Date:27/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/27/stories/2007112753070300.htm

New Delhi

Mayors to focus on gender equality

Special Correspondent

Event to be hosted by City beautiful

49 participants confirm their participation
Rapid urbanisation also to be discussed at conference

CHANDIGARH: The first Mayors’ Conference to be hosted by the City Beautiful here on December 8 and 9 will focus on strengthening initiatives for gender-friendly cities and good governance through sharing and learning of best practices.

An official spokesman said here on Monday that 49 participants have already confirmed their participation.

Critical issue

He disclosed that gender equality and empowerment of women had been chosen as the focus issue as it is one of the Millennium Development Goals adopted by the international community and is critical in the context of improving urban governance and making cities more liveable.

Some other vital issues that will be discussed at the conference include rapid urbanisation and its concomitant problems, sanitation, clean and safe drinking water, greenery and improvement in the condition of slums and a pollution-free environment in the big cities.