I am honored to be here today at the Third Annual Glocalization Conference. For me, as the head of the UN agency for human settlements, also known as the City Agency, it is indeed very impressive and inspiring for me to see such a powerful gathering of Mayors, representatives of corporations, the World Bank and sister agencies in this eternal city of Rome. Let me take this opportunity on behalf UN-HABITAT to congratulate you all, The Glocal Forum, mayors and local leaders from around the world, on this conference of great relevance to an urbanizing world.