“World Cities Day” Roundtable Event – October 31st | 3:00 to 6:00 PM | SUMMARY United Nations Headquarters, Conference Room 8, New York City, USA Program Theme: “Promoting the new urban agenda of the United Nations towards the building of a Human Sustainable Cities” In commemoration of “World Cities Day”, the Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan, the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka, CG Global Consultant, Enviro Board Corporation, New Future Foundation Inc, International Organization for South-South Cooperation, and various other international organizations, both public and private sectors, civil society, and academia, hosted a round table event at the United Nations. This event was aimed at discussing and promoting the international community’s interest in global urbanization and increase cooperation among countries towards meeting the opportunities and challenges in urbanization and contributing to urban sustainable development. This event also included ongoing discussions on the Post-2015 sustainable development goals. The event moderator, H.E. Dr. Palita T.B. Kohoma, the Permanent Representative to the United Nations opened the round-table by speaking on the topic of growing cities and how to address the challenges and issues facing urbanization today. Ambassador Kohoma expressed his point that cities have to be made more livable and environmentally sustainable. Following Ambassador Kohoma’s opening, a short video was presented in which the Executive Director of UN HABITAT, Dr. Joan Clos, expressed his views on the positive role of urbanization and how cities are the cultural centers of the world. He also spoke about the negative effects of urbanization caused by ineffective planning and execution where poverty, congestion, pollution, and other issues that need to be addressed. Mrs. Yamina Djacta, Director of the New York Office for UN-HABITAT, stated that cities are one of human kind’s greatest creations. She went on to discuss that if a city is to operate efficiently, it needs to coordinate with all the agencies and sectors involved. Mrs. Daniela Bas, Director of Social Policy and Development at DESA expressed her vision for urban transformation encompassing the social, environmental, and economic spheres. She also voiced her concern with the 1 billion people with disabilities in the world and how cities will address challenges they face. Najib Bukele, Mayor of Nuevo Cuscatlán (El Salvador) spoke on sustainable human development in his city. He emphasized that Nuevo Cuscatlán was not just a story of a small town becoming a city in a relatively short period, but rather the story of humanity’s capacity to build. Under Mayor Bukele, social programs were heightened in Nuevo Cuscatlán. He has also been working hard to attract entrepreneurial investments in the Nuevo Cuscatlán which are exceptionally high compared to surrounding municipalities. Mayor Bukele talked about a particular program close to his heart. As Mayor, he has guaranteed that every youth in Nuevo Cuscatlán has the opportunity to get full scholarship to any school and program of the student’s choosing. The only requirement is that the students have good grades, a minimum average of 7.5 out of 10. Ms. Jan Peterson, Chair of the Huairou Commission: Women, Homes & Community, discussed how civil society, grassroots organizations, and women in particular, effect urbanization. She pointed the various differences between grassroots programs and government programs with an emphasis on the people involved in grassroots campaigns and programs. In regards to the Sustainable Development Goals, Ms. Peterson stated “this is our time! This is our time to get it right!” Sherwood institute’s Innovation Specialist, Prentiss Darden, made a presentation on “Resilient Cities of the Intersections of Social and Physical Infrastructure”. She also talked about the mission of Sherwood Institute with regards to getting the policies, plans, and technologies in place to support the rapid transition to resilient energy, water, and ecological infrastructure. The organizer of this event, H.E. Ambassador Carlos Garcia, Director of United Nations Relations, Enviro Board Corporation, spoke about Enviro Board Latin America and its commitment with the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development. A short video from Enviro Board Latin America was presented showcasing the Corporation’s development and patenting of a milling process that converts agricultural waste fiber into low-cost, environmentally friendly building panels. Ambassador Garcia briefly talks about the need for contributions to a healthier environment by recycling agricultural waste, greatly reducing pollution, and preserving our natural resources. All of this while also creating the ability for affordable and sustainable housing. He concluded his talk by stating “It’s time for action!” David Hanna, Advisor of Sparta Matrix spoke about the company’s supporting efforts to reduce poverty and crime while strengthening civil society. He also emphasized that “the first step to deal with these challenges is for us to put our egos aside for the greater good.” Mrs. Jane Durgom-Powers, Founder and President of IFFAMPAC, expressed her point that the UN has a pristine opportunity to bring forth the topic of human rights into the discussion of urbanization. She also touched on the topic of family unit being the fundamental pillar in urbanization. She also talked about the goal of creating sustainable long term cities. Mr. Charles Fisher, Founder of the Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council, spoke about the importance of a better marketing strategy for the development goals. He expressed the need to change society and get both seniors and youth more involved in the issues facing urbanization and sustainable development today. Mr. Fisher expressed his sincerest gratitude for the Community Mayor of Harlem and Goodwill Ambassador to Africa, Queen Mother Dr. Delois Blakely, and work with the local communities, youth, and social development. Mr. Fisher also talked about the Global Committee for Youth Hip Hop and how Hip Hop is the greatest international cultural connector. Mr. Fisher went on to say, “The MDGs were great. But it lacked marketing!” This is a point he believed needs to be strongly addressed in the Post-2015 Development Agenda. Mr. Fisher also brought up his Hip Hop against gun violence campaign his push to make it international. Towards the end of the Panelist speeches, brief reflections where made by Mrs. Lobi Redhawk, People’s Movement for Human Rights Educations, and Mrs. Bircan Unver, Founder & President of Light Millennium Organization. While Mrs. Redhawk emphasized once again the importance of integrating Human Rights within the framework of the Post-2015 Agenda, Mrs. Unver stated the need to create a solution for transportation issues facing cities today. The event concluded with strong statements made from members of the audience, including Community Mayor of Harlem and Goodwill Ambassador to Africa Queen Mother Dr. Delois Blakely Queen Mother Dr. Blakely, New Future Foundation Inc United Nations Youth Representative Igeoma Simon, and a youth member of the Honduras Mission. Summary by Ricardo Soares