The Forum of Friends of the Alliance of Civilizations met in Istanbul on 31 May and 1 June including a special session dedicated to cities. President Topbas renewed to President Sampaio UCLG´s commitment with the work of Alliance and the promotion of peace and dialogue.

The President of UCLG hosted the UN Secretary-General and his spouse for dinner and took the opportunity to share information on local and regional authorities´ inputs in Rio+20. The President is taking this opportunity to invite the Secretary-General to the Urban Summit taking place on 18 June in Rio.