Chancellor Gerhard Schr der and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan will speak at the opening of the conference. The German government views the development of towns and cities as an important national task and a significant international task. In its opinion, efforts in this area must be aimed at developing towns and cities in a sustainable way. This means dealing with economic, social and environmental issues on an integrated basis in order to protect nature and mitigate the hardship of the poorer classes. Germany's Minister of Transport, Building and Housing Reinhard Klimmt gives priority to the positive aspects of urban development.
Cities are the place of culture and innovation, mutuality and tolerance.
There is not alternative to the city. It is our common future. By the year 2025, the world will have more than 300 cities with a population of a million or more and nearly 100 megacities with a population of more than five million residents each. Cities are however not only hotbeds for social and environmental problems, they are also associated with opportunities for greater prosperity and people's increasing involvement in shaping the future. Invitations have gone out to all persons with an interest in the development of the world's cities and a contribution to make.