3 November 2008: The fourth session of the World Urban Forum opened in Nanjing, China, under the theme “Harmonious Urbanization.” During the opening ceremony, Chinese officials noted the importance of integrated development between cities and regions, with emphasis on energy and climate change mitigation.
UN-HABITAT Executive Director, Anna Tibaijuka, emphasized that the current financial crisis […]
3 November 2008: The
fourth session of the World Urban Forum opened in Nanjing, China, under the
theme “Harmonious Urbanization.” During the opening ceremony, Chinese officials
noted the importance of integrated development between cities and regions, with
emphasis on energy and climate change mitigation.
UN-HABITAT Executive
Director, Anna Tibaijuka, emphasized that the current financial crisis should
not negatively impact the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, with
particular reference to the one billion slum dwellers around the world. Under
Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Sha Zukang, on behalf of UN
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, stressed that, by the year 2030, two-thirds of
the global population will live in urban areas, with one third in slums and
informal settlements.
Zukang noted that cities consume a large fraction of
energy and generate significant waste, including greenhouse gas emissions. He
emphasized that the World Urban Forum can contribute to finding solutions to
help cities consume less and mitigate and adapt to climate change. The Forum
will conclude on 6 November 2008. [UN
Secretary-General’s Message] [UN-HABITAT
Press Release]