world urban forum brochure

The fourth session of the World Urban Forum

Harmonious Urbanization:The Challenge of Balanced Territorial Development

www.unhabitat.org/wuf


HarmonioUs UrbanizaTion�

Cover Photo: Qinhuai River. Photo © City of Nanjing : West Beijing road, Nanjing. Photo © City of Nanjing

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“There are many billions of people suffering from a lack of affordable housing – all the facilities which make our life decent. We must work together and generate the political will to have a smooth implementation of the Millennium Development Goals and I will work very closely, and harder than before.”

– Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General, during a 2007 visit to the overcrowded slum of Kibera in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

“The 100 years from 1950 to �050 will be remembered for the greatest social, cultural, economic and environmental

transformation in history – the urbanization of humanity. With half of us now occupying urban space, the future of the

human species is tied to the city.”

– Anna Tibaijuka, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director UN-HABITAT, in remarks at the third session of the World Urban Forum in

Vancouver, Canada, in 2006.

The fourth session of the World Urban Forum at the Nanjing International Expo Centre � - 6 November �008. Held every two years, the Forum is the world’s premier conference on cities and the problems they face in a world that is urbanizing faster than at any other time in history.Situated in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the ancient Chinese city of Nanjing dates back more than 2000 years and is known as the ancient capital of the Six Dynasties of China. It is home to almost 4 million people, a population which is rapidly expanding, propelled by a dynamic local economy. Nanjing and UN-HABITAT welcome you to the Fourth session of the World Urban Forum, 3 - 6 November 2008 at the Nanjing International Expo Centre


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The World Urban Forum theme, Harmonious urbanization, depicts the wealth of ideas, the old and the new, taking in integrated social, economic and environmental development, as well as the overall harmony of urban-rural, new-old and various social sectors.Today, China is in the process of rapid urbanization. By the end of 2007, the level of urbanization in China is up to 44.9% with 655 cities and 590 million urban dwellers. It is projected that over 10 million people seeking a better life will migrate each year to towns and cities from the countryside. As the country undergoes great changes, the living environment in cities and towns in China has been greatly improved. However, rapid urbanization, meanwhile, raises a higher requirement for eco-environmental protection, energy-efficiency, resource conservation and public security.

It is our pleasure to host the fourth session of World Urban Forum in Nanjing, China. We warmly welcome representatives from every country and region gathering here for the purpose of enhancing international coordination and collaboration in implementing the Habitat Agenda, attaining the Millennium Development Goals, and making contributions to the sustainable development and improvement of the global human settlements environment.

– Jiang Weixin, Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development

Building within University campus of Nanjing, built in 1919. Photo © City of Nanjing.

Words of welcome

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A city is the hub of advanced productivity and advanced culture. And urbanization symbolizes the level of

development and the civilization. In recent years, pursuing the policy of urbanization as one of the main strategies in economic and social development, the eastern Chinese Province of Jiangsu is making efforts to build the Big Three urban circles of Nanjing, Suzhou-Wuxi-Changzhou and Xuzhou.

The idea is to promote the construction of mega-cities and big cites, to actively, yet reasonably develop small and medium cities, to cultivate good, important central towns, and to optimize the layout of cities and towns. By the end of 2007, the urbanization rate of Jiangsu had reached 53.2%, with the radiating effect of cities in regional development becoming more and more prominent. The interaction of urbanization and industrialization has strongly promoted the comprehensive sustainable development.

The 21st Century is the City Century. At present, Jiangsu is undergoing the acceleration of urbanization. It is urgent for us to solve the important issues encountered during the process of urbanization, including the main theme to be discussed at the forum: harmonious urbanization. We warmly welcome people all over the world to Nanjing. Through this open and interactive exchange platform, we can work out efficient ways to deal with difficulties and challenges in our process of urbanization. We can also explore a scientific and harmonious road for the sustainable and healthy development of modern cities.

– Luo Zhi Jun, Governor of Jiangsu Provincial Government

The fourth session of the World Urban Forum in Nanjing �-6 November is both an important international

pageant as well as a holiday for the people of our city. Nanjing, an historic city with modern vigour, is a cultural and education centre as well as a science and technology hub in the heart of Yangtze delta. In recent years, directed by scientific development, Nanjing highlights the theme of perfecting city functions and upgrading urban qualities. It adheres to the notion of characteristic development, and eco-civilization for the benefit of all its residents. It promotes good and practical construction management, urban upgrades, culture, environmental conservation, and sustainable urban development. With several years of relentless effort, Nanjing has today become one of China’s best living environments.

The Harmonious cities trend of world urbanization, is the cornerstone of Nanjing’s own rebirth, and with the World Urban Forum, it will draw worldwide attention. At the forum, we will discuss with governments, NGOs, social organizations, research institutes and the media ways of building “harmonious” towns and cities. We will share experiences on providing a wonderful living environment, and promote the extensive exchange and strategic cooperation between cities around the world.

As the hosts, we will go all out to organize and serve with high quality to ensure the success of the forum. We firmly believe that you will find Nanjing with its vital economy, fascinating culture, its wonderful and harmonious living environment something you will never forget. And so, on behalf of the Nanjing People’s Municipal Government and our 7.4 million residents, I sincerely welcome our distinguished guests. May we together inspire fresh wisdom for a brand new urban future. We look forward to seeing you soon in Nanjing.

– Jiang Hongkun, Mayor of Nanjing


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The programme

Time Monday , 3 November Tuesday, 4 November Wednesday, 5 November Thursday, 6 November

AMOpening Ceremony

Caucus Meetings Caucus Meetings Dialogues5 and 6 Training Events

Plenary Session Plenary Session

Dialogues1 and 2 Training Events Dialogues

3 and 4 Training EventsSpecial Session “From Nanjing to

Shanghai Expo 2010”

Opening PlenaryClosing Ceremony

PM

LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH

Roundtables Networking Events Roundtables Networking

Events Roundtables Networking Events

People’s Republic of China Reception Other Events Other Events

The Forum comprises a series of different gatherings – plenary meetings carrying the key messages; dialogues discussing the main themes; roundtables; caucus meetings; special sessions; training events; networking events; and an array of side events.

Provisional Programme at a glanceRevision �

The fourth session of the Forum will be hosted by the Government of the People’s Republic of China in partnership with UN-HABITAT in the historic eastern city of Nanjing. Expected to draw thousands of people from around the world, the conference is designed to ensure that the continuity and momentum attained at Vancouver is maintained in a spirit of openness.At the dawn of the new urban era, UN-HABITAT is at the frontline of the battle against fast growing poverty in cities, rapid urbanization, unemployment, disasters and the scourge of climate change that is caused by cities and hurts them most. UN-HABITAT achieves this goal by turning ideas into action – the theme of the last session in Vancouver two years ago.

The Fourth SessionHarmonious Urbanization - The Challenge of Balanced Territorial Development

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The traditional World Urban Forum exhibition has become the world’s most coveted global showcase of the wonders and the woes of the modern urban world Cities.The 2008 exhibition will showcase UN-HABITAT’s long relationship with China, Nanjing’s own transformation and provide a fascinating glimpse of how change is made for the better in the displays provided by many other countries, cities, companies, non-governmental organizations. Private companies will be able to demonstrate the latest technology, new products and best business solutions. The Expo will also have space for informal discussions, side shows, book shows and the latest in urban living. Information, our contact details and exhibition booking forms, guidelines on shipping and handling of exhibits, plus other information are available on our website, www.unhabitat.org.

The Exhibition

Participants visiting the World Urban Forum exhibition in Vancouver 2006. © UN-HABITAT



In keeping with a well established tradition, the World Urban Youth Forum �008 will be held on the eve of the Fourth session of the World Urban Forum, so that youth leaders from around the world can meet to exchange views and prepare recommendations for official presentation to delegates.The theme of the World Urban Youth Forum 2008 is Harmonious Urbanization: The Challenge of Balanced Territorial Development. The World Urban Youth Forum will feature dialogues, training sessions, interactive workshops, and other sessions focused on urban youth expression. For details, see our website www.unhabitat.org.

School children in Durban, South Africa © UN-HABITAT/R. Warah

The World Urban Youth Forum �008

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RoUnDTaBle

MinisTeRs

a harmonious city should promote unity within diversity, wealth within sustainability. The reconciliation of contradictory and complementary elements is critical to creating urban harmony. not only through economic growth is harmony possible, harmony within cities is also dependant upon three pillars: social equity, good governance and environmental sustainability. The ministerial roundtable, sometimes restricted, is traditionally a key event at the forum, and provides key recommendations to the countries represented on Un-HabiTaT’s Governing Council, the body that oversees the agency’s work programme and budget.

MayoRs

The roundtable of mayors will build on the momentum gathered by the local authorities’ movement around the world and discuss the role of cities and city managers in assisting national governments in the search for “harmonious urbanization”. The mayors’ meeting, also sometimes restricted, is organised with the leading networks of local authorities, including United Cities and Local Governments and the Chinese mayors association. representatives of both national and local governments are encouraged to attend.

GloBal PaRliaMenTaRians on HaBiTaT

Un-HabiTaT recognizes members of parliament from around the world as crucial partners in the quest to deliver the millennium Development Goals. main objective is to bring the parliamentarians together for a common understanding and to commit to work in their respective counties to pass relevant legislation, approve funding and policies for sustainable urban development. This roundtable will discuss Cities and Climate change and the role of parliamentarians. Chairs: senator Eloy Countu segovia, President Global Parliamentarians on Habitat, and Honourable Kumari selja, who is chair of the Governing Council.

Habitat Partner University

representives of 25 universities from around the world are scheduled to discuss their approaches on sustainable urban development as part of a new Habitat Partner University framework.

Roundtables

Access to some meetings may be restricted. Roundtables are organized by Habitat Agenda partners such as ministers, mayors, youth, women, parliamentarians, and others.



URBan ReseaRCHeRs

The Urban researchers roundtable will discuss cities and climate change, urban transport and mobility, and sustainable housing. The results of the roundtable will provide inputs to the 2011 issue of the Global report on Human settlements, as well as a set of research-based policy recommendations.

WoMen anD HaRMonioUs CiTies

The roundtable will provide a platform for partners working to help make cities safer, friendlier, healthier places for women.

yoUTH

Un-HabiTaT and the Government of norway will jointly host a youth roundtable to discuss how a new opportunities fund for urban youth-led development can be used to help young people growing up in a rapidly urbanising world.

GloBal lanD Tool neTWoRk

This roundtable will focus on the development and implementation of pro-poor land tools. it will follow up on commitments made in Vancouver. anticipated output by partners is an intensified commitment to the pro-poor land agenda.

Ming Xiao Ling Tomb. Photo © City of Nanjing

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At each dialogue session, which are generally open to all, a special focus area of relevance to sustainable urban development will be discussed.

Dialogues

Dialogue 1: Territorial Balance in Urban DevelopmentIn order to create a balanced development of cities and their rural hinterlands, a mechanism is needed to harmonize social, economic and environmental considerations. Spatial planning is an important means by which to achieve harmonization. This session will discuss the latest developments, paying special attention to the Chinese concept of harmonious development.

Dialogue �: Promoting social equity and inclusivenessThe idea is to build a forum for local and national authorities, as well researchers and urban professionals around the world. It will discuss land rights, evictions, adequate for all and exclusive housing, and service delivery in poor neighbourhoods.

Dialogue �: Making cities productive and equitableThis session will discuss three areas deemed essential for more productive and equitable cities –sustained infrastructure development, financing for urban development, and measures to maximize income benefits of pro-poor employment policies. The idea is to find policy options that can help reduce urban income disparities in cities around the world.

Dialogue �: Harmonizing the built and natural environmentsThis dialogue will look at harmony between humanity and nature, looking at urbanization and the global environmental changes taking place. It will share the experiences of selected cities to showcase innovative ways of reducing urban poverty and addressing the challenge of slums. The special focus here is on climate change.

Dialogue 5: Preserving the historical roots and soul of the cityCities are the hub of knowledge, art, culture, setting virtually every trend. It will examine ways of preserving the cultural heritage in an urbanizing world where we have to allocate new investments for regeneration, increased productivity and improved welfare. Participants will include leading local government representatives, architects, developers, curators, planners, historians and others.

Dialogue 6: A city for all generationsHere a mayor from a rich country and a developing country will give their insights on bridging the generation divide. They will be joined by a young person and an elderly person in what promises to be a lively discussion of how we can build inclusive cities where everyone feels they can belong.


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These meetings give Habitat Agenda partners a chance to discuss sustainable urban development. Over �0 networking events are scheduled at the Nanjing Forum. With UN-HABITAT, others hosting these events include the Cites Alliance, the Asian Coalition of Housing Rights, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, the Government of Bahrain and the International Society of City and Regional Planners.

Networking Events

There will be a series of training seminars by UN agencies and international training institutions covering a wide range of urban topics from spatial planning, evictions, local economies, starting a new business to revitalising historic districts. These will be three-hour morning sessions for a maximum 40 people each. Those wishing to participate can register online at www.unhabitat.org.

Training Events

Participants during the Vancouver forum. Photo © Globe Foundation

An interactive session during the forum in Vancouver. Photo © Globe Foundation

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Xuan Wu Lake. Photo © City of Nanjing

RegistrationParticipants are required to register for the forum. Registration is free, but those attending are expected to meet their own travel, accommodation and living expenses. Online registration for international participants who require a visa is mandatory. Registration forms are available online at www.unhabitat.org.

VisasMost non-Chinese visitors require visas, and should obtain these in advance from their nearest Chinese embassy. Details can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/ljzg/3647.

HotelsNanjing offers a wide range of accommodation for all budgets. See www.unhabitat.org.

How to Participate


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Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, the Executive Director of UN-HABITAT, makes a toast with Ms. Wenjuan Fu, Former Vice-Minister of Construction of the People’s Republic of China (left), and Mr. Lu Bing, Deputy Mayor of the host city, Nanjing, during the launch of WUF4 at the 21st Session of Governing Council at UN-HABITAT headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, in April 2007. Photo © UN-HABITAT/N. Kihara

Join the world’s premier conference on managing growing towns and cities and share new ideas and experiences on the main theme of the Forum, “Harmonious Urbanization”, in a city with over two thousand years of history.Enjoy the hospitality of the city of Nanjing. In addition to the discussions during the Forum, you are invited to experience China’s rich cultural heritage including its traditions and cuisine.

Welcome to the World Urban Forum in the City of Nanjing

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Map of Nanjing with the forum venue:

Nanjing International Expo CentreConnected by urban expressway, Nanjing International Expo Centre is about 30 minutes drive to Xinshengwei harbor, Lukou International Airport and Shanghai-Nanjing Highway. It is also very close to Nanjing Railway Station, Long-distance bus station and brighes crossing the Yangtze River. Five minutes walking to the Subway station of Line 1, the Expo Center is only 15-20 minutes to downtown and CBD of Nanjing.

Address: 300 Jiangdong Road (Middle), Nanjing, P.R. China

Post code: 210019, Tel: +86 25 86753315, Fax: +86 25 86753344, Website: www.hexicec.com



The Nanjing International Expo CentreVenue of the Fourth Session of the World Urban ForumLocation: Hexi District, south of nanjing and east of the Yangtze river.

Un-HaBiTaT WUF4 secretariatGeneral Enquiries: [email protected] to the World Urban Forum: [email protected]: [email protected] Host Country Liaison: [email protected]: [email protected]: [email protected]: [email protected] Networking Events: [email protected] Events: [email protected] Exhibition: [email protected] Sector Exhibition: [email protected] Events: [email protected] & Media: [email protected]: [email protected]: [email protected]

Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Construction, Host of WUF4Mr. Zhe Li, Director, Comprehensive Division, Department of International RelationsMinistry of Construction, 9 Sanlihe Road, Beijing 100835; ChinaTel: +86-10-58933833; Fax: +86-10- 68313669Email: [email protected]

Nanjing WUF4 SecretariatMs. Xiaojian ChenNanjing WUF4 SecretariatNo. 185 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, China 210024Email: [email protected]

UniTeD naTions HUMan seTTleMenTs PRoGRaMMe, World Urban Forum UnitP.O. Box 30030, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; Tel: +254 20 762 3334/762 3903; Fax: +254 20 762 4175; Website: www.unhabitat.org/wuf

Photos © City of Nanjing

world urban forum brochure

Documents

session of world urban

urban space

urban dwellers

overall harmony of urban

photo city of nanjing

environmental development

urbanization of humanity

level of urbanization