The Special Session of the General Assembly for an Overall Review and Appraisal of the implementation of the Habitat Agenda, known as Istanbul+5, held on 6-8 June 2001 in New York introduced in the General Assembly a new forum for debate. The Thematic Committee broadened participation beyond national government delegates and focused on concrete experience gained since 1996.
In thematic terms, the Committee was sub-divided into four sessions dealing with the main issues addressed in the Habitat Agenda: shelter and services; environmental management; urban governance; eradication of poverty.
The lessons drawn by the Thematic Committee from the 16 case studies under consideration are quire consistent with the "Declaration on Cities and other Human Settlements in the New Millennium" negotiated in parallel by the Committee of the Whole of the Special session.