SAN FRANCISCO
(March 21, 2005) – Mayor Gavin Newsom announced on Monday that
mayors from around the world will meet in San Francisco June 1-5 to
debate and sign historic accords for “Green Cities” at the
2005 United Nations World Environment Day conference.
Newsom made the announcement at City Hall flanked by San Francisco’s
former mayors U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, and Willie L. Brown Jr.
Along with Frank Jordan and Art Agnos, the former mayors are co-chairs
of the World Environment Day Host Committee.
During the conference, the international gathering of mayors will share
ideas and experiences to develop a set of Urban Environmental Accords,
which will provide a roadmap for environmental improvements in cities.
The Accords cover urban design, transportation, energy, open space,
recycling, health, and water—they can be reviewed and commented
on at urbanaccords.org. The accords will be signed at City Hall on June
5.
“This is the first United Nations conference to focus on urban
environment, so I am very pleased that San Francisco’s former
mayors can join me as co-chairs of this event,” Newsom said. “The
accords that we mayors sign will leave a legacy that advances environmental
wellbeing for cities around the world.”
The United Nations Environment Programme awarded the conference to San
Francisco, the first time the conference has ever been held in the United
States. It is being hosted by the Mayor and the San Francisco Department
of the Environment.
“Mayors have the power to shape the future of the world’s
environment,” said Jared Blumenfeld, director of the San Francisco
Department of the Environment. “With the majority of the earth’s
population living in cities, decisions made at World Environment Day
will have far-reaching effect.”
Beyond the official calendar of the conference, Newsom noted that more
than 150 community activities are scheduled around World Environment
Day. The activities range from special organic menu selections at Bay
Area restaurants to a display of artwork made from recycled material.
In addition, there will be a Green Cities Expo with booths and exhibits
at Fort Mason June 3-4-5.
Those slated to attend the conference include UN Secretary General Kofi
Annan, Klaus Toepfer, executive director of the United Nations Environment
Programme, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and mayors from
London, Shanghai, Kabul, Buenos Aires, Sydney, Phnom Penh, Jakarta,
Rome, and Istanbul.
“I look forward to working closely with leaders of the world’s
major cities to establish guidelines for environmentally sensible urban
life,” Newsom said. “This conference is a remarkable opportunity
for all of us.”
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Debra Benson, 415-788-7788, cell: 415-341-7338
|
