By IANS,
Toronto : City planners from around the world will gather here for a two-day conference to discuss funding for infrastructure in the face of the global economic crisis.
To be held in collaboration with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Dec 8-9, the Toronto Forum for Global Cities will discuss issues in the areas of urban infrastructure, investment, energy and transport.
More than 1,000 participants from various countries, including Japan, France, Russia and US and the host Canada, will promote solutions, opportunities and business potential for cities, event organizers said in a statement here Monday.
The annual discussions assume added significance as the current global economic crisis will impact the fortunes of global cities and their already overdue need for infrastructure investment, the statement said.
“When resources are scarce, it is important that leadership in the public and private sector who are focused on large urban areas, make a compelling and persuasive case on economic benefits to regional and federal levels of government in their respective countries,” said Nicholas Remillard, chairman of the Toronto Forum for Global Cities.
“Sharing thinking and experience with leaders from Europe and Asian in how they have addressed similar challenges may well be a critical learning opportunity for North American decision makers who face unavoidable demands for investment when access to funding is at an all time premium,” he said.