In October 2008, Sydney will host this important international forum – the 9th World Congress of Metropolis. Metropolis is an organisation based in Barcelona which represents 100 of the world’s cities with populations greater than 1 million people. The NSW Government, as the member for Sydney, is the host of the Congress next year. Over 1000 delegates from both the public and private sector will be in attendance. The Metropolis Congress theme reflects the special location of Sydney as the gateway to Asia. The overall theme ‘Connecting Cities’ reinforces the city’s gateway location and the increasing interest of tourists, global businesses and civic leaders in visiting Sydney. Sydney is a vibrant city of 4.3 million people with an excellent balance of urban and natural features, and with a lifestyle see by many as one of the best in the world.