WUF 4

We took a flight  to Nanjing on Sunday afternoon, to attend the World Urban Forum 4 (WUF4). Luckily this biyearly event was held this time in China, and that I was able to tag along with Paul. We travelled in family, with Noam and Lili, our new ayi (nanny). I feel very privileged!

De WUF4 Nanjing

With about 6,000 participants from all over the world, the event is large. And Nanjing city hosted it in an equally important venue, its new Jinling International Convention Center, a 2 year old showcase of modern achitecture. By the end of the first day, my feet are quite impressed by its general grandiose scale, with its large exhibition halls, its several well equipped meeting room and conference halls, and its landscaped areas. 

De WUF4 Nanjing

De WUF4 Nanjing

The Forum is an opportunity for professionals and experts of the urban field, architects, planners, people from the development world, international organizations, donor countries and donor groups, non-governmental organizations to come together and discuss issues related to our urban environment. A great number of issues are discussed, around round tables events, meetings, networking events, presentations. I was able to hear about the experience of others on issues related to slum upgrading and third world housing projects, about ways of financing these projects, tools to help achieve results, community building, technical approaches, and several other issues. There was also many other interesting issues discussed, I could not help wanting to go to several seminars at the same time. It was interesting to hear other peoples share their experiences and concerns. 

The WUF4 was also an occasion for several Chinese cities to be showcased as well planned, green and sustainable (really?!!).  3 large exhibition halls were reserved just for that.

De WUF4 Nanjing

And it is also a unique place for the UN to display some of its usual dubious sense of partnership. For example, at the opening ceremony, a movie about the achievements of the Shaikh of Bahrain was presented. I was surprised to learn about his commitment to urban issues and good governance, but someone beside me noted the Shaikh's 20 million dollars donation to UN-Habitat, the lead organization of this forum. 

At other times, I was reminded that everywhere I go there are some official eyes watching.

De WUF4 Nanjing