The day was a smorgasbord and varied tour de force.  The problems our individual cities face are many and varied.

However the Future City Game has a key role to play and a few abiding commonalities stand out. 

Firstly, grappling with the scale of problems can only be solved by collective action and a common sense of purpose.

This is not the preserve of government, NGO's or commercial sectors.  All parts of must work together.  For me the key to this common sense of purpose is about finding a set of values, which we can all rally around. The FCG offers this opportunity.

Secondly, issues such as creativity and innovation are of crucial importance.  These aspects - whether it be creative economic, social, cultural or social ideas,contain within them, common behaviours. The FCG allows this commonality around behaviours to happen. 

Thirdly, sharing, listening and debating the issues facing cities is of vital importance.  The acceptance of these aspects are embedded in the game and a key feature of tackling the challenges.

I very much look forward to the next two days and building up these commonalities and debating them.