Finance and governance will be at the forefront of the 7th European Conference on Sustainable Cities & Towns (ESCT), which takes place from 17 - 19 April 2013 in Geneva (Switzerland). The host city, a global leader in international finance and trade and international diplomacy and cooperation, will use its exemplary position to positively contribute to the conference.

Building upon the conclusions of the previous ESCT Dunkerque 2010 and the outcomes of the Rio+20 Conference, which focused on green economy, Geneva 2013 will seek to bridge the gaps between environmental, economic and social goals and connect governments, civil society and business through policy and action.

Over 1,000 European local government leaders, as well as representatives from institutions and NGOs will convene in Geneva to seek new and creative answers to the global financial crisis in the context of sustainable development and international and local governance.

Traditionally the largest European conference dedicated to local sustainable development, the event takes place in the International Conference Centre Geneva, located close to the UN “Place des nations” just minutes from international transport hubs and the city centre.