Skip to main content

International Forum of Mayors on Crime Prevention and Security in Urban Settings

Turin -

Sharing of good practices between cities around the world on preventing crime and violence and contribute to sustainable urban development
20 - 21 May 2013, Turin (Italy)
 

How can we reduce vulnerabilities, inequalities and injustice in urban settings so as to address the complex and changing dynamics of security and crime prevention? The International Forum of Mayors is an opportunity for cities and local authorities to share knowledge, exchange expertise, experience and results achieved in implementing strategies to address the issue of security and crime in urban settings.

The International Forum of Mayors on Crime Prevention and Security in Urban Settings will take place between 20 to 21 May 2013 at the United Nations Campus in Turin (Italy). The Forum, jointly organized by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Municipality of Turin will involve mayors and representatives of municipalities, civil society and the private sector.

In 2008, for the first time, more than half of the world’s population was living in towns and cities. By 2030 this number will swell to almost 5 billion, with urban growth concentrated in Africa and Asia. Cities hold the promise of concentrated economic dynamism, access to services, and opportunities for democratic citizenship. To a large extent, urbanization is a transformative process, synonymous with modernization, and development. As countries urbanize they become more advanced, more developed and more prosperous, yet the experience of hundreds of millions of city dwellers is one of poverty and exclusion, violence and insecurity. The poor are denied the benefits of the right to the city.

The challenge for the next few decades is learning how to take advantage of the possibilities urbanization offers - the future of humanity depends on it. Crime and violence hampers urban economic growth and weakens institutions, thereby undermining efforts to promote sustainable development and reduce poverty. The most vulnerable such as women, young people and marginalized groups pay the price of this vicious cycle. Failure to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals will ultimately have an exponential negative effect on cities.

Actions to improve urban security must embrace an integrated, participatory, multi-sectoral approach providing equal access to basic services and opportunities, and fostering synergies between the citizens and government institutions.

In this spirit, the Forum aims at contributing to innovative approaches to urban security involving sustainable and affordable measures to prevent crime and promote sustainable urban development.

For further information please contact mazziniunicri.it.

The plenary sessions will be video-streamed on the Internet and will be accessible on www.unicri.it

download the first selection of photos of the forum of mayors