CLOSING SESSION AND CEREMONY

The WUF III closing session and ceremony will both celebrate the achievements of the conference and look to the future.

The session will open with the tabling and presentation of a Report by the WUF III Advisory Board, appointed by the UN-HABITAT Executive Director, on the key issues raised at the Forum. This will be followed by remarks from various civil society groups who will comment on their forward planning as a result of the outcomes of the Forum. The closing ceremony will also mark the introduction of Nanjing, China as the next host city for World Urban Forum IV (2008).

Presentation of the Report on WUF III

Closing Plenary Speakers:
John Pombe Magufuli, Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Government of Tanzania; Co-chair, WUF III
Pierre Sané, Assistant Director-General, UNESCO
John Kaputin, Secretary General, African Caribbean and Pacific Group Secretariat, Belgium

Representatives of HABITAT Partners:
• Civil Society
• Women
• Private Sector
• Youth

Welcome to Nanjing, China & WUF IV
Wang Guangtao, Minister of Construction, China
Lu Bing, Deputy Mayor of Nanjing, China

Film presentation of the host city and country for WUF IV

Closing Remarks:
Anna Tibaijuka, Under Secretary-General, United Nations; Executive Director, UN-HABITAT, Kenya
James Moore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works; Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, Government of Canada (TBC)

WUF III closes with a truly unique, truly Canadian theatrical event; the Canadian Cirque. Performers will defy your imagination with their acrobatic feats, strength and elegance choreographed in a lavish performance exclusive to the World Urban Forum. Come and experience the magic of Cirque.