* SDI JOINS CITIES ALLIANCE: 

In an historic step, Shack/Slum Dwellers International (SDI), have been accepted as full members of the Cities Alliance (see www.citiesalliance.org). Pending formal membership, SDI attended the Alliance’s annual meetings in Manila as observers.

Writing to Cities Alliance Manager William Cobbett, the SDI Co-ordinator indicated that SDI had canvassed support for membership amongst a number of Cities Alliance members, including the Brazilian Government, the South African Government, the UK Department for International Development, the United States Agency for International Development, and Norway, all of whom have responded positively.

This decision to join Cities Alliance follows upon Cobbett’s meeting with the SDI’s Council of Federations in Stellenbosch (Cape Town, South Africa) on 31 August 2007.

SDI's membership was unanimously accepted. They become the first Civil Society Network to serve as formal members of Cities Alliance.