In a context where more than half the world’s population now lives in urban areas, the urban question is a major global issue with significant consequences for the planet’s social, economic, and environmental equilibrium.

Organized every two years since 2002 by UN Habitat, the World Urban Forum has become the leading international conference on the theme of cities and urbanization. This Forum brings together public, private, and non-governmental actors working to improve living conditions in cities. After Nairobi in 2002, Barcelona in 2004, Vancouver in 2006, Nanjing in 2008, and Rio de Janeiro in 2010, the 6th World Urban Forum to be held in Naples with the theme “Urban Future” is expecting more than 10,000 participants.

The French delegation brings together various French urban cooperation actors within the French Partnership for Cities and Territories (PFVT) launched in June 2011: the state, local governments, urban professionals, companies, research and training organizations, NGOs.

Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other partners will participate in nearly 20 sessions (plenary sessions, roundtables, special sessions). The French delegation will also be active in a France Pavilion (PDF, 822.9 Ko) where PFVT partners will introduce Forum participants to French experts’ practical approaches in the field of cities and urbanization through exhibitions, debates, films, and information, highlighting actions in the context of international cooperation.

The World Urban Forum will also be an opportunity to present France’s new cooperation strategy supporting urban planning and enhancing France’s support for access to basic services in developing countries, which is the main area of cooperation between France and UN Habitat.