|
World Economic Forum launches SlimCity initiative
Contact: Mark Adams
Davos, Switzerland, 26 January 2008 – Mayors, regional governors and the private sector have come together in Davos to launch the World Economic Forum’s SlimCity Initiative. SlimCity is an exchange between cities and the private sector to support action on resource efficiency in cities – actions in areas that include energy, water, waste, mobility, planning, health and climate change. SlimCity provides a risk-free and dynamic environment within which cities and the private sector can explore practical solutions, exchange knowledge and showcase best practices. There are a number of organizations of mayors throughout the world; however, the World Economic Forum’s SlimCity Initiative is the first to bring together city leaders in a dialogue with the world’s foremost business leaders. Representing the regional governors and mayors taking part in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Mayor Ken Livingstone of London said: “I believe that, as leaders of major cities, our involvement in the World Economic Forum can help to push the global agenda strongly in favour of cities so that we can act decisively on climate change and other crucial issues. Through the SlimCity Initiative, myself and other city leaders can inform business leaders of how they can assist in helping cities achieve their full potential.” SlimCity is a partnership between the World Economic Forum, the World Bank, the International Energy Agency and ICLEI, the global city network. Members of the SlimCity Steering Board and Advisers to the SlimCity Initiative
Fatih Birol, Chief Economist and Head, Economic Analysis Division, International Energy Agency, Paris This year, the World Economic Forum has focused attention on cities in recognition of their vital role in meeting the challenges of the world, and also in recognition of the opportunities that they present. It is estimated that, for the first time in history, more than half the world’s population some 3.3 billion people are now living in urban areas. By 2030, this figure is expected to increase to almost 5 billion and, by 2050, it is estimated that 80% of the world’s population will be living in cities. With progressive urbanization, cities have become the centres of social interaction, consumption and emissions. This concentration of activity, combined with the increasing leadership of city mayors and governors, presents an opportunity for cities to become a powerful force for global change, particularly in the crucial areas of energy efficiency and climate change. However, increasing urbanization also intensifies the challenges faced by city leaders, and by the companies working for and within them. Both city leaders and business leaders recognize their joint responsibility to improve the quality of life of citizens and advance their impact on the world. Thus, we are witnessing a shifting power equation as cities across the world emerge as world leaders to routinely demonstrate that independent localization of policies has the potential to be far more effective than national initiatives. Notes to Editors
The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional and industry agendas. Incorporated as a foundation in 1971, and based in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Economic Forum is impartial and not-for-profit; it is tied to no political, partisan or national interests. (www.weforum.org) |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||