Home : Community Economic Development : World Urban Forum
Other resources:
World Urban Forum 3
http://www.wuf3-fum3.ca
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT)
http://www.unhabitat.org
Government of British Columbia
http://www.mcaws.gov.bc.ca
The World Urban Forum is an initiative of the United Nations' Human Settlements Program (UN-HABITAT). Held every two years, the World Urban Forum invites governments, local authorities, non-governmental organizations and other experts on urban issues from around the world to discuss the challenges of urbanization.
Since 1950, the percentage of the world's population living in urban areas has increased from 30% to nearly 50%. By 2030, that number is expected to reach 60%. This dramatic shift in population density has created a range of serious issues, including water, sanitation, shelter, urban poverty, HIV/AIDS and urban governance.
Canada was honoured to host HABITAT I: the historic first United Nations conference on Human Settlements, held in Vancouver, BC in 1976. HABITAT I helped bring urban issues to the forefront of international awareness, and led to the United Nations resolution that created UN-HABITAT.
In June 2006, on the 30th anniversary of HABITAT I, Canada hosted the third UN-HABITAT World Urban Forum, again in Vancouver. The 2006 World Urban Forum (WUF) provided an opportunity to discuss international cooperation in urban development and sustainable urbanization, and to develop models to address urbanization issues in cities around the world.
During WUF 2006 Canada positioned itself as a global leader in sustainable cities by showcasing Canadian best practices and technologies, engaging citizens on key policy issues linked to Canadian and global urban sustainability, and strengthening domestic and international partnerships in the development of sustainable urban communities.
The World Urban Forum leads into another major international event that will highlight Canada's leadership in sustainability issues. The 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver will be the first "green" Olympics, incorporating the principles of environmental sustainability into all aspects of planning and preparation.
Proposed environmental practices include: green buildings and community planning standards; sustainable transportation initiatives; energy efficiency and use of renewable energy; water conservation, air quality and greenhouse gas management; waste minimization; and protection and enhancement of natural landscapes.
As part of the preparations for the 3rd World Urban Forum, Habitat JAM -- December 1-3, 2005 – brought over 39,000 people from around the world together through an on-line conference to discuss, debate and share solutions to urgent global issues that face our rapidly urbanizing planet. Six forum topics were discussed: Improving the lives of Slum Dwellers, Sustainable Access to Water, Environmental Sustainability, Safety and Security, Finance and Governance and Humanity: The Future of Our Cities. The Habitat JAM is being held as part of the preparations for the third session of the World Urban Forum. Learn more about The Habitat JAM at http://www.habitatjam.com
Western
Economic Diversification played a key role in securing World Urban
Forum 2006 for Canada, and was chair of the Vancouver Working Group
(VWG) - a collection of senior level representatives brought
together to advise provide support, input, expert advice, resources,
partnerships and research to the Government of Canada in preparation
for WUF 2006. The group included:
The VWG produced a series of research papers on urban issues that created a uniquely Canadian body of research about sustainability, urbanization and related issues, and provided a useful backdrop for discussions leading up to WUF 2006. In addition, the VWG acted as a contact point for individuals and organizations interested in involvement with WUF 2006 and related events.
These discussion papers are available using the links below:
WD is involved in a number of major initiatives are contributing to the sustainability of communities across the West, and to Canada's international leadership in issues related to sustainable urbanization.