PARTNERS
Tenth World Urban Forum
The World Urban Forum (WUF) is the world’s premier conference on urban issues. It was established in 2001 by the United Nations to examine one of the most pressing issues facing the world today: rapid urbanisation and its impact on communities, cities, economies, climate change and policies. Organised and convened by UN-Habitat, and held every two years in a different city, WUF has become one of the most dynamic gatherings in the international arena for exchanging views and experiences on urban challenges. The inclusive nature of the forum, combined with high-level participation, makes it a unique occasion.
Department of Municipalities and Transport
Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) initiates, drives and supports Abu Dhabi’s urban development strategy. By transferring the vision and overarching principles to physical settings, DMT develops strategic plans that are designed to shape the Emirate. The vision is built on a comprehensive analysis of the urban fabric, land availability and its best use, environmental issues, mobility, infrastructure and urban services, that need to be integrated in our Emirate-wide planning strategy. Developing appropriate infrastructure, while preserving the environment, forms one of the key priority areas. With the expertise of DMT, the Government of Abu Dhabi will ensure the development of a professionally designed and well-managed urban environment in the Emirate’s towns and cities, complete with world-class traffic and transport systems. The simultaneous development of the Al Ain and Al Dhafra Regions is designed to keep pace with that of the Capital Region. It is also an important policy priority to achieve an Emirate-wide distribution of economic activities and associated benefits. The Plans for the Capital, Al Ain, Al Dhafra and the Emirate’s marine areas, offer a vision for the evolution of the Emirate over the next years, and provide a blueprint for Abu Dhabi’s long-term success. As the first planning programme of this kind and scope within the region, the work of the DMT has become a best-practice benchmark for future urban design within the UAE and beyond.
The National Design Centre
The National Design Centre (NDC) is the nexus for all things design. This is where designers and businesses congregate to exchange ideas, conduct business, use its facilities and obtain assistance from the national agency for design, the Design Singapore Council. Centrally located in the arts, cultural, learning and entertainment district in the Bras Basah-Bugis area, it is well placed to invite the public to learn about design through its exhibitions and programs.
DesignSingapore Council
DesignSingapore Council's vision is for design to differentiate Singapore from global competition. As the national agency for design, the Council’s mission is to develop the design sector, and to help Singapore use design for innovation and growth, as well as to make life better. The DesignSingapore Council is part of the Ministry of Communications and Information.
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
Urbanisation is the defining trend of our age and is happening at a phenomenal rate. Half the world’s population now live in cities, and this is projected to increase to two-thirds by 2050. Cities face massive environmental, socio-economic and spatial challenges. Today many urban residents lack water, sanitation, energy and public transport. With no land security, many cannot access affordable, adequate homes, jobs, schools and health care. At the same time cities are hubs of creativity, opportunity and economic development driving change at scale.
UN-Habitat believes cities can solve many of the challenges our world faces. As a centre of excellence and innovation, UN-Habitat supports countries and cities in taking advantage of the opportunities urbanisation offers. They work in over 90 countries with governments and local partners and our high-impact projects combine world-class expertise and local knowledge, and provide achievable, customisable and scalable solutions to the toughest urbanisation problems. They want to ensure cities become inclusive and affordable drivers of economic growth, social development and environmental change. UN-Habitat’s objective is to advance sustainable urbanisation as a driver of development and peace to improve living conditions for all.