Gearing up for the Forum in Rio!

The fifth session of the World Urban Forum 22-26 March 2010 in Rio de Janeiro promises to be live up to its reputation as the world's premier urban conference. Registration for the Forum, expected to attract over 10,000 participants from all over the world, opens soon. See our website for updates on the wide array of Forum events.

Join the Forum E-debate on Equal Access to Shelter

The road to Rio will be highlighted by a series of online debates to garner new ideas and to enhance the six dialogues that constitute the backbone of the Forum. Internet users from around the world are welcome to join in under the moderation of a team of renowned experts. The idea of the e-debate is to give as many people as possible a chance to join in a discussion that will also provide new ideas and thinking for the Forum as a whole.

The first e-Debate on Equal access to shelter takes place from 21 September - 12 October 2009. Each of the six e-Debates will be open for 3 weeks, during which we expect a heated discussion on the challenging issues that the moderators will be introducing! You have a chance to influence the debate Sign up now!

Host a networking event

Networking events are an extremely popular component of the Forum, giving participants a unique opportunity to strengthen networks and build new partnerships to advance the sustainable urban development agenda. An estimated 150 networking events are planned for this Forum. Organizations who wish to host a networking event are invited to apply early to avoid disappointment.

Apply for the USD10,000 Lecture Award

Apply or nominate a candidate to receive the UN-HABITAT Lecture Award which recognizes some of the world's leading urban thinkers. The winner is invited to present their lecture at the World Urban Forum. Deadline for submissions is 30 October 2009.

Organize training at the Forum

We are inviting professional and training institutions to apply to conduct training at the forthcoming World Urban Forum. Training is one of the most popular attractions of the Forum, giving participants a chance to acquire practical skills from leading experts. The deadline for applications from organizations is 30 October 2009. Apply now!