The Chief of ROLAC welcomed the participants to the meeting emphasising the need to build on the achievements of 2000-2002, aiming at developing key products, scaling-up, innovation in urban management and support to processes contributing to building citizenship. He encouraged the participants to review those Campaign strategies that are proving to be successful and to identify the basic elements for the formulation of a Joint Action Plan for 2003. He stressed the need to promote convergence between the different stakeholders and their programmes and activities,  making the most optimal use of the opportunities available to promote the Campaigns within the region.