Programme

An evening with a thoroughly Languedocian flavour will be held at the Domaine de Verchant, in the heart of a vineyard. Surrounded by hundred year-old oak and pine trees, the Domaine de Verchant was built on the site of a 14th century seigniorial residence, inspired by Montpellier's 17th century follies. The current château has been renovated in the traditional style without the use of cement or modern materials. On the evening's agenda is the chance to taste a number of Mediterranean culinary specialities whilst enjoying the rhythmic sounds of a banda du cru (a folk-style group from the south of France). Arriving for the Sunday night also means you're sure to be here for when the Conference kicks off the next day. That way, you won't miss anything.

Alexander FERSTL, DG Regional Policy, Directorate for Policy Development, European Commission.

The closing international roundtable of the conference will set URBACT projects and cities in the context of globalisation, organised around the themes of social innovation, youth, and civil society in city-building. Speakers include prominent thinkers, social innovators, and academics specializing in urban issues:

Rubem CESAR, Director of Viva Rio, an NGO in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Goeff CAPE, Founder and Executive Director of Evergreen, a National NGO in Toronto, Canada Shipra

Shipra NARANG-SURI, UN consultant, PhD researcher at University of York, United Kingdom

Jean-Pierre ELONG M'BASSI, Secretary General of United Cities and Local Government of Africa, Cameroon

The debate will be moderated by Graham MEADOWS, former Director General of the DG for Regional Policy of the European Commission, who is presently Special Adviser of the European Commissioner, Vladimir Spidla, and who has been leading a mission of European experts in the six major Chinese cities (July 2008 - ongoing).