24^th -25^th Noveber 2010 – Cape Town International Convention Centre -South Africa

This premier event is an effort to bring together local and regional government executives, policy makers, and representatives of the civil society, NGOs, various multilateral organizations and leading experts in their fi elds to identify innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges faced by African urban communities at present.

The conference further seeks to put together a forum for refl ection, exchange of experiences, ideas and information leading to the establishment of effective strategies for urban sustainability; to review key local government developments; and to build a divide between national and local decision making and policy formulation. Structure and approach of the event is distinctively designed to foster inter-city solidarity.

The focal point of discussions will be the cross-cutting issues surrounding public interaction, technologies and markets confronting the modern African urban culture, with prominence given to the three extensive themes of service delivery, governance for livable communities, building eco-friendly cities and furthering plans for harmonious and sustainable communities.

In the generally vulnerable African economy, effi cient local governance and clear-cut intergovernmental affairs are more important than anywhere else in the world to promote the economic and physical well being of citizens. Effective governance cannot be achieved without joint efforts at all distinct levels of authority. Only through well-organized, forthcoming and accountable administration can local governments establish more balanced societies.

Last year was exceptionally tricky for all levels of government as a result of the global economic downturn. Job markets and revenues diminished alike whereas the economic activity softened even more. Planning for the negative impactimparted by these problems in terms of poverty alleviation and decentralization will require effective leadership.

More than ever, the mission of building benefi cial, competent and impartial municipalities that campaigns for economic development demands group effort, not only among national governments but also among local authorities.