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| Welcome to the April 2009 edition of City Matters, brought to you by Urbanicity in partnership with UN Habitat Best Practices and Local Leadership. This is our 100th edition - a special moment in the world of online publishing, and we look forward to continuing our role as the world's leading news and information service for urban issues long into the future! We would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have supported us, most specially UN Habitat, without whom the launch of Urbanicity would never have been possible. 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 2009 Events Calendar - recently updated with 45 new events added - to see these and all events on the world's most comprehensive events calendar, go here. 2010 Events Calendar - Next month will see the publication of the Urbanicity 2010 events calendar - to list an event please send details to Alistair Campbell Write an article for Urbanicity - Urbanicity is currently renewing its library of articles about urban issues, and invites city leaders, researchers, educators and other urban stakeholders to contribute an article - case studies, theoretical analyses etc are welcome. 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) New articles at Urbanicity - Green Roof Professional (GRP) Accreditation Poised To Transform the Market |
| Latest News Headlines | |
Full stories can be seen at Urbanicity News CEMR's general assembly: A Resolution for the future Over 1,000 representatives of European local and regional authorities have adopted the final declaration and the resolution at the end of CEMR's general assembly, on 24 April 2009 in Malmö. Mekong region governments commit to UN-HABITAT initiative Cities and SMEs – lessons learned for effective business support Commission sets out climate change adaption strategy “Regional Governance in a Global Context” Three Indian Cities Awarded for Environmental Performance Helsinki hailed as Europe’s number one city for entrepreneurs WORLD HABITAT AWARDS 2009 REAL CORP Proceedings now online PLAN4ALL - EU-funded project on HARMONISATION of PLANNING DATA according to INSPIRE-directive ISOCARP Awards for Excellence Struggling US towns print their own currency Lessons from floods in Fargo Hong Kong Government launches $450 million Building Energy Efficiency Funding Scheme Twinning in the Balkans : A CEMR seminar in Sarajevo City Climate Catalogue to influence international climate negotiations UN-HABITAT adopts new gender strategy Effective Emergency Management Organizational Structures to aid local governments. Consultation of Regions and Cities on a new strategy for sustainable growth Urban SOS: Distressed Cities, Creative Responses open ideas competition
Copenhagen aims to be the World's first CO2 neutral capital city Montpelier & Olympia - Capital City Sustainability Challenge UN-HABITAT avails funds for pro-poor housing 22nd Governing Council of UN-Habitat, Nairobi: Cities are part of the answer of the future challenges of humanity World Water Forum in Istanbul: enthusiasm and disappointment New project boosts cities’ role in EU social policy development Territorial subsidiarity IS a word Rio de Janeiro gears up for World Urban Forum UN-HABITAT project to boost urban policing New Centre for Sustainable Cities in Bonn! Cities and nations commit to reducing their carbon footprint by consuming sustainably European cities play key role in implementing local integration policies
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
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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 2009 Organization of Small Urban Municipalities Conference Future of Local Government Summit mobil.TUM 2009 - ITS for Larger Cities The Knowledge City: Culture Science Place Salzburg Congress on urban planning and development International Conference on Planning for Low Carbon Cities
June Cities and energy transitions: past, present, future Local Government Summit on Climate Change Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities City Futures in a Globalising World New Towns for the 21st Century World Investment Conference 2009:Investing in Global Cities for Europe's rebound 4th International Fit to Drive Congress Major Cities of Europe Conference Inter American Conference of Mayors and Local Authorities Integrating Sustainability in Local Government Stavanger Innovation Summit- Transforming City Regions Green Building and Sustainable Cities Expo World Conference on Disaster Management Singapore International Water Week Regions and Cities implementing Sustainable Energy Strategies 7th International Conference on Urban Climate
July 2009 Habitat Business Forum - Innovative Cities Multilayered Cities and Urban Systems From Airport City to Airport Region? International Andean Conference on Sustainable Urban Mobility
For a full listing of forthcoming conferences, visit: Urbanicity Events
To receive updates for this calendar, please register here |
| Conference Features |
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Registration Now Open - 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.
Join us for a week of provocative seminars and sessions, highlighted by the field's most prestigious awards...in one of the world's most beautiful cities. The 2009 World Water Week in Stockholm
Register Now - World Investment Conference 2009 City development has become one of the greatest human challenges worldwide and offers a path beyond the present crisis to economic growth, innovative social solutions, and sustainable development... International investors have turned resolutely towards big cities. Industrial companies, high-growth SMEs and financial investors find there the sources of innovation and growth: In 2030, according to forecasts, 60-80 per cent of the world’s population will live in urban areas. Today, cities already produce 75 per cent of global added-value and nine innovations in ten. City development has become one of the greatest human challenges worldwide and offers a path beyond the present crisis to economic growth, innovative social solutions, and sustainable development. Europe has to respond to this global challenge in order to develop the international attractiveness of its cities and make sure they remain the hot spots for business, culture and creativity. To best address these topics, the 2009 WIC is changing, growing and renewing: International: the 2009 WIC is turning more international than ever, with speakers and participants from more than 50 countries The 2009 WIC is a 2-day event, with 3 plenary sessions and 7 workshops, attended by 1,000 global business leaders, innovative enterprises, architects, sociologists, policy makers, institutions and artists addressing the following strategic issues:
The 2009 WIC will also host the exhibition “Picturing the city of our future” along themes including “create the city”, ”technicities” and “shoot the city”. Further details at: http://www.labaulewic.org
Register Now - Fifth Urban Research Symposium: "Cities and Climate Change: Responding to an Urgent Agenda" The topic for the 5th Urban Research Symposium is Cities and Climate Change: Responding to the Urgent Agenda. At a time when climate change is a major priority for the international community, this Symposium aims at pushing forward the research agenda on climate change from a city’s perspective. Specifically, the main questions will be structured around the impacts of city and urban growth on climate change; measuring and anticipating the consequences of climate change on urban quality of life, city assets, and local and national economies; and assessing alternatives to increase the resilience of cities and related costs and incentives required for successful implementation. The detailed program is now available, as well as the new simplified program. The Symposium will feature 8 teams of commissioned researchers, 8 plenary sessions, 10 invited sessions, about 150 papers in 33 parallel sessions, 4 side events (on June 27 and July 1st), posters and an exhibition area. The program for the side event “Climate and Mediterranean Cities” and "Launch: Eco2 Cities" is now available. A separate registration is required. Initial data is now available on the speakers and the attendance of the Symposium.
More than 500 proposals, coming from about 80 countries, were received for the call for papers. Thank you to all the authors and co-authors. The list of the selected papers is available in the Program section. Visit the symposium website at: http://www.urs2009.net/
Registration Now Open - 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. Conference website: http://www.2009.isocarp.org
Registration Now Open - 2009 Global Mayors Forum The Global Mayors Forum is a major international event for senior local government and urban development stakeholders The First Global Mayors Forum, themed "High Growth Cities: Meeting the Challenges for Sustainability", will take place in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China on 15-18 September 2009. A total of 1,000 guests are expected from all over the world, including outstanding mayors, city administrators, leaders from the United Nations and international organisations, and experts on urban development. The 2009 Global Mayors Forum will feature a number of activities, including a Plenary Session, Parallel Sessions, Roundtable Sessions and Exhibition Fair. The Forum is supported by a wide range of leading international organisations including UNEP, UN Habitat, UCLG ASPAC and many more: it will be one of the highlight events of 2009. A diverse and fascinating programme examining the key issues and potential solutions facing the future of cities. Highlighted sessions include:
Full programme details and registration are available at: http://www.g-mforum.org
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.
Last call to register - 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
Registrations Open - Asia Pacific Cities Summit Registrations are now open for the 2009 Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) to be held in Incheon, Korea from 15-17 September. The APCS is recognised as the premier government and business networking forum for the region focussing on generating business growth, trade, investment and economic outcomes between cities in the Asia Pacific. 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 and French economist and scholar, Jacques Attali. 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. Further information is at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/apcs
Register Now – Singapore International Water Week 2009 Come June this year, the global movers and shakers of the water industry will gather in Singapore for the second Singapore International Water Week. Close to 10,000 delegates and trade visitors are expected at the event to be held at Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 22 to 26 June. Of these, 70% are expected to be overseas attendees. This year’s theme has been expanded with a key focus on infrastructure and technologies across its flagship programmes of the Water Leaders Summit, Water Convention, Water Expo and Business Forums. In line with the theme, the 7th Ministers’ Forum on Infrastructure Development in the Asia Pacific Region, the International Water Association’s 6th Leading-Edge Technology (LET) Conference and the official opening of the Changi Water Reclamation Plant will be held alongside the Water Week. Mr Khoo Teng Chye, Chief Executive of PUB, Singapore’s national water agency, and Executive Director of Environment and Water Industry Development Council, said: “With the current challenging economic times, the search for sustainable and cost-effective water management solutions becomes even more urgent. Infrastructure and technology development will be vital, not only to maximise engineering efficiency and investment returns, but to also create jobs. Themed “Sustainable Cities – Infrastructure and Technologies For Water”, Singapore International Water Week 2009 will enable policy makers, industry players, experts and practitioners to tap on a global reservoir of refreshing perspectives and economically-viable solutions.” For more information, log on to www.siww.com.sg
Conference Feature – 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. They do not only involve unprecedented population growth and density, but also produce a complex variety of simultaneous and interacting processes and functions, for example the tremendous consumption of resources, the production of waste and pollution or social integration/disintegration. They turn the urban habitat into both a space of risk and a space of opportunity with consequences on the prospects for achieving urban sustainability.
Full conference information is available at: http://www.megacity-conference2009.ufz.de/
Registration Now Open - Cities for Mobility 2009 14-16 June, Stuttgart, Germany The City of Stuttgart has the great pleasure to announce the World Congress 2009 of the global network “Cities for Mobility” titled “Socially inclusive mobility – Access for all”. The event will take place in the city of Stuttgart from June 14 to 16, 2009. The main goal of the event is to provide a platform for the exchange of knowledge and best practices as well as to facilitate the initiation and development of innovative joint projects. The World Congress 2009 is addressed to local governments (mayors, councilors, traffic experts) as well as representatives from private sector, research and civil society. The Congress will have three main topics that will be deepened in three workshops:
Six reasons why you should attend
Online registration available from 20th April at www.cities-for-mobility.org
Share your transport solutions - European Transport Conference 2009 The European Transport Conference 2009 programme will be announced shortly. Streams will cover: 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:
Early Registration Discount - WEFTEC 09 October 10-14, USA Online registration opens March 31 at www.weftec.org. 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. Orlando residents may be eligible for the discount without booking a hotel. For full details, please visit www.weftec.org. WEF is aggressively working to ensure that those wishing to participate in WEFTEC can still do so despite the current economy. 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 through customized pricing packages. Please e-mail utilitypartnership@wef.org for more information.
Register Now - ICLEI World Congress 2009 Connecting Leaders for Local Action Now! Share with and learn from the most advanced cities and minds in the field of sustainability!
To place a conference feature in City Matters, please contact Alistair Campbell |
| Conference Round-up |
mobil.TUM 2009 - International Scientific Conference on Mobility and Transport World Toilet Summit & Expo 2009 returns to Singapore Urban Nature Cities of Migration webinar Flemish cities share their experience on urban development
To submit conference news, please contact Alistair Campbell |
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