This first Stakeholders meeting is important for UN-HABITAT because it opens a new door to strengthen our relations and work further with the private sector. At the dawn of new the urban age, with half of humanity now living in towns and cities around the world, it is more important than ever that we keep this door open. I wish to recall here the wide ranging reform of the United Nations started by our former Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan. One important part of this process is the opening of the United Nations to non-state actors, including business and civil society, as essential partners for change.