PLENARY SESSIONS

Tuesday, June 20th - 08:30 - 09:30 Location: VCEC - Exhibit Hall A Title: Social Inclusion and Cohesion Description: Marginalization, social exclusion and urban poverty are becoming key challenges facing cities in the urban millennium. Unprecedented urbanization and inadequate urban policies (including insecurity of tenure) are the main causes of the formation of slums. Pro-poor, gender sensitive urban policies and enabling legislation at the national and international levels are necessary to help overcome this challenge, while good urban governance and consistent leadership are required to implement effective strategies at the local level. Featuring: Margaret Catley-Carlson, Chair, Global Water Partnership, Sweden - Moderator Alphonso Jackson, Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Government of United States of America Jockin Arputham, President, National Slum Dwellers Federation, India Lindiwe Sisulu, Minister of Housing, Government of South Africa
Wednesday, June 21st - 08:30 - 09:30 Location: VCEC - Exhibit Hall A Title: Partnership and Finance Description: Economically vibrant cities are now committed to partnerships with a range of stakeholders at local, national and international levels, enabling the leveraging of resources for investment, learning from each other's best practices, and enhancing productivity. In addition, this sub-theme addressed the links between urban safety and security, economic growth and poverty reduction. Featuring: Katherine Sierra, Vice President and Network Head, Infrastructure, World Bank , USA - Moderator Mohammad Yousaf Pashtun, Minister of Urban Development, Government of Afghanistan Pat Jacobsen, Chief Executive Officer, TransLink, Canada Pape Diop, Mayor of Dakar; President, National Assembly, Senegal
Thursday, June 22nd - 08:30 - 09:30 Location: VCEC - Exhibit Hall A Title: Urban Growth and Environment Description: The urban environment, at a time of rapid growth, has become a global concern. Sound planning and management will be a major factor in ensuring sustainable urban development. Featuring: Chris Leach, President, Canadian Institute of Planners, Canada - Moderator Enrique Peñalosa, Former Mayor, City of Bogota, Colombia; Visiting Scholar, New York University, USA Evelyn Herfkens, Millenium Campaign, United Nations, USA