Bangkok--Sep 29--UNISBKK Thai Prime Minister, heads of UN-HABITAT, UNESCAP to address observance BANGKOK (United Nations Information Services) ? Three 'cities withoutslums' in Thailand ? Udon Thani, Chantaburi, and Surin - will be recognized and awarded plaques by Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anna Tibaijuka, and UNESCAP Executive Secretary Kim Hak-Su as part of World Habitat Day 2005 scheduled for 5 October at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok. The award ceremony will be followed by an exhibition on the 'Cities Without Slums' initiative to be opened by the Prime Minister Thaksin, Ms. Tibaijukaand Mr. Kim. More than 800 international and Thai urban leaders, habitat specialists,and slum dwellers are expected to attend the event. The global theme of World Habitat Day 2005 ? The Millennium Development Goals and the City ? highlights the importance of managing rapid urbanization and reducing urban poverty. Thai Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai will give a keynotepresentation on 'Planning and Building Together: Partnerships for city-wide slum upgrading,' which will set the stage for a panel discussion on the topic. Participants in the panel discussion include Mr. Watana Muangsook, Thai Minister for Social Development and Human Security, Mr. Kep Chuk Tema, Governor of Phnom Penh Municipality, Mr. Mark Hildebrand, Manager Cities Alliance Programme, World Bank, Mr. Arif Hasan, Orangi Pilot Project, Pakistan, and two representatives of Mahila Milan India, a network of pavement dwelling women. Note to Editors: You or your representatives are invited to attend the World Habitat Day 2005 on Wednesday, 5 October 2005, starting at 09:00hrs,in the UN Conference Centre, Bangkok. For further information please contact: Mr. Adnan Aliani Human Settlements Officer Poverty Reduction Section Tel: +(66-2) 288-1602 Fax: +(66-2) 288-1097 E-mail: [email protected] For media inquiries please contact: Ms. Margaret Hanley Information Officer UN Information Services Tel: +(66-2) 288-1861-66 Fax: +(66-2) 288-1052 E-mail: [email protected] End.