9th World Congress of Metropolis "Connecting Cities" - Sydney, 22-25 October 2008 22-10-2008, Source: City Mayors Introduction For the first time in the history of humanity, urban populations exceed rural
populations, making more relevant than ever our mission and the work that we
have carried out over the past 20 years. The challenge in the next few years is
therefore to give concrete answers to the great questions of the day, not only
for the citizens, but also for all inhabitants of our planet, in terms of
transport, urbanism, organisation, public health, environment, development and
governance.
Metropolis continues to bring these essential concerns to the world stage
and to impose itself as a privileged partner of the large international
organisations and within United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). In this
context, the ambition of the Sydney Congress is to establish a new, strategic
direction in which Metropolis will be affirmed as the World association of
metropolitan regions.
Description
The Congress' overall theme is 'Connecting Cities' highlighting the
increasing importance of cities, more so than nations, as principal hubs of
international interaction. Globally, major cities are increasingly connecting
via transnational public and private networks. Over 100 global cities will be
gathering in Sydney to develop these interdependent webs of collaborative
governance, knowledge exchange and advanced service provision.
'Connecting Cities' will also investigate how the structure of metropolitan
regions can replicate the success of these networks at a regional level,
developing as polycentric cities of diverse functional hubs.
At a local level, Sydney's increasing global profile as a focal point of
financial, construction and design partnerships with cities around the world
will be explored. A vibrant city of 4.3 million people, the Connecting Cities
theme will also highlight the increasing numbers of tourists, global businesses
and civic leaders visiting Sydney to make the most of its unique position as a
gateway to Asia.
Please
visit the website to learn more about the themes of the congress.
Programme
Location
The Metropolis Congress headquarters,
the Sydney Convention and Exhibition
Centre, is well placed to ensure that delegates have easy access to
waterfront views of Darling Harbour, shopping facilities, accommodation,
restaurants and transport.
The Centre's central location means that the central business district is
also within walking distance. There is a frequent monorail and light rail
service linking Darling Harbour with the city centre.
Register Links Click here to visit the Metropolis websiteClick here to visit the conference websiteback |


