|
| Welcome to the February 2009 edition of City Matters, brought to you by Urbanicity in partnership with UN Habitat Best Practices and Local Leadership. Conference Round-up Forward City Matters to a friend or colleague here or Sign up to receive City Matters here . |
| Urbanicity News |
Launch of the Cities Exchange Urbanicity will shortly launch the Cities Exchange - a web based network where towns, cities and villages all over the world can post case studies of local sustainability practices and initiatives - a unique facility for knowledge sharing and inter-city communication. For more information, contact Jeremy Flay |
| Call for Articles |
Write an article for Urbanicity
Articles are hosted at the Urbanicity site and publicised in City Matters which has over 106,000 subscribers worldwide. If you would like to submit an article for publication, please send details to Kate More (k.more@urbanicity.org) |
| Latest News Headlines | |
Full stories can be seen at Urbanicity News
Expertising Governance for Transfrontier Conurbations Local Authorities' Days: water management on top of the agenda First EcoMobility project launched in Edmonton UN-HABITAT mourns death of Habitat for Humanity founder 1000 Cities GIS Project - developing GIS-based spatial information strategies City economies at risk from EU cohesion policy Town twinning: questions on the new guide on how to get EU funding Kenyan President opens UNEP Governing Council urging a "Green New Deal” 22nd Session of UN Habitat Governing Council A Guide to Financial Support for Small and Medium-Sized Local Authorities Council for Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat seek new Chair World Bank, USC hold workshop on megacities 350 Mayors set out to E.U. Energy and Climate Targets How can local governments implement clean(er) fuel policies in transport? PERI Releases New Book on Community Recovery in the Aftermath of Disaster Covenant of Mayors: 400 local governments commit to cutting more than 20% of CO² emissions by 2020 UN staff launch charity drive for millions starving in Kenya "Broadband must become fourth utility" says Welsh local government UN-HABITAT and Olympic body sign historic cooperation pact Apply now for workplace mobility award! Cities: the lynchpins of international accessibility A snapshot of Europe's local and regional authorities: a CEMR-Dexia factsheet Davos Climate Focus: Ban Urges Leaders to Think Green & Steiner Promotes Design for Good New York City Wins the 2009 Sustainable Transport Award Final publication of the MEDIACITY project European elections & French local government: Let the debates start! Barcelona hosts cities policy forum
To submit a news story to Urbanicity, contact Jeremy Flay . To read the full stories and more news, please visit http://www.urbanicity.org/Site/News/default.aspx
|
March 2009 Contesting and Sustaining the City International Advanced Mobility Forum Sustainable Cities and Regions Parallel Patterns of Urban Growth European Summit of Regions and Cities Connecting Europe - financing mobility and sustainable cities International Urban Traffic Safety Conference MeetBike 2 - Integrated Urban Mobility Private Urban Governance and Gated Communities
April 2009 Nutopia: exploring the metropolitan imagination Small Cities; the sources of urban growth Europe's Vibrant Regions and Cities Safe Mobility for Young and Old Strategies of City-to-City Co-operation International Conference on Sustainability in Energy and Buildings
May 2009 2009 Urban Extension Conference International Conference; Empty Country and Lively Cities Energy and the Future of Cities International Making Cities Livable Conference C40 Large Cities Climate Conference Safe Tunnelling for the City and Environment Tourism - Current and Future Challenges for Urban Development International Green Roof Congress
For a full listing of forthcoming conferences, visit: Urbanicity Events
To receive updates for this calendar, please register here |
| Conference Features |
|
Register Now - Future Urban Transport 2009 April 19 - 21 Goteborg, Sweden Access and Mobility for the Cities of Tomorrow Urban transport faces unprecedented challenges. Urbanisation, climate change and resource constraints are causing major changes. Key speakers include
The Future Urban Transport conference will take place in Göteborg, Sweden on April 19-21, 2009, and is organised by the City of Göteborg, Volvo and the Volvo Research and Educational Foundations, VREF. Register today at: www.fut.se
Register Now - Transforming Local Government The Transforming Local Government Conference (TLG) attracts participation from local governments that are constantly and deliberately seeking new and innovative ways to connect with the people, information and ideas that supports them in their efforts to be the best places to live, work, play and prosper. TLG is recognized for it's dynamic content that encourages freethinking and fosters unprecedented ideas, all within a relaxed and professional networking and learning environment. The conference is specifically designed to promote team building and to provide opportunities for sharing ideas. The scale of the conference allows local government professionals to participate in highly interactive conversations, to network directly with the presenters and to establish new and long lasting peer-to-peer contacts. At TLG you will hear and speak directly with staff members of local jurisdictions of all sizes from across the country that are developing new policies, administrative practices, and management techniques to solve tough problems, rethink traditional processes, or out-perform established approaches. Governments at all levels are finding ways to meet new challenges and continue to provide high quality services to their constituents. When communities look to other local governments for information and support, they can do more and do better even in challenging and uncertain times. Especially now, sharing information on innovative practices is more important than ever. Be sure and register by March 16 to take advantage of the early bird registration discounts! Visit www.tlgconference.org to learn more about conference details, to register and book your hotel room.
Register Now - New York Mayors Seminar May 6-8 USA How to finance development infrastructures within the municipalities? This question is currently a central concern for many mayors, institutions and administrations in charge of municipalities and other players in municipal development in a great many countries and especially for those from the developing world. Many mayors and municipal development players around the world are unfortunately facing a major obstacle: the availability of adequate financing to complete their projects successfully. The thinking and knowledge necessary for the establishment of effective and sustainable financing for these projects are therefore critical factors, the control of which determines the results. The New York seminar organized by American Skills Management in partnership with Metropolis Training Institute, aims to equip participants with the fundamentals - and perspective - building of their capacities for initiating such thinking through a customized training, and to enable them to find or increase available financing which they will then manage or supervise. Who should attend:
First Announcement - Asia Pacific Cities Summit Asia Pacific Cities Summit to be launched March 18 will mark the official launch of the 2009 Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) to be held in Incheon, Korea from 15-17 September. Summit is a premier gathering of civic and business leaders aimed at boosting trade, investment and best practice governance. Held biennially since 1996, APCS is the signature international event of Brisbane City Council in Australia. Incheon is a rapidly consolidating hub for North East Asia with outstanding port and airport facilities. With a theme of ‘Creative Urban Development’, the Summit features speakers such as urban studies theorist Richard Florida. Cities are increasingly recognised as key drivers of economic growth and prosperity. The challenge of creating innovative, sustainable and cohesive communities will be a core focus of APCS. The Summit will feature streams for mayors, business leaders and young professionals. It is a key attraction of the Incheon Global Fair & Festival, providing even greater value for delegates. Further information is at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/apcs
First Announcement - 2009 World Water Week in Stockholm “Responding to Global Change- Accessing Water for the common good” The World Water Week in Stockholm is where global leaders, business innovators, government decision makers, and researchers convene to address the full scope of the planet’s urgent water-related challenges. This is the field’s premier annual event, attracting diverse participants from around the globe who celebrate extraordinary accomplishments, learn from experts, exchange ideas, and develop new thinking toward real solutions .
The 2009 World Water Week in Stockholm: www.worldwaterweek.org
Second call for contributions – Megacities: Risk, Vulnerability and Sustainable Development Megacities worldwide are an outstanding feature of urbanization and are culprits and victims of dramatic global change processes at the same time. Key questions of this conference are: - What risks are associated with this trend towards mega-urbanization and what are the driving forces behind it? - On the other hand, what opportunities for sustainable development do Megacities offer? The conference invites interdisciplinary contributions of worldwide regions from all fields of urban research. They are expected to present research by means of modelling, monitoring, quantitative and qualitative social/political science research and scenario techniques. Theme 1: Risk: concepts and approaches, assessment, risk management, risk governance Theme 2: Vulnerability: Physical/social vulnerability, measuring vulnerability, responses, coping with uncertainties Theme 3: Sustainable development: concepts, assessment, measuring sustainable development, modelling techniques/scenarios, visions for sustainable future(s), good practices, planning and governance Confirmed Keynote Speakers 1. Prof. Janos Bogardi, United Nations University, Bonn Abstract submission is possible until March 30 More information and submittal forms for contributions is available at: www.megacity-conference2009.ufz.de
Confirmed speakers - Velocity 2009 Velo-city is generally considered to be the largest conference devoted to cycling in the world. Cycling is a good, healthy, quick and environmentally-friendly means of transport and the meetings being held during the Velo-city conference will promote cycling as both a fun and functional means of getting around. As part of the Velo-city conference, there will also be a thematic exhibition open to all and completely free. The aim of the exhibition is to spread a distinctive, positive message about the use, image and advantages of the bicycle. Velo-city is an event for all individuals involved with cycling policies, who promote cycling and who work on cycling infrastructure. 120 Keynote Speakers The Velo-city 2009 organisation is proud to announce the confirmation of different keynote speakers from the European Commission, the United Nations, the World Health Organisation and many other important organisations, cities, cyclists’ associations, bicycle industry and the academic world. 90 important speakers have already confirmed their participation, among which: Siim Kallas – Vice president of the European Commission in charge of administration, audit and anti-fraud In total, four plenary and 28 subplenary sessions will take place and about 120 speakers are invited! REGISTER NOW FOR VELO-CITY 2009! Homepage - Programme - Registration
Share your transport solutions - European Transport Conference 2009
There will also be lots of opportunity for networking and socializing with this year’s social agenda including dinner at the Den Hartogh Ford Museum, sports competitions, receptions and cycle trips. Register your interest now! Christine Carr, Conference Manager, Association of European Transport, 1 Vernon Mews, Vernon Street, London W14 0RL, UK Tel: +44 20 7348 1971 Fax: +44 20 7348 1989 e-mail: christinec@aetransport.org web-site: www.aetransport.org See you at the European Transport Conference 2009! Special offers available:
Registration now open - CITIES 3.0: SMART, SUSTAINABLE, INTEGRATIVE will be the topic of REAL CORP 2009 - 14th International Conference on Urban Planning, Regional Development and Information Society in Sitges (Spain / Catalonia) from 22 - 25 April 2009, www.corp.at The major questions to be dealt with at the conference in April 2009 are:
There will also be a business-exhibition and possibilities to present companies and products - if interested have a look at our business-folder at http://www.corp.at/Download/CORP2009/realcorp2009sponsor.pdf
Technical Tours – Singapore International Water Week 2009 Presenting sustainable infrastructures at Singapore International Water Week 2009 Singapore, a land- and water-scarce country, has turned its limitations into great strengths, firmly placing itself on the world map as a model city for sustainable water management. In line with the theme of Singapore International Water Week, Sustainable Cities – Infrastructure and Technologies for Water, Technical Tours have been lined up for delegates to get a first-hand appreciation of the state-of-the-art water facilities in the country. Marina Barrage NEWater Visitor Centre and Changi Water Reclamation Plant At Changi Water Reclamation Plant, you’ll explore the massive Deep Tunnel Sewerage System, a 48-km north tunnel conceived as Singapore’s long-term solution for used water collection, treatment and disposal. Ulu Pandan NEWater Plant and WaterHub Singspring Desalination Plant The Chestnut Avenue Waterworks Semakau Landfill For more information, log on to www.siww.com.sg d 5th December 2008, Faro, Portuga
Register now – EVS 24 – Towards Zero Emission There are three months to go ! EVS24 is already a success ! We will extend the early bid rate ! In view of this success and in order to attract more participants and exhibitors, we have decided to extend the Early Bird lower price until 6th March 2009. Take advantage of the discounted rates for flights and hotels now ! The program is now online and fully updated. Register today at www.evs24.org.
Register Now - CEMR General Assembly 2009 The second announcement of Council of European Municipalities and Regions' 24th general assembly is now available. It includes a detailed programme of the different sessions and speakers. CEMR's general assembly.will be held from 22 to 24 April 2009 in Malmö, and over 1,200 local and regional representatives are expected to attend. The first day will focus on a political debate on the international and European challenges local and regional government have to prepare for and adapt to in the best way. The second day will address issues surrounding democracy and governance, demographic change, public services, cohesion policy and the cooperation between the EU and its neighbours. A session will examine the role of local government in international development and the new kinds of partnerships growing at local government level. The third day will be organised around two major themes: local solutions to tackle climate change, and twinning in a changing Europe. A final plenary session will be devoted to what local government can do now to prepare for tomorrow. The second announcement also provides practical information on how to register for the general assembly as well as on the technical visits and accompanying tours to be held after the three-day event. More information is available at: http://www.ccre2009.se
Early Registration Discount - WEFTEC 09 October 10-14, USA The Water Environment Federation recognizes the strain that the current economic crisis is having on our members. In response, WEF is aggressively working to ensure that those wishing to participate in WEFTEC can still do so. We are continuing our very successful Utility Partnership Program, the only program of its kind, which allows for utilities to send the maximum number of employees to WEFTEC. WEF is aware of the significance of utility participation and the value that their knowledge and experience contribute to making WEFTEC “The Water Quality Event.” Please email utilitypartnership@wef.org for more information. Additionally, WEF is not increasing registration rates for WEFTEC.09. In fact, WEF is offering a $50 discount towards Full Conference & Exhibition registration to those who book a hotel through the WEFTEC Housing Bureau and register between March 31 and June 1. For full details, please visit www.weftec.org.
Call for Abstracts - ISOCARP 09; Low Carbon Cities Over half of the world’s population now lives within cities. Because they concentrate people and activities, they place a particular burden upon the world’s resources. Thus, in terms of ecological footprints, the extent to which places draw from beyond their own boundaries to sustain current levels of consumption and waste discharge, London is thought to have a footprint almost 300 times its geographical area. Thus, cities are crucial in the search for sustainability and, if we are to put the world on a lower carbon path, action based upon the cities will form a major part of the solution. The 45th Congress explores the role of planning, and of all those involved in the planning and development process, in the drive to achieve less resource intensive, low carbon cities. The theme marks a logical progression from that of last year’s event which addressed the reality and consequences of urban sprawl. In sustainability terms those unrestrained, land consuming patterns of growth are the opposite of what we need to achieve and, encouragingly, speakers at that Congress were able to point to numerous examples of schemes where planning has been able to shape cities that are more respectful of the environment in its widest sense. ISOCARP welcomes abstracts by City and Regional Planners or interested individuals from related disciplines from all over the world. Submissions of abstracts have to comply with the Theme and Objectives of this Congress. Submission of abstracts Deadline 30 April 2009. Conference website: http://www.2009.isocarp.org
To place a conference feature in City Matters, please contact Alistair Campbell |
| Conference Round-up |
EcoProcura 2009 Programme Social Polis Conference Call Prague Summit: local and regional government to send message to Heads of State and Government
To submit conference news, please contact Alistair Campbell |
City Matters Bulletin is published monthly by Urbanicity Ltd 72 Fairview Crescent, Waiheke, New Zealand in conjuction with UN Habitat Best Practices and Local Leadership |
If City Matters does not display properly, please visit: http://www.urbanicityalerts.org/urbanicityalerts/CMBFeb09.htm To ensure continued delivery of City Matters, please add a.campbell@urbanicity.org to your address book Tel: Intl 64 9 3725115 Email: a.campbell@urbanicity.org Web: www.urbanicity.org |
