April 9, 2004—Alcan Inc. will become the lead corporate sponsor for the +30 Network initiative, whose aim is to create a global network of cities sharing expertise on sustainable urban planning for the next 100 years.
Alcan’s first major project under its new CIP program is the US$1-million Alcan Prize for Sustainability, launched at the World Economic Forum Annual General Meeting in January, to be awarded annually to a not-for-profit organization that has made outstanding contributions to economic, environmental, and social sustainability.
The +30 Network project is a collaboration among the Liu Institute for Global Issues, the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD), and the International Centre for Sustainable Cities (ICSC). It is spearheaded by former B.C. Premier Mike Harcourt, Chair of the ICSC Board and Senior Associate with the Liu Institute.
The first phase of the project aims to create a network of 15 Canadian cities and 15 cities in other parts of the world that will act as a global “think tank” on sustainable urban planning. This phase will culminate in a progress report at the World Urban Forum in 2006, one of the world class events to be held in Vancouver leading up to the 2010 Olympics. The +30 Network is expected to grow and eventually become self-sustaining, as new cities join to learn best practices from established ones.
