Visit the event's official webpage: www.metropolis-cairocongress2011.org

For the first time in its 25-year history, Metropolis will organize a congress in Africa. The 10th Metropolis World Congress will take place in Cairo from 4 to 7 April 2011. The event, hosted by the Egyptian Ministry for Housing, Utilities and Urban Development, is expected to attract delegates from around the world, representing metropolitan and state authorities as well as international organizations.

Cairo, a city with a long and splendid history and a cradle of civilization is also one of the biggest metropolises in the world and the largest in the African continent. Therefore, it will provide an excellent framework to learn more about the initiatives currently being promoted for managing the challenges and opportunities metropolitan regions pose for local governments and their constituents.   

Context

Building sustainable cities in the current economic context requires developing creative and efficient tools that contribute to sustainability in all facets of metropolitan management. In this regard, the participation of local authorities is crucial because they are fundamental actors in facing all of the challenges cities need to address in terms of urban and environmental development, governance and social inclusion.

Program

The Congress will revolve around the theme “Gateways for Sustainable Cities” and will tackle four central themes: Changing Urban Paradigms and Concepts; Energy, Water Resources and Food; Social Sustainability and Governance; Livability and Innovation in the City.

In addition to the Statutory Meetings, Metropolis Standing Commissions will present the work undertaken over the 2009-2011 period, reporting on Eco-Regions , Managing Urban Growth, Integrated Urban Governance , Megacities and Partnership for Urban Innovation. The Global Fund for Cities Development and the Metropolis Women’s International Network will also be holding a meeting. Training sessions and workshops will both address problems affecting large cities and discuss ideas on city trends and evolution.

The Congress will be the framework for renewing the governing bodies of our Association, and for the approval of the 2012-2014 Action Plan. The fourth Metropolis Awards  Ceremony will also take place during this unique event.