2.11.2008 - 12:01pm ET

(CSRwire) VANCOUVER, CANADA - One of the overwhelming challenges facing society and policy-makers in the 21st century will be how to reconcile the economic and social needs of urban populations in ways which are sustainable. With half the global population now living in cities, urban areas are increasingly facing critical environmental challenges - challenges that will be discussed and debated as part of the Cities and Sustainability Dialogue at GLOBE 2008, March 12 - 14 at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre in Vancouver, Canada.

This important discussion will reflect the increasing struggle world leaders and policy makers face when attempting to ensure the well-being and quality of life for their citizens, while at the same time being environmentally friendly, socially integrated and just.

Today, we live in an interconnected world where individual actions reverberate across the globe, and sustainability, based on a long-term view that the needs of humanity and the environment are interconnected, is rightly high on the world's agenda.

The GLOBE Foundation is proud to present this important discussion, and welcomes a renowned panel of distinguished speakers on the topic. The Cities and Sustainability Dialogue will be moderated by internationally respected planning official currently serving as Special Advisor to the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Larry Beasley. The panel includes an impressive list of participants including: Anna Kajumulo Tibaijuka, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director, UN-HABITAT; Director-General, United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON); Ulla Hamilton, Vice Mayor of Environment and Real Estate for Sweden, the country widely regarded as the world's most sustainable and Guenther Scholz, President and CEO, Siemens Canada Limited.

About GLOBE

GLOBE 2008 is produced by the GLOBE Foundation, an international consultancy organization in the business of the environment. GLOBE's expertise lies in project management, event development, and management and consulting in the fields of environment and energy, urban development, and corporate responsibility. The GLOBE Foundation is North America's longest operating producer of environmental events, having produced the GLOBE series since 1993.

GLOBE events have historically attracted over 10,000 attendees and are expecting participation from over 80 countries from around the world. This year's event will focus on five main themes: Corporate Sustainability, Energy & Climate Change, Finance and Sustainability, Building Better Cities and the Future of the Automotive Industry. For further information, visit www.globe2008.ca

Introducing Auto FutureTech @ GLOBE 2008

Auto FutureTech is a new special feature theme that will bring together an elite global gathering of representatives of the automotive and fuel sector's major stakeholders. Key individuals including scientists, university researchers, economists, entrepreneurs, leaders of think tanks, suppliers and representatives from major automotive manufacturers will gather at the conference, which is expected to create the blueprint for the future of the industry.

Together the parties will explore the key issues, challenges and opportunities confronting the global automotive industry over the coming decade. Auto FutureTech will answer the question "what's next?" in terms of human transportation. Companies such as Bosch, General Motors, Advanced Lithium Power and Toyota will show the world what we can expect in the next 10 to 20 years. For further information, visit www.autofuturetech.com.

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