The Mayor of Medellin Mr. Anibal Gauria (Second left) gestures as he makes a point to UN-Habitat Executive Director Dr. Joan Clos (centre). Looking on are UN-Habitat Deputy Executive Director Dr. Aisa Kirabo (second left), Colombia´s Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat Ms. Maria Eugenia Correa (extreme left) and the UN Resident Coordinator in Colombia Mr. Fabrizio Hochschild (extreme right). Against the background of light showers and martial music played by the Colombian Police Band, the flags of Colombia, the United Nations and Antioquia Region were raised at exactly 4:25 pm local time at the Plaza Mayor in Medellin City ahead of the opening ceremony of the Seventh Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF7) which kicks off on Monday.

Text: Tom Osanjo. Picture: Julius Mwelu