2008-Program

Global cities are constantly striving to remain competitive. This means being able to attract world-class innovators, develop state-of-the-art infrastructure, and invest in efficient energy projects and facilities.

In the context of a world economic downturn, financing those projects will be a major challenge. Can we address the economic slowdown as an opportunity rather than a threat? What are the latest strategies for financing green transportation and sustainable energy? Can we foresee a new and different economic landscape which integrates the roles of the business community, the public sector, and the consumers around the world? How can global cities keep investing in tomorrow’s prosperity?

Regardless of the economic situation, investing in our cities’ competitiveness will remain a priority: we cannot allow uncertainty to put strategic investments on hold. The 2008 edition of the Toronto Forum for Global Cities will focus on these issues and will provide you with an excellent opportunity for networking and exchanging ideas.

Monday, December 8th, 2008 | Tuesday, December 9th, 2008

GLOBAL CITIES IN CHALLENGING TIMES
Transportation, Energy, Finance and Innovation

Monday, December 8th, 2008
The Westin Harbour Castle Hotel, Toronto

Transportation and Infrastructure Facing the Credit Crunch

7:30 Registration

9:00 Opening session:

Cities, Transportation Infrastructure and Productivity: All Roads Lead to Growth

A well-developed transportation infrastructure is fundamental to a productive and prosperous city. But what is the best way to maximize its contribution? How can a city gain a competitive edge from its transportation infrastructure?

Chair:

Word of welcome:

Opening address:

Keynote speaker:

Closing remarks:

10:15 SESSION 2

Financing Transportation Infrastructure

The financial crisis has dramatically changed the outlook for investment. How does the economic environment affect the financing of transportation infrastructure projects? Could this signal a slowdown in investments or does it promise guaranteed returns through government legislation? What are the ideal conditions for investors in transportation infrastructure projects- it be in a PPP or otherwise?

Chair:

Speakers:

12:00 LUNCHEON

Restoring Prosperity in a New Urban Age

Chair:

Word of Welcome:

Part I: Special address

Part 2: Dialogue: “Railways in the Americas: Lessons from the rapid rail pioneers”.

France’s TGV and Japan’s Shinkansen were the world’s first high-speed rail networks, but, in contrast, railway networks across the Americas are in need of repairs and upgrading. Can the pioneers of rapid railways pass on technology and experience that could be applied in the Americas? What has been the impact of high-speed trains on their cities’ competitiveness? And how has this modern transportation affected the economic development of local communities?

Moderator:

Speakers:

15:00 SESSION 3

Transportation and Energy on the right track

Urban transportation is fundamental to a city’s competitiveness and quality of life (air quality). What are the latest technologies and practices that can reduce energy costs and the green foot prints of a public transportation system? Could electricity make a comeback to support urban transportation (cars, tramways, buses, etc.)?

Chair:

Speakers:

16:15 SESSION 4

Upgrading airports for successful cities

More airplanes are carrying more people than ever before. What kinds of airport facilities are required to make a city successful? What are the most efficient ways for governments to finance and manage airport infrastructure?

Chair:

Speakers:

Tuesday, December 9th, 2008
The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto

The Financial Crisis and Cities’ Strategic Investments in Energy and Innovation

7:30 Registration

9:00 Opening session:

Global Cities and the Knowledge Economy: New Rules of Competitiveness

The knowledge economy, which includes the financial sector, IT firms, consulting and engineering is becoming one of the most sustainable sources of growth. What are the key ingredients for a global city to remain competitive in today’s global knowledge economy?

Chair:

Speakers:

10:15 SESSION 2

Globalization and the Challenge of Attracting Innovative Industries

How can a city develop, on the world stage, the same knowledge-based industries that other cities also seek to attract? What factors are taken into account when a business decides where to set up shop and invest its resources?

Chair:

Speakers:

12:00 LUNCHEON

Competing in a Changing World

The global economic downturn forces policymakers and business leaders to adapt their growth strategies to a challenging economic environment. How hard will global cities be hit by this recession and which economic sectors will face the greatest challenges? How can we remain competitive and how can innovation spur growth?

Chair:

Opening Address:

Keynote Speaker:

After his keynote address, Mr. Snow will answer the questions of the President and CEO of Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Perrin Beatty.

15:00 SESSION 3

Energy: a Key Component of a City’s Competitiveness

Rising energy prices and environmental constraints should not have to limit a city’s growth and prosperity. What keeps the world’s most successful urban engines of growth from running out of fuel?

Chair:

Speakers:

16:15 SESSION 4

Facing the Energy Challenge: the Cost of Conservation

The development of renewable energies in municipalities has increased in importance in recent years. Which combination of technological expertise, intelligent financing and strategic planning will enable cities to improve their sustainability? How can energy conservation play a key role in transportation systems, buildings, equipment and civic maintenance?

Chair:

Speakers: