The search for sustainable solutions to the challenges of poverty requires urgent and increased global attention to be paid to the multifaceted crises surrounding energy, food, climate and water. It also requires greater collaborative and collective efforts and collaborations via "new multilateralism" involving all sectors of society, both private and public. Local and regional governments, from developed and developing countries, play a vital role because of their ability to respond quickly and effectively to the needs of their constituents. It is within this context that the 7th Forum of the World Alliance of Cities Against Poverty (WACAP) is being organized with the following theme of; "Confronting the Crisis Collectively". This forum aims to discuss, debate and deliberate strategies and strengthen solutions to global challenges at local and regional levels. WACAP 2010 will call upon local and regional authorities to work together with governments, international organisations, civil society, non-governmental organisations and the private sector in order to take concrete measures, inspired by the discussions taking place in February 2010 in Rotterdam.

The City of Rotterdam has the pleasure and great honour of organizing the WACAP Forum, together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), from 24 to 26 February 2010.

European Year For Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion: http://www.2010againstpoverty.eu/