Road to WUF11 Newsletter #6: March 2022

Deadline extended to 21 March

Application deadline to host networking, training and other events has been extended to 21 March 2022. Apply HERE

Article 1: Application for partner-led events at WUF11

At the heart of global sustainable urbanization are the problem-solvers: citizen activists, local government representatives, academics and the private sector. They are the engine of innovations, solutions and policy opportunities to transform cities for a better urban future. The World Urban Forum is the premier global conference on sustainable urbanization that brings together these activists, champions and thought leaders.

Until 21 March, 2022, you can apply to host your event at WUF11. Whether it’s a networking session or a training event; a launch of a publication in the Urban Library or an exercise in linking local sustainable urbanization solutions to the Global Goals, there is a hosting opportunity that is right for your organization!

Networking events offer an opportunity to make global connections to share ideas and best practices, and to establish the foundation for future partnerships and relationships. Anyone can host a networking event!

Voices from Cities events seek to present solutions to the specific challenges confronting cities themselves. Local governments and citizen activists are the typical hosts of Voices from Cities events. They seek to lay groundwork for city-to-city collaboration.

The Urban Library is a space to launch a publication, a research report, a book, or any other new piece of evidence to support sustainable urbanization. A good Urban Library event offers both the presentation of the evidence and an opportunity for debate and discussion. They are typically facilitated by the organization that has produced the evidence, and can attract media interest if they are promoted ahead of time.

SDGs in Action events aim to draw linkages between sustainable urbanization and the Global Goals – ensuring that no one is left behind in the cities we need. SDG Localization is a critical component of the New Urban Agenda. Events under the SDG in Action banner should consider one or more of the five domains of localization: culture, economy, society, environment and governance.

Hosting of ONE UN events is restricted to UN agencies, funds, programmes exclusively. ONE UN events aim to tie the New Urban Agenda to the work being done across the globe in service to the UN mandate and the Global Goals.

These partner-led events can last for up to 90 minutes, with exception of the Urban Library events which last 60 minutes, and accommodate 100 people. Hosts can draw on technical support including A/V equipment, projectors and presentation screens.

Training events are a platform for training providers to teach skills, knowledge, tools, methods and instruments to accelerate momentum towards sustainable urbanization. They can last for up to three hours and can accommodate up to 50 people.

Applications for event hosting must be received by 21 March 2022. The relevant forms to apply for an event can be accessed through the personal profile dashboard after completing the online registration here. You cannot apply to host an event until you have registered for WUF11. Only complete applications in English will be accepted for review by an independent panel of judges. Applicants are encouraged to find collaborators to share hosting duties, to broaden the scope and reach of their event. Successful applicants will be notified from 13 April 2022 onwards.

Article 2: Urban Expo registration at WUF11

The Urban Expo is the most popular attraction at every World Urban Forum, and this year’s Eleventh Session in the gleaming Katowice International Conference Centre is likely to be the biggest ever. Until 13 May 2022, you can book your stand at the Urban Expo.

With more than 10,000 people expected to pass through the doors of the Katowice International Congress Centre for WUF11, the Urban Expo provides a monumental opportunity for governments, UN agencies, businesses, non-government organizations and academic institutions to showcase their solutions and innovations to achieve sustainable urbanization.

Exhibitors have the opportunity to showcase their best practice, their cutting-edge technology, and their best demonstrations of how cities are the engines of solutions to the challenges of housing, transport, energy and access that stymie inclusive, equitable development.

UN-Habitat, together with the government of Poland and city of Katowice, is proud to be able to offer a limited number of complimentary spaces for entities based in Least Developed Countries. These limited bookings will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, so book your space now!

Exhibit space comes in multiple sizes, at multiple price points. A rate card is available in the registration portal. A comprehensive Exhibition Manual with technical details on the venue, cost of space, service order forms, furniture and equipment rental, rules and regulations will be available in February 2022. Bookings for exhibition space must be received by 13 May 2022.

Article 3: Participant registration for the WUF11 hybrid event is open!

Registration for WUF11 is officially OPEN! Click HERE to register.