More than 1,000 guests are expected to attend an upcoming international forum providing a platform to exchange views, discuss challenges and find solutions to urban sustainability in Abu Dhabi.

Global City 2011 will be held from March 15 to 17 at the Emirates Palace.

The fifth edition of the event will also address some of the new challenges posed by growing global urbanization, including social inclusion, investment attraction, employment growth, environmental security, new infrastructure development and respect for the environment.

“The world is experiencing the largest wave of urban growth in history,” said Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, director general of the Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development.

“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.”

Nathalie Depetro, MAPIC and Global City director, said: “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.”

Economist, writer, and president of PlaNet Finance, Dr Jacques Attali will deliver the keynote address entitled “Towards a Civilization of Sustainable Cities”, sharing his vision of sustainability with the Middle East.

The forum will also offer Global City master classes on culture and city branding, a statement said.

Participants will also have access to local and international knowledge networks, including mayors, urban planners and city leaders.

A closed-door, invitation-only Leaders’ Summit will examine issues surrounding financing sustainable growth, and will allow participants to discuss, debate and discover what other leaders are doing around the world, the statement added. – TradeArabia News Service