Line-up confirmed for international conference

The World Cities Summit, an international conference on effective public governance and the sustainable development of cities, has confirmed a line-up of speakers for its inaugural event in Singapore from 23–25 June 2008.

The speakers include: Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister, Singapore; Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Hussayen, Minister of Water and Electricity, Saudi Arabia; Haruhiko Kuroda, President of the Asian Development Bank; Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director of UN-HABITAT; Lee Kuan Yew, Minister Mentor, Singapore; Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of UN ESCAP; James Adams, Vice-President of East Asia and Pacific Region, World Bank; John So, Mayor of Melbourne; Hiroshi Nakada, Mayor of Yokohama; Kerry Prendergast, Mayor of Wellington; Abdullah A Al-Nuaim, President of the Arab Urban Development Institute; Marilyn Taylor, Immediate Past Chairman of Urban Land Institute; Kevin Hydes, Chairman of World Green Building Council; Hans Rat, Secretary General of International Association of Public Transport (UITP). 

High-level presentations during the summit will focus on the theme of 'Liveable and Vibrant Cities', with an emphasis on effective policy formulation and implementation.

More than 50 speakers will share insights on urban planning, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, climate change, quality of life and economic competitiveness.

The summit will bring together senior government officials, city mayors, experts and business leaders from around the world, providing an unparalleled opportunity for the exchange of ideas and networking.

It will feature site visits, which offer delegates the opportunity to view first-hand Singapore's development experience. The range of choices includes:

• Urban Planning and Conservation — Delegates will be taken on a guided tour of the Singapore City Gallery, Singapore River, and Marina Bay;
• Solid Waste Management — Delegates can find out more about Singapore's approach to waste management and visit the Semakau Landfill;
• Land Transportation — Delegates will visit the LTA Gallery, Electronic Road Pricing System, and Integrated Development at Seng Kang Station;
• Biodiversity and Green Spaces in Cities — Delegates will be given a guided tour of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and viewing of urban greenery;
• Sustainability in the Built Environment — Delegates will visit a public housing estate and the BCA (Building and Construction Authority) Academy Gallery;
• Innovation and Research Hub — Delegates will be given a guided tour of One-North, Singapore's hub for innovation and research. 

For more information, visit http://www.worldcities.com.sg/exhibition.htm.