Manuel Robles Mayor of Fuenlabrada Centro Cultural Tomás y Valiente c/ Leganés, 51 Fuenlabrada www.ayto-fuenlabrada.es [+34] 91 649 7000 ext. 3217 The Forum of Cities in an initiative of the Municipality of Fuenlabrada. Its main objective is to create a meeting place to exchange experiences and innovative projects aimed at defining a model city more and more in line with the changing needs and interests of citizens. In this sixth edition, we propose a debate on social and economic transformations that are occurring and their impact on relations between Europe and emerging countries. Globalization and economic crises have profoundly changed international relations. Countries like China, Brazil, India, Russia and South Africa have entered a strong economic power in the internationa l arena and have an ever more crucial participation in the global production, trade and investment. So much so that today can be said to have become a key determinant of global prosperity, consolidating a greater dispersion of economic power. For its part, the European Union, through the initiative "Europe 2020", also wants to build a new economic model that promotes fair social and territorial cohesion, based on knowledge and innovation, sustainability, employment and integrated growth. From my point of view, it is necessary that we promote a strategic, economic and political partnership which can take advantage of the opportunities that this new situation offers us to build a more balanced and fairer society. As shown the economic crisis, the global changes are reflected in ever-growing in the municipalities and therefore greater impact on our daily lives. So it is so important that, from the cities, we try to participate in the design and implementation of this new model of internationa l relations. And as always happens at the local level, no progress is possible in any way without the involvement of the citizens. I would therefore in vite very spec ial all the citizen s of Fuenlabra da to participate in the discussions taking place during these days in our city.