Forum attracts Heads of State

Several Heads of State have announced their intention to attend the fifth session of the World Urban Forum in Rio de Janeiro. Already, more than 6,000 representatives of governments, the private sector, municipalities, NGOs, academic institutions and others from some 140 countries have registered for the world’s premier conference on cities. Register now in English, Espagnol, Portugues.

Nettworking and Training

Applications to host networking events came in from 300 organizations in some 60 countries. They cover a wide range of topics such as urban safety, inequality to green jobs, post disaster management, and shelter. There were nearly 100 applications from 25 countries by those interested in conducting training seminars in Rio. Successful applications for training events will be published on the Forum website by 25 January 2010. Shortly thereafter on-line registration for the training events will open.

Leading experts to steer the dialogues

The Forum is attracting leading urban experts from around the world to help steer the main Dialogue sessions. The Dialogues will also benefit from ideas that came in from a series of recent global online discussions on key themes of the Forum. Profiles of the key speakers will shortly be published on the Forum website.

Latest urban thinking

The Forum will see the launch of a number of new publications covering the latest thinking and trends on cities. UN-HABITAT will launch its flagship report, The State of the World’s Cities, which for the first time will have a Youth Supplement.

Registration for side events closed

Another 60 applications were received for side events being held during lunch breaks at the Forum. Registration is now closed, and applicants will receive further notification by 31 January 2010.