Urbanization and city governance

MANILA, Philippines - International experts shared their expertise and knowledge on urbanization and city governance best practices with local and international delegates during the 3rd Philippine Cities Global Convention and Exposition held recently at Resorts World Manila, Pasay City. The event was graced by many international speakers: Dr. Toshiyasu Noda, director, UN-HABITAT regional office for Asia and the Pacific, spoke on “The State of the World’s Cities”; William John Cobbett, manager, Cities Alliance, focused on “Inclusive Growth: Challenges and Opportunities”; Kazuyuki Tsurumi, Philippine country representative, Food and Agriculture Organization, delved on the topic “Enhancing Agricultural Production for Local Economic Development”; Roger Macisaac, director of community and economic development, Town of Amherst, Canada, shared “International Best Practices on Inter-Local Economic Development”; Shiro Hamano, director general, Yokohama City Policy Bureau, spoke on “Disaster Risk Reduction and Management: Earthquake Resiliency of Yokohama City”; Dr. Fouad Bendimerad, president and executive director, Earthquakes and Megacities Initiative on “International Best Practices in Disaster Resiliency”.The event was sponsored by San Miguel Corp., Pagcor, Suzuki Philippines, Philips Electronics & Lighting Corp., Landbank, Subdivision and Housing Developers Association, The Philippine STAR, The Manila Times, Business Mirror, Europak Bags, BusinessWorld, Philippine Graphic, Roneena Inc., Azitsorog, Inc., 99.5 RT and Crossover 105.1 Manila. It was supported by World Bank and Cities Alliance with participation of USAID, the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction and Cities Development Initiative for Asia.