The Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on The State of Central and Eastern European Cities Report, jointly organized by the Warsaw Office of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) and the Institute of Urban Development (Instytut Rozwoyu Miast), was held in Krakow, Poland on 25-26 January 2010.

Over 20 experts from 8 countries of the Region representing research/academic organizations, international organizations and associations of local authorities attended the event. As part of the launching process of the preparation of the first regional edition of the Report, participants analyzed and extensively discussed current urban trends in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe and related policies, challenges and emerging issues. Participants also agreed on the scope of the report and gave valuable directions and recommendations for the development of the full contents of the Report.

The time schedule, partnering modalities and networking mechanisms for the preparation of the Report were also examined. Besides, it was agreed to explore further partnerships so as to ensure a broader support and involvement of stakeholders committed to the development of sustainable human settlements in the Region.

UN-Habitat has been mandated to produce four State of the Region's Cities Reports - one each for the Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America regions. The State of Central and Eastern European Cities Report will focus on describing and analyzing the situation of cities within the region and will be used as a region-wide information dissemination tool. The report will also aim to provoke dialogue and discussion on the role of cities of the region in improving national, regional and local economies through sustainable and equitable development.

28.01.2010