Sydney to host world congress

Mayors, senior government representatives, business leaders and industry experts from more than 100 of the world’s largest cities are due to arrive in Sydney in October for the 9th World Congress of Metropolis.

Planning Minister Frank Sartor said the 2008 congress would be hosted by the NSW government and would bring together 1000 leading academics, government representatives and industry experts to
discuss key issues facing the world’s major cities.

The congress, organised by the Metropolis Association, is held every three years in a different global city.

“For the first time in history, more than half of the world’s populations live in urban areas,” Sartor said.

“Never before has it been more important that we address the issues facing modern cities and share
ideas and experiences on key issues such as climate change, technology, transport, governance and
urban renewal.”

The role of Sydney and Australia in the Asia–Pacific region will be explored as part of the event’s
overarching theme ‘Connecting Cities’ and there will also be a strong focus on cities in China and India.

The Metropolis Association estimates that by 2015, 55% of cities with populations of more than one
million will be located in the Asia–Pacific region.

The 2008 Metropolis Congress will be held from 22–25 October.