Harmonious Urbanization: The Challenge of Balanced Territorial Development

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1 The fourth session of the World Urban Forum Harmonious Urbanization: The Challenge of Balanced Territorial Development

2 Harmonious The fourth session of the World Urban Forum Urbanization Cover Photo: Qinhuai River. Photo City of Nanjing Page 2: West Beijing road, Nanjing. Photo City of Nanjing

3 The fourth session of the World Urban Forum at the Nanjing International Expo Centre 3-6 November 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 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 2050 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.

4 Harmonious The fourth session of the World Urban Forum Urbanization Words of welcome 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 Photo City of Nanjing.

5 5 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 megacities 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 3-6 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

6 6 Harmonious The fourth session of the World Urban Forum Urbanization The Fourth Session Harmonious Urbanization - The Challenge of Balanced Territorial Development 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 programme 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 glance Revision 2 Time Monday, 3 November Tuesday, 4 November Wednesday, 5 November Thursday, 6 November AM PM Roundtables Opening Ceremony Opening Plenary Dialogues 1 and 2 Caucus Meetings Caucus Meetings Dialogues Plenary Session Plenary Session 5 and 6 Training Events Dialogues 3 and 4 LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH Networking Events People s Republic of China Reception Roundtables Other Events Networking Events Roundtables Other Events Training Events Networking Events Training Events Special Session From Nanjing to Shanghai Expo 2010 Closing Ceremony

7 The Exhibition 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, Participants visiting the World Urban Forum exhibition in Vancouver UN-HABITAT

8 8 Harmonious The fourth session of the World Urban Forum Urbanization The World Urban Youth Forum 2008 In keeping with a well established tradition, the World Urban Youth Forum 2008 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 School children in Durban, South Africa UN-HABITAT/R. Warah

9 9 Roundtables Access to some meetings may be restricted. Roundtables are organized by Habitat Agenda partners such as ministers, mayors, youth, women, parliamentarians, and others. 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.

10 10 Harmonious The fourth session of the World Urban Forum Urbanization 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

11 11 Dialogues At each dialogue session, which are generally open to all, a special focus area of relevance to sustainable urban development will be discussed. Dialogue 1: Territorial Balance in Urban Development In 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 2: Promoting social equity and inclusiveness The 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 3: Making cities productive and equitable This 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 4: Harmonizing the built and natural environments This 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 city Cities 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 generations Here 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.

12 12 Harmonious The fourth session of the World Urban Forum Urbanization Networking Events These meetings give Habitat Agenda partners a chance to discuss sustainable urban development. Over 70 networking events are scheduled at the Nanjing Forum. An interactive session during the forum in Vancouver. Photo Globe Foundation 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. Training 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. Participants during the Vancouver forum. Photo Globe Foundation These will be three-hour morning sessions for a maximum 40 people each. Those wishing to participate can register online at

13 13 Xuan Wu Lake. Photo City of Nanjing How to Participate Registration Participants 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 Visas Most 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 Hotels Nanjing offers a wide range of accommodation for all budgets. See

14 14 Harmonious The fourth session of the World Urban Forum Urbanization Welcome to the World Urban Forum in the City of Nanjing 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. 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 Photo UN-HABITAT/N. Kihara

15 15 Map of Nanjing with the forum venue: Nanjing International Expo Centre Connected 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 minutes to downtown and CBD of Nanjing. Address: 300 Jiangdong Road (Middle), Nanjing, P.R. China Post code: , Tel: , Fax: , Website:

16 16 Harmonious The fourth session of the World Urban Forum Urbanization Photos City of Nanjing The Nanjing International Expo Centre Venue of the Fourth Session of the World Urban Forum Location: Hexi District, south of Nanjing and east of the Yangtze River. UN-HABITAT WUF4 Secretariat General Enquiries: Secretary to the World Urban Forum: Coordinator: Host Country Liaison: Plenaries: Dialogues: Roundtables: Networking Events: Training Events: General Exhibition: Private Sector Exhibition: Side Events: Press & Media: Partners: Registration: Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Construction, Host of WUF4 Mr. Zhe Li, Director, Comprehensive Division, Department of International Relations Ministry of Construction, 9 Sanlihe Road, Beijing ; China Tel: ; Fax: lizhe@mail.cin.gov.cn Nanjing WUF4 Secretariat Ms. Xiaojian Chen Nanjing WUF4 Secretariat No. 185 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, China Xiaojianc@msn.com UNITED NATIONS HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROGRAMME, World Urban Forum Unit P.O. Box 30030, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; Tel: / ; Fax: ; Website: