As envisaged in the 12th Schedule under the Constitutional 74th Amendment Act 1992, the crucial functions of urban poverty alleviation, slum upgradation, provision of basic amenities to the poor, including education, public health, etc., fall within the legitimate functional domain of urban local bodies. The constitutional mandate envisages that the urban local governments "own" these functions as obligatory responsibilities. These functions are discharged most effectively when the poor are actively involved in planning and governance processes as "partners" and the City Mayors "champion" their cause. Mayors can play a pivotal role in the creation of egalitarian communities, mobilization of local community resources and establishment of partnerships with the private sector, non-governmental organizations, the community and national and international organizations.

It was against this background that a two - day National Mayors Conference on Urban Poverty Alleviation was organized on 30 - 31 July 2008 at Mumbai, Maharashtra. Fifty-five delegates attended the Conference, which was held at Hotel Sea Princess, Mumbai.

Mr. R. S. Chavan, Director General, AIILSG, welcomed the delegates on behalf of the AIILSG. He gave a brief account of the AIILSG and various services provided by it in aid of local government bodies in every city where it has established a regional centre. He highlighted the Government of India's goal of a slum free city by 2020 and the JNNURM goals, which have been laid down to achieve this. He also provided the background behind the setting up of the Mayors' Forum supported by the government, and mentioned that the present Conference was the fifth one to be held, with special focus on the issue of eradication of slums and poverty. Therefore, he pointed out that from this perspective, it was important for all cities, even the smaller growing cities, to strategize a vision plan with the help of AIILSG, for developing inclusive and sustainable cities.

After the traditional Inaugural Ceremony, Mr. Alkesh Sharma, IAS, National Project Coordinator, (GOI-UNDP Project 'National Strategy for Urban Poor' Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Government of India) addressed the participants. He welcomed them on behalf of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Government of India, and UNDP. He also underlined the importance of the Conference theme in context, stating at the outset that urbanization has changed the face of India.