Abu Dhabi, UAE - Tuesday, February 22nd 2011 [ME NewsWire]
Guests at Global City 2011, Abu Dhabi, will benefit from the experience of two prominent urban development and sustainability experts tackling the issue of how cities maximize benefits from international mega-events.
Hong Hao, Director General of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination and Deputy Secretary General of the Shanghai Municipal Government, and Giuseppe Sala, General Director of the Municipality of Milan and General Director of Expo 2015 have confirmed their participation at the forum. They will speak about the “before” and “after” effects major international events such as World Expos and the Olympics have on their host cities. Along with other speakers, they will raise questions related to the role of mega-events in shaping a city’s identity and values and accelerating social, economic and urban development. The panel will also try to devise strategies ensuring massive investment programs related to international events can bring lasting benefits to the city and its inhabitants. Clearly, this is a timely issue for the GCC, which is increasingly vying for mega-events, as witnessed by Doha’s successful bid for the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
“We are thrilled to welcome Hong Hao and Giuseppe Sala to Abu Dhabi and to Global City 2011,” said Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Council for Economic Development. “Their experience will lend credence to the discussions, as they have the expertise to address some of the new challenges posed by growing global urbanization and to provide valuable insight and suggestions.”
As a former environmental protection officer, Hong has a multi-dimensional approach to urban sustainability. In his speech to introduce Expo 2010 Shanghai, Hong asked, “…what kind of city can make life better? What kind of concept of life and practice can make (the) city better? What kind of city development mode can make the earth better?” These questions are as important for Global City 2011 as they were for Expo 2010 which explored the full potential of urban life in the 21st century and a significant period in urban evolution.
An experienced businessman and leader, Giuseppe Sala began his career as an executive with Pirelli, then moved into telecom and then finance before becoming General Director of the Municipality of Milan in January 2009. In July 2010, Sala became General
Director of Expo 2015 (Milan), which will focus on tradition, creativity and innovation in the food industry, bringing forth the idea that everyone on the planet should have access to food that is healthy, safe and sufficient. Sala brings a wealth of experience in business and urban development to Global City 2011, and will present expectations and plans as the host of a major future expo. Based on the success of Expo 2010 Shanghai, Expo 2015 Milan promises to be a fruitful event for Italy as well as the global food industry. Born from the same non-commercial universal exposition concept -World Expo- the Shanghai and Milan Expos are of great benefit to their host cities; they are a catalyzer of resources and an accelerator of projects which boost the cities’ infrastructural legacy.
About Global City 2011, Abu Dhabi:
Global City is the only international forum where public and private leaders meet to exchange best practice and share sustainable urban strategies.
On March 15 – 17 2011, the 5th edition of this unique international networking platform dedicated to Mayors, urban planners and city leaders, will be held in Abu Dhabi for the second consecutive year.
The focus for the 2011 edition of this prestigious event, hosted once more by the Abu Dhabi government, is City Identity & Values.
The three day program will feature high level discussion, knowledge sharing and insights from city leaders and expert advisers from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas, complemented by site visits to the most striking and innovative projects of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Other speaker-related news:
· The opening session’s second keynote address will be given by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, about Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 and Estidama’s efforts in transforming the capital into the model of a global sustainable city.
· The closing keynote speech will be given by Hon. Adrian M. Fenty, Mayor, Washington, DC (2007-2011)
· Recently confirmed speakers:
* Maurice Leroy, French Minister for Cities
* Dr. Willfried Wienholt, Vice President Urban Development, Siemens One, Siemens AG, Germany
Contacts
Tanya Kassab
Senior PR Executive
Euro RSCG Corporate Communications ME
+971 4 3664 193
Tanya.Kassab@eurorscgme.com
www.globalcityforum.com
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