Mayors to meet in model world city (hktdc.com)


	The Global Mayors Forum Council announces Hong Kong as the venue for the first Global Mayors Forum, to be held in September 2009

City leaders from around the world are scheduled to meet in Hong Kong for one of the largest urban development gatherings in Asia. The first Global Mayors Forum, 9-18 September 2009, will draw hundreds of city leaders, as well as United Nations officers, businesspeople, diplomats and municipal officials from Asia, Europe, Africa and North America.

According to the organising group, the Global Mayors Forum Council (GMFC), Hong Kong was chosen for the inaugural event because it serves as a model of a city that has thrived in adopting Eastern and Western practices. "The city's urban development, with its world-class public infrastructure and record of environmental protection, showcases Hong Kong as a vibrant example of a sustainable city," said Jin Lan, GMFC Secretary General.

Under the theme "High Growth Cities: Meeting the Challenges of Sustainability," conference participants are expected to tackle such weighty urban issues as renewable energy, climate change, education and urban development.

Chinese mainland involvement

While similar events are due to take place in the region over the next few months, the Global Mayors Forum is expected to involve city leaders from about 100 cities in the Chinese mainland.

The conference is being organised by the International Mayors Communication Centre, which is based in Shenzhen, along with four other non-governmental groups from the United States, Canada and Japan: Sister Cities International, International Centre for Sustainable Cities, Citynet and the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives - Local Governments for Sustainability.

According to GMFC Chairman Dr Carl Men Ky Ching, the forum will allow mayors to exchange ideas and strengthen cooperation among cities. "We want participants at next year's conference to gain a global understanding of urban development through the sharing of experiences among urban leaders from around the world." The aim, he added, is to promote better cultural understanding for sustainable urban development.

Participants will also gain insight into business opportunities presented by developing cities. The US$3.8 million conference will include an exhibition and a tour of Shenzhen, a mainland city experiencing unprecedented modernisation.