Mayors and representatives from the world’s swelling cities will meet at United Nations Headquarters in New York on 23 and 24 April to consider how innovative technologies can meet the environmental challenges posed by the rapid growth of urban areas.

With urban regions experiencing rapid population growth -— 2008 will mark the first time in human history that more than half of the world’s population will be living in cities -- mayors are looking for practical solutions to improve living conditions and confront climate change while preventing inequity and exclusion.

Conference participants at “Sustainable Urbanization in the Information Age” will discuss and share best practices and knowledge to bridge the digital divide in the area of sustainable urban design and planning, supported by innovative information and communication technology models for sustainable urban planning.

The event brings together representatives of Member States, local authorities, policymakers, developers, architects, engineers, planners, designers, members of the civil society, media, information and communication technology experts and the private sector. It is organized by the Global Alliance for ICT and Development of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA-GAID), UN-HABITAT, the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter, and the Regional Plan Association with the City of New York.