societies.

Host Organization Description
The International Development Research Centre is a public corporation created by the Parliament of Canada in 1970 to help developing countries use science and technology to find practical, long-term solutions of the social, economic and environmental problems they face. Support is directed toward developing an indigenous research capacity to sustain policies and technologies developing countries need to build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous societies.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.cesam.org.ar
www.femica.org
www.halifax.ca
 

Event Description
This event will showcase the progress made in the development and use of safety audit tools, including safety diagnosis, safety audits, and victimisation surveys. The safety audit tools will be considered at national and international levels, along with their ability to capture risk factors and experiences and needs of specific populations, including the needs of vulnerable youth, women, the elderly, the disabled, aboriginal populations, cultural and ethnic minorities.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Dr Sohail Husain, Urban Safety Consultant, Analytica Consulting Services
Margaret Shaw, NCPC
Laura Petrella, UN-HABITAT
 UN HABITAT, the United Nations Human Settlement Programme, promotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities throughout the world. UN HABITAT works to disseminate knowledge about viable urban development and about initiatives to reduce poverty in cities, and in slums in particular. The Programme has launched 2 major campaigns to achieve these aims: the Global Campaign on Urban Governance and the Global Campaign for Secure Tenure. The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) Canada is a national nonprofit educational organization that serves as the national focal point and voice for crime prevention and information and support source for individuals, neighbourhoods, communities and governments. ICPC, the International Centre for the Prevention of Crime, is an international forum for national governments, local authorities, public agencies, specialised institutions, and non-government organisations to exchange experience, consider emerging knowledge, and improve policies and programmes in crime prevention and community safety.

Host Organization Description
UN HABITAT, the United Nations Human Settlement Programme, promotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities throughout the world. UN HABITAT works to disseminate knowledge about viable urban development and about initiatives to reduce poverty in cities, and in slums in particular. The Programme has launched 2 major campaigns to achieve these aims: the Global Campaign on Urban Governance and the Global Campaign for Secure Tenure. The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) Canada is a national nonprofit educational organization that serves as the national focal point and voice for crime prevention and information and support source for individuals, neighbourhoods, communities and governments. ICPC, the International Centre for the Prevention of Crime, is an international forum for national governments, local authorities, public agencies, specialised institutions, and non-government organisations to exchange experience, consider emerging knowledge, and improve policies and programmes in crime prevention and community safety.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.unhabitat.org/safercities
 

Event Description
This session will illustrate the potential of youth in urban safety as it examines two professional actions initiated and run by youth in agreement with UN-HABITAT. The YUN driven European Safety Workshops in Strasbourg, Gothenburg, Gliwice and Milan contribute to local work and develop methods using comparative reflection. The Urban Safety Arena For Exchange, run by ULG, YUN, CTH and HABITAT, networks for good practice dissemination and peer dialogue. Authors from the starter phase of this cyclical event will present their findings and a future-oriented discussion will encourage group participation and networking. UN HABITAT, the United Nations Human Settlement Programme, promotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities throughout the world. The Programme works to disseminate knowledge about viable urban development and about initiatives to reduce poverty in cities, and in slums in particular. UN HABITAT has launched 2 major campaigns to achieve these aims: the Global Campaign on Urban Governance and the Global Campaign for Secure Tenure.

Host Organization Description
UN HABITAT, the United Nations Human Settlement Programme, promotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities throughout the world. The Programme works to disseminate knowledge about viable urban development and about initiatives to reduce poverty in cities, and in slums in particular. UN HABITAT has launched 2 major campaigns to achieve these aims: the Global Campaign on Urban Governance and the Global Campaign for Secure Tenure.

Event Description
Many urban communities across the United States and Canada have been experiencing disinvestment and population decline due to suburban sprawl development, which has led to the deterioration of inner cities and concentrations of poverty. At the same time, other urban communities are experiencing rapid gentrification, which is displacing many low to middle income residents due to the lack of wealth building mechanisms and economic development opportunities needed to ensure those residents participate in and benefit from local development. The future of residents in low-income neighbourhoods is tied to regional social, political, and economic factors, which requires new approaches. This session will focus on the strategies and tactics being used by foundations to advance policies in preventing displacement and negative impacts of sprawl development on low-income urban communities, while simultaneously enhancing low-income community residents’ access to greater economic opportunities.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Scot Spencer (Manager of Baltimore Relations, Annie E. Casey Foundation)
Michelle dePasse (Program Officer, Ford Foundation)
Mauro Vescera and Deepthi Jayatilaka, (Program Directors, Vancouver Foundation)
Moderator - David Harris (TFN Senior Consultant)

Event Description
This session will examine viable communities in urban areas, offering various perspectives, such as: a presentation by the ministère des Affaires municipales et des Régions du Québec on urban planning management strategies and various tools; a presentation by Québec City, with a population of 524 000, formed through the amalgamation of 13 municipalities, on its land-use and development plan; a presentation by the Metro Council of Portland, Oregon, on the practices most often cited by advocates of the smart growth movement; and a presentation by Vivre en ville, an organization which assembles over 300 members from Québec’s regions and has produced a multimedia initiatives kit.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Alain Caron, urbaniste, gouvernement du Québec
Fernand martin, directeur de l'aménagement, Ville de Québec
Rex Burkholder, Metro Council of Porland; Alexandre Turgeon, président de Vivre en ville
 The ministère des Affaires municipales et des Régions (MAMR), which is responsible for municipal organization and regional development, advises the government and ensures interdepartmental coordination in these realms. In partnership with the municipal sector and stakeholders in regional development, the department seeks to foster: • the implementation and maintenance of a quality life setting and quality municipal services for all residents; • regional and rural development; • Greater Montréal’s advancement and the broadening of its influence. The ministère des Affaires municipales et des Régions deals directly with local municipalities, regional county municipalities (RCMs), the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal and the Communauté métropolitaine de Québec, and the Kativik Regional Government. The department’s clientele also includes municipal agencies, regional conferences of elected officials (CREs) and other stakeholders in regional and metropolitan development.

Host Organization Description
The ministère des Affaires municipales et des Régions (MAMR), which is responsible for municipal organization and regional development, advises the government and ensures interdepartmental coordination in these realms. In partnership with the municipal sector and stakeholders in regional development, the department seeks to foster: • the implementation and maintenance of a quality life setting and quality municipal services for all residents; • regional and rural development; • Greater Montréal’s advancement and the broadening of its influence. The ministère des Affaires municipales et des Régions deals directly with local municipalities, regional county municipalities (RCMs), the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal and the Communauté métropolitaine de Québec, and the Kativik Regional Government. The department’s clientele also includes municipal agencies, regional conferences of elected officials (CREs) and other stakeholders in regional and metropolitan development.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.mamr.gouv.qc.ca
www.ville.quebec.qc.ca/accueil/index.shtml
www.vivreenville.org
www.metro-region.org/
 

Event Description
This panel will discuss the use of Geographic Information Systems and advanced computer-based visualization technology to support disaster mitigation efforts in land use planning and development, particularly as they relate to large urban regions.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Alven Lam, HUD, Moderator, Carmelle J. Terborgh, ESRI,
Hoang Thi Hoa, World Bank in Vietnam;
UN Habitat
 

Event Description
A primary urban development goal must be putting people at the centre of their own development. Global Studio Istanbul, in June of 2005, took up this challenge and brought together over 100 students, academics for the primary urban development goals of putting people at the centre of their own development. Global Studio Istanbul aimed to turn participatory design and planning ideas into action in socially excluded neighbourhoods. Chaired by GS convener, Anna Rubbo, this session reports on Global Studio Istanbul and invites debate between local and visiting NGOs, community representatives, city building students and professionals on how best to enable social inclusion in design and planning education and practice. What are the problems and opportunities? This session hopes to generate ideas, practical and actionable outcomes, and an on-going network of interested groups and individuals.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Professor Elliott Sclar, Columbia University
Dr Pietro Garau, University of Rome
Commentators including Somsook Boonyabancha, Task force members and Global Studio participants
 Global Studio began as an initiative of the UN Millennium Project Task Force on Improving the Lives of Slum Dwellers and was developed to enable city building professionals to contribute more effectively to improving the lives of the urban poor, and to the implementation of the MDGs of sustainable and livable cities. Organized by the Universities of Sydney, Columbia and Rome and Turkish associates, Global Studio 1 took place in Istanbul in 2005 concurrently with the Union of International Architects Congress In Vancouver the founding partners are joined by UBC, University of Austin, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Rizvi College, Mumbai, and Wits University South Africa, bringing students, academics and professional together from all corner of the world for a design workshop June 25-July 3. Global Studio promotes participatory and creative modes of professional education and practice, and works collaboratively with NGOs, communities and individuals to develop effective and pro-active networks and partnerships. Global Studio is an on-going teaching and research organization, and invites your ideas and participation.

Host Organization Description
Global Studio began as an initiative of the UN Millennium Project Task Force on Improving the Lives of Slum Dwellers and was developed to enable city building professionals to contribute more effectively to improving the lives of the urban poor, and to the implementation of the MDGs of sustainable and livable cities. Organized by the Universities of Sydney, Columbia and Rome and Turkish associates, Global Studio 1 took place in Istanbul in 2005 concurrently with the Union of International Architects Congress In Vancouver the founding partners are joined by UBC, University of Austin, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Rizvi College, Mumbai, and Wits University South Africa, bringing students, academics and professional together from all corner of the world for a design workshop June 25-July 3. Global Studio promotes participatory and creative modes of professional education and practice, and works collaboratively with NGOs, communities and individuals to develop effective and pro-active networks and partnerships. Global Studio is an on-going teaching and research organization, and invites your ideas and participation.

Website (Organizer and partners)
www.theglobalstudio.com
 

Event Description
The event will seek to explore approaches and links of urban safety in post-conflict interventions, with particular focus on reintegration of youth into existing and re-constituted social structures. It will also explore measures and mechanisms to prevent crime and violence in post conflict situations, maintain peace and stability, and lay the foundation for democratic and inclusive urban development policies. Two case studies of countries in post-conflict situations will be highlighted. The first will focus on youth-friendly cities and the engagement of youth in urban re-development and design in the Palestine context. The second will focus on the exchange of experiences between Latin American Countries and Caribbean countries, looking at violence in schools.

Speakers (information as provided by host organization)
Mima Perisic, UNICEF New York
Roger Hart, City University of New York (CUNY)
Penelope Campbell, UNICEF Jamaica
List of Speakers: 1. Mima Perisic, Project Officer, Adolescent Development and Participation Unit, Programme Division, UNICEF New York 2. Roger Hart, The City University of New York 3. Shahd Faqaha, Child Municipal Council Member, Jenin 4. Suleiman Al-Fare, Child Municipal Council Member, Gaza 5. Lara Abu-Shilbayeh, Adolescents Assistant Project Officer, UNICEF Jerusalem 6. Penelope Campbell, Programme Officer, Adolescents & HIV/AIDS, UNICEF Kingston 7. Orlando Hamilton, Xchanger & Youth Facilitator, Jamaica 8. Jhana Harris, Youth Facilitator, Jamaica UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, work in order to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child's path. UNICEF cares for health care and nutrition of children, provides clean drinking water and basic education. One objective is the children's protection from exploitation and violence. UN HABITAT, the United Nations Human Settlement Programme, promotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities throughout the world. UN HABITAT works to disseminate knowledge about viable urban development and about initiatives to reduce poverty in cities, and in slums in particular. The Programme has launched 2 major campaigns to achieve these aims: the Global Campaign on Urban Governance and the Global Campaign for Secure Tenure.

Host Organization Description
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, work in order to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child's path. UNICEF cares for health care and nutrition of children, provides clean drinking water and basic education. One objective is the children's protection from exploitation and violence. UN HABITAT, the United Nations Human Settlement Programme, promotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities throughout the world. UN HABITAT works to disseminate knowledge about viable urban development and about initiatives to reduce poverty in cities, and in slums in particular. The Programme has launched 2 major campaigns to achieve these aims: the Global Campaign on Urban Governance and the Global Campaign for Secure Tenure.