Rotterdam (Netherlands): 24-26 February 2010

	UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 7^th Forum of the World Alliance of Cities Against Poverty (WACAP)



	The 7th Forum of the World Alliance of Cities Against Poverty (WACAP) will take place from 24-26 February 2010 in Rotterdam. The theme of the Forum is: Confronting the Crisis Collectively: Working Together to end Poverty. The eradication of poverty needs urgent and an increased attention on a global scale regarding the current crises on energy, food, climate and finance. Cities and regions should play a vital role in concrete actions to fight poverty, due to the proximity to their populations and as key local development actors within their own territories and within decentralized cooperation. This important three days conference will convene members of all stakeholders to set an agenda to empower cities in order to achieve effectively the Millennium Development Goals with a focus on the fight against poverty. The aim is, together with the regional authorities, the private sector and the civil society, to take concrete initiatives against poverty with the support of governments and international organizations in the context of climate change, energy, food and water crises. The conference also aims to give an impulse to governments of different levels to implement policies that cope with poverty. The crises discussed above demands rigorous action with a focus on improvement of quality of life within a strong, social and economical infrastructure, one that includes public services and a better environment for all. 1st day: Inspiration How can local authorities together with national, European, world leaders and non-governmental organizations take responsibility to eradicate poverty challenged by the current crises on energy, food, water, climate and finance. 2nd day: Rotterdam call to action Experts and practitioners need to come forward with ideas, concepts and practices on how poverty can be reduced and how a sustainable society can be created. Good practices will be shared. 3rd day: The way forward The new local sustainable approach will be implemented, and the mainstreaming of the poverty policy in all sectors will be secured. Cities, regions from all continents, as well as their associations, national governments, representatives of European and UN institutions, non-governmental organizations and private partners are invited to participate in this Forum. More information about the draft program and information on registration can be found on the Forum’s website: www.wacap2010-rotterdam.nl. Preliminary Programme