UNESCO at Habitat Summit 2009 - Towards an Alternative Urban Vision and Agenda

From 24-09-2009 to 25-09-2009 (India) 

Date: 24 September 2009 Time: 5.00 - 6.30 PM
Event: Session IV

Facilitating An Urban Renaissance: Role of Educational Institutions In City Making

Urban centres of learning have the potential to lead renewal in India not only by being training grounds for urban professionals but also by acting as social and cultural catalysts in a city. This session deliberates the best way to mobilise these institutions and get them to become more involved in the process of city making. Marcello Balbo, Professor, UNESCO Chair on Social and Spatial Inclusion of Migrants, will highlight the unique role played by UNESCO Chairs towards Education for Sustainable Urban Development within the United Nations Decade for Education to Sustainable Development for which UNESCO is the lead Agency (2005 – 2014).

Key Note Address: Kapil Sibal, Minister of Human Resources Development, GoI

Date: 25 September 2009 Time: 12.00 - 1.30 PM
Theme: Heritage Event: Session VI

Social Inclusion for Urban Revitalisation in India

Rapid urbanisation in most developing countries is characterized by a growing number of urban poor and an overall deterioration of living conditions. Mitigation of urban policies that foster social and physical exclusion with local policies that recognize and respect the right of all, especially migrants and youth, to an adequate urban environment and ensures progressive empowerment in urban governance, is pursued by UNESCO in close cooperation with UN-HABITAT and UNDESA. UNESCO Tool Kits on Social Cohesion and Urban Diversity in City Management and Development will be disseminated in March 2010 at the World Urban Forum V in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and in October 2010, during UN-HABITAT Forum on Harmonious Societies at Shanghai World Expo Better City, Better Life.
Key Note Address: Kumari Selja, Minister of Housing and Poverty Alleviation and Minister of Tourism, GoI