Western Economic Diversification Canada
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World Urban Forum
What is the World Urban Forum?
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/
What's the WD connection?
- Federal Government: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Environment Canada, Western Economic Diversification
- Provincial Government: BC Ministry of Community, Aboriginal & Women's Services; Province of British Columbia (MLA); Homeowners Protection Office
- Regional Government: Greater Vancouver Regional District
- Municipal Government: City of Vancouver
- Non-Governmental Partners: Canadian Institute of Planners, Environmental Youth Alliance, International Centre for Sustainable Cities, Liu Institute for Global Issues, Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia
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:
- The Livable City (HTML | PDF)
- The Capable City (HTML | PDF)
- The Youth Friendly City (HTML | PDF)
- The Planning City (HTML | PDF)
- The Secure City (HTML | PDF)
- The Resilient City (HTML | PDF)
- The Learning City (HTML | PDF)
- The Ideal City (HTML | PDF)
What's been accomplished?
In addition to helping secure Vancouver as the host of the 2006 World Urban Forum and sitting on the Vancouver Working Group Advisory (VWG) Committee, WD has been supporting WUF-related projects since 2003-2004.
To date, WD has funded 43 WUF-related projects totalling $2.9 M, including the Regional Vancouver Urban Observatory project and a Global Sustainability Solutions Exchange. More information on projects.
WD – An Active WUF Participant
2006 WUF Government of Canada Spokesperson, Suzanne Serault, stands
in front of Canada Pavilion
During the 2006 World Urban Forum, Western Economic Diversification Canada had a strong presence through a variety of avenues.
The department used its booth in the Canada Pavilion to showcase WD-WUF related projects and invited proponents to showcase examples of successful urban sustainability initiatives.
WD was also involved in Networking Sessions, including World Urban Cafés.
The Assistant Deputy Minister for WD’s British Columbia region addressed participants at several of the Forum’s networking and dialogue sessions. Her speaking engagements helped international participants appreciate the department‘s active involvement in a range of urban and economic development projects including the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability.
WD expertise contributed to the event’s success
(L to R): Dr. Peter Oberlander, Vancouver Working Group; Anna Tibaijuka, UN-HABITAT; Maureen O’Neill, IDRC and Ardath Paxton Mann, WD host a media conference at WUF 2006.
WD played a key role in providing on-the-ground strategic communications coordination, support, services and products to the Government of Canada spokesperson, Suzanne Serault, in partnership with the WUF Secretariat and other Federal departments.
Our on-the-ground experience and familiarity with the region proved to be a valuable asset that has led to a recommendation that all international events with a significant federal presence consider identifying a ground team, situated in the host city, be established at the beginning of the project and form an integral part of the communications management team.
