Tens of Thousands of World Citizens Unite Online to Debate Urban Sustainability Issues December 1-3, 2005

Tens of Thousands of World Citizens Unite Online to Debate Urban Sustainability Issues December 1-3, 2005

Habitat JAM, an unprecedented online global dialogue on urban sustainability, will be held for 72 hours from 1-3 December, 2005. Sponsored by the Government of Canada, in partnership with UN-HABITAT and IBM, the Habitat JAM promises to engage, empower and stimulate tens of thousands of global citizens, rich and less fortunate alike, with the ultimate goal of turning ideas into action on critical issues related to urban sustainability.

Under the leadership of the Honourable Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing, the Government of Canada is taking a highly innovative approach by investing in global sustainability and funding Habitat JAM. “Canada is pleased to partner with UN-HABITAT and IBM to introduce this experimental form of problem solving – a dialogue that cuts across the borders and silos of politics, culture, economics, social class and expertise, to extract concrete solutions to the urgent and controversial issues facing our rapidly urbanizing planet. The Government of Canada is proud to host this event because Canada recognizes the enormous impact of urbanization on the sustainability of the planet.”

The Habitat JAM is a preparatory event to the third session of the World Urban Forum being held in Vancouver in June 2006. The World Urban Forum is an initiative of the United Nations Settlements Program (UN-HABITAT) held every two years to debate ideas and issues about sustainable development in today’s context of rapid urbanization. Topics for discussion will include improving the lives of people living in slums, access to water, environmental sustainability, safety and security, finance and governance, and the future of our cities.

Read the complete Press Release