Edmonton is hosting the ICLEI World Congress 2009 from Sunday, June 14th through Thursday, June 18th. More than 500 mayors, councillors, and other delegates from more than 800 cities around the world will visit our city to discuss environmental sustainability. The conference takes place every three years, and provides opportunities for peer exchanges, knowledge sharing, on-site visits, and more.
For the City of Edmonton, this event is a chance to show off just how “green” we are to the rest of the world. There have been a number of related announcements over the last few weeks from the City:
- Recycling Program Marks 30th Year of Operation
- National Group Lauds Edmonton’s Environmental Management Program
- Edmonton City Staff Recognized for Environmental Achievements
- Edmonton Gets Passing Grade in EcoVision Annual Report
- Parkallen Parks It – Community leads the way to eco-mobility
- City Achieves Highest Level of Environmental Certification
I’d expect more announcements from the event. Each day of the conference has a theme:
- June 14th: Setting off Together
- June 15th: Exchange on Progress & Achievements
- June 16th: Exploring Eco-Edmonton
- June 17th: Accelerate Now! Moving Forward Together
- June 18th: Shaping ICLEI’s Agenda
More than 20 speakers have been announced, including Mayor Stephen Mandel, Alberta’s Minister of Municipal Affairs Ray Danyluk, Deputy Mayor of Vancouver and ICLEI President David Cadman, and the founder of ICLEI, Jeb Brugmann.
I’ll be blogging and tweeting some of the more Edmonton-focused sessions next week, and will be attending a number of the events that have been planned to coincide with the conference. Here are some of the things you can check out:
Lights Down Stars Up – photography exhibit
On display at City Hall until Thursday, June 18th, FREE
Gone Green – art exhibit
On display at City Hall until Wednesday, July 1st, FREE
That’s Edmonton For You – live music and entertainment
Sunday, June 14th from noon to 3:00pm at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, FREE
Pecha Kucha Night – Edmonton Volume #4 – ideas inspiring sustainability
Tuesday, June 16th from 6:30pm to 10:30pm at the Shaw Conference Centre, $9
2009 Emerald Awards Ceremony – recognizing Albertan environmental initiatives
Tuesday, June 16th at the Citadel Theatre, $?
Resilient Cities: Responding to the Crash, Climate Change, and Peak Oil
Thursday, June 18th from 7:00pm at the Shaw Conference Centre, FREE
Bikeology Festival Day – velo-love in Edmonton
Saturday, June 20th from noon until 5:00pm at Beaver Hills House Park, FREE
Reuse Fair – bring your unwanted household items (pdf)
Saturday, June 20th from 10:00am to 3:00pm at King Edward Park Community League, FREE
The Works Art & Design Festival 2009 – sustainability is a theme this year
Friday, June 26th to Wednesday, July 8th at Sir Winston Churchill Square, FREE
Also, June is Bike Month in Edmonton.
To learn more about ICLEI and the World Congress happening in Edmonton, check out the following links:
MasterMaq's Blog 
Three photographs I took are in the Lights Down, Stars Up Exhibit. I hope you enjoy it!