With just a month to go until Global City 2011 kicks off in Abu Dhabi, organizers, speakers and delegates are preparing for a power-session of discussion, debate and strategic thinking. Stay up to date on the issues surrounding this unprecedented event.

 
 

Burgeoning cities force new ways of thinking on sustainability

 

“The world is experiencing the largest wave of urban growth in history. Approximately 3.3 billion people, more than half the world’s population, live in cities, and by 2030, this number will approach five billion. Managing this population growth in a way that is financially, culturally and ecologically sustainable is of paramount importance to leaders all over the world.”

Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development
 

Organizers build on the success of earlier forums
 

 

“I have been involved in the organization of Global City since its origins. This year, I feel we have added value on many levels. We look forward to high-level exchanges that capitalize on five years of Global City heritage.”

Nathalie Depetro, MAPIC and Global City Director
 
 

Opening Session Keynote Address: Abu Dhabi Vision 2030

Estidama is transforming the capital into the model of a global sustainable city - Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council

Closing keynote speech:

Hon. Adrian M. Fenty Mayor, Washington, DC (2007-2011)

  

Speakers:

Dr. Willfried Wienholt, Vice President Urban Development, Siemens One, Siemens AG, Germany

Day 2 session:

Greater Paris: Creation of a new compact metropolis - Maurice Leroy, French Minister for Cities

 
 

Identity crisis in the Gulf

“McDonaldisation” of architecture robs citizens of their identity....
 

Urban identity on the web

City TLDs open up opportunities for participation, contribution and social networking of the community...
 

Will the historic city survive in the emerging global city of today and tomorrow?

Sustainable development approaches in the Arab World...
 
 

The role of community in urban management

Local governments focus on community participation for the provision of urban services....
 

Brand-building

Examining city image and identity...
 

The architect as a city critic

Al Manakh’s focus on the Gulf Region’s rapid development is aimed to defuse some of the hype...
 
 

Liveanomics

Phillips releases report examining the importance of livability and the role of business in a successful urban area...
 

Latin America Green City Index

Siemens conducts study on cities’ performance with respect to urban environmental sustainability...
 

Thomas Sevcik

On Art and the Creative Class - this week at the Global City Blog...
 
 

Global City 2011 Abu Dhabi is the only international forum providing public and private sector leaders a dynamic platform to exchange views, discuss challenges and find solutions to urban sustainability. The fifth edition of this event will run from March 15th to 17th at Emirates Palace. You can find up-to-date program information here.