Governments from around the world met in Copenhagen in December 2009 to discuss policy and the way forward in dealing with the effects of Climate Change. South Africa had sought amendments to the Kyoto Protocol setting up a second commitment period, and a legally binding agreement under the convention to bring in the United States (US), secure finance for adaptation and mitigation for developing countries as well as their commitment to implement both mitigation and adaption programmes. Negotiations at the Summit closed without reaching a legally binding agreement. At the conclusion of the conference, a total of 28 nations including South Africa signed a political agreement, committing to the continuation of negotiations in 2010.South African cities are in the process of determining and developing their own responses to the issues of Climate Change. This dialogue will cover the challenges Municipalities face in adaptation and mitigation of the effects of climate change on their Infrastructure.

In 2007 government approved the Public Transport Strategy and Action Plan. This latter consists of three phases, the first including provisions for the FWC2010.The dialogue will provide space to review delivery progress, in particular with regard to phase 1, as well as to assess the wider impact and the ensuing challenges and opportunities beyond the host cities including the smaller towns and rural hinterland in the period after 2010.

In reaction to massive service backlogs, government has and will continue invest heavily into infrastructure. Without adequate systematic asset operation, maintenance and prioritized rehabilitation this massive investment is jeopardized.

Both public and private sectors are seeking ways to radically enhance maintenance performance. This dialogue provides the platform to review progress, debate constraints and identify opportunities for constructively moving forward.

To assist municipalities improve their planning, programming and budgeting capability, (including accessing and use of MIG funding), the dplg in partnership with the DBSA developed the MIIF.

This framework has now been through several iterations and been both expanded and improved.

The dialogue provides a platform for interrogating the MIIF in the light of current and anticipated challenges and further offers the opportunity for finding a mutually constructive way forward.