BY GINNAH MINI
PORT Moresby will host the 7th Pacific Urban Forum from March 24-26 for cities in the Pacific to share experiences and to work together to shape cities that are inclusive, safe, healthy, resilient and sustainable for generations to come.
The hosts are expecting approximately 300 delegates to participate in the Forum, which will be convened at Apec Haus.
Governor for National Capital District (NCD), Hon. Powes Parkop, who will co-host and co-chair the Forum said that it is a great opportunity for the host city to host the forum for the first time ever.
“It is our goal as the host city to showcase urban developments that has been taking place, particularly in Port Moresby,” said Hon. Parkop.
“The future of the world is in the urban centers.”
“The Forum will address climate change, issue about resident infrastructure and quality of services and Pacific Blue Agenda in terms of developing sustainable economy which are important for the city, country and the region.”
The Forum is expecting delegates from Fiji, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Nauru, Kiribati, Australia and New Zealand.
National Housing Corporation Managing Director, Abel Tol, said that the Forum will focus on resilient infrastructures, housing, livelihood, health and well-being of all citizens.
“The expected outcome of this Forum will be an agreed position that will be presented on behalf of the region to the 9th Asia-Pacific Urban Forum that will be held in Yokohama, Japan, in 2027,” said Tol.
The forum also provides an opportunity to establish partnership between Port Moresby and other cities in the region, including the private sector, to provide solutions to current urban challenges.