By Manuel Tornare

A major challenge: How is it possible to conceive and organise a relevant dialogue around concrete experiences and exemplary practices concerning the way of promoting quality of life in an urban environment, while keeping into account the great diversity between cities across the world?

In May 2006 Geneva hosted the world forum of cities which represented an important platform to discuss the challenge of quality of life in the urban environment (Chinese cities, including Shanghai, attended this forum).

Consensus was reached on the following point :

There is not a unique model, and there is not a standard solution to address the urban challenges, whatever they are.

However, all of those that are involved in city management have a major interest to engage in a dialogue; to exchange ideas and experiences for the mutual benefit, knowing that each option must to be transformed and adapted to specific needs, with the support of others, with an attitude of mutual learning between practitioners.

The main topics of the dialogue on quality of life in the urban environment which were discussed in the Geneva Forum were: Energy, mobility and environment, Community and collective health Urban security (in the broad sense) and the management of the urban space Integration of migrant populations The contribution made by culture and by artists towards understanding managing diversity in the city The importance of processes in urban management practices and specifically the involvement of the population in the management and the decision making processes The contribution of modern information technology to improve the quality of the services to the community and to promote the transparency of public service The opportunity to activate unexploited potentials for cooperation, exchange and mutual help between cities, whose relations are not burdened by diplomatic, political and historical interests

Thus, there is a need to demonstrate creativity to turn these potential opportunities into reality and to make the exchanges concrete.

A fantastic opportunity is offered by Shanghai within Expo 2010, through the Urban Best Practices Areas.

However, the real challenge to keep alive 10 hectares Area during a period of 6 months. This is an unprecedented major presentation, hence the necessity to quickly establish a working group to define how to apply the concept.

I will be necessary bring together the creative geniuses from the urban world, from the different actors and local authorities, but also from NGOs, young people, artists, academics, medias, information technology experts, companies etc. so that, together, this challenge can be met.

Launching requests for proposals and organising competitions on different themes as the ones mentioned earlier, imagining a series of "labels" (certification) that will be awarded before or during the Expo.

We can imagine different and very diverse types of presentations: seminars, public forums, exhibitions, films, virtual simulations, presentations of pilot installation in real size or reduced size, cultural events, etc.

We can also imagine some "neighbourhoods" in this area, where one could attempt to present model neighbourhoods: what is today the vision of the ideal neighbourhood.

The answers will be different according to the different cultures.

Ideally, all of the contributions should be aimed at promoting exchange and mutual learning, and should not be a simple advertising of the city or of the institution concerned.

It is necessary for the whole area to present, in an exemplary manner, the subject of sustainable development, namely reconciling the environmental, social and economic aspects.

To be exemplary is also necessary during the design and implementation process (participatory and transparent process).

Showing that city are available, together, to take responsibility in promoting shared quality for all the members of the community.