The objectives of the Forum on City Informatization in the Asia-Pacific Region are, with a view to the development and cooperation of city informatization in the Asia-Pacific region, to provide a platform for policy and decision makers of the municipal governments in the region to exchange their views and strategic plans, and exchange their experiences in the development of the information industry and the applications of information technology; to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation and promote the economic and social development of the municipalities (or regions) participating in the session; to further reduce the imbalances in informatization and in the citizen's access to information among cities in the Asia-Pacific region, and jointly to promote the development of the information industry and city informatization of the region. This declaration is an enthusiastic response to Resolution 231 of the 54th session of the United Nations General Assembly.