In the first engagement of the UII cities project, business and city experts identified six areas for immediate action and three longer term ideas to advance Turku's sustainability program. The ideas offer new solutions and enhancements to existing activities that will accelerate and promote the
city's sustainable development.

A World of Sustainable Cities: Urban Challenges and Opportunities. The Urban Infrastructure Initiative (UII) envisions a world where cities provide a sustainable environment for people to live, work, move and play.

Between now and 2050 the global population is expected to increase from 6.9 billion to more than 9 billion, with 90% of this growth happening in the developing and emerging world such as China. The global urban population will double, while local demographic patterns will become increasingly diverse.

"What a way to run the world" is the title of the WBCSD's Annual Review 2008. The theme was chosen almost a year ago, well before the financial meltdown proved just how badly the world was being run. As WBCSD's Chairman, Samuel DiPiazza Jr. points out: "economic crises must remind us that sustainable development is not just about environmental or social issues but also about sound economic development."

One billion tires reach the end of their useful lives every year. Recovery of end-of-life tires reduces
waste and provides a fuel and material resource that can replace other scarce natural resources.