Start Date : 9 Nov 05   End Date : 11 Dec 05 Location: Nanning, China

An event of the European Union and UN-HABITAT research initiative in support of sustainable human settlements.

Bringing together representatives of the scientific community and local government for evaluating research approaches and results, stimulating their take-up by local authorities and designing further scientific cooperation activities.

The conference will foster an exchange on projects and programmes deriving from research activities that have been carried out for and in cooperation with local governments, focusing on the following main themes:

	Urban governance and sustainable management and planning;
	Sustainable land-use planning; and
	Sustainable housing and construction.

Conference participants will discuss and evaluate framework conditions for the exchange of research on human settlements and sustainable urban development, with a view to contribute to improving local government policies.

Questions to be discussed will be, among others:

	Under what conditions can research act on and react to real local needs?
	How can local governments provide their input to the design of research?
	How can local governments be active partners in research?
	How can results of research best be transferred to the local level and find entry into local implementation?

Participants will also provide their comments and input to a set of draft recommendations targeted at decision-makers of the European Commission, national and international funders of research, local governments and their associations as well as other key players in research for local sustainability.

The recommendations will give directions for better frameworks and innovative means to accelerate the diffusion and use of successful experiences and practices on sustainable urban management.

The Nanning Conference is part of a research initiative between the European Union and UN-HABITAT. It is also a component of the project RELAy – Research for Local Action towards Sustainable Human Settlements, coordinated by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability.

Co-financing for the conference is provided by the European Commission, Directorate-General Research, UN-HABITAT, the Ministry of Construction of the People’s Republic of China, and the People’s Government of Nanning City.

The event is co-organised by the Ministry of Construction of the People’s Republic of China, the People’s Government of Nanning City, Directorate-General Research of the European Commission, UN-HABITAT and the European Secretariat of ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability.