A Habitat II Forum of National Academies of Science and Engineering was convened at Bogacizi University, Istanbul, 31 May-1 June 1996. The event was co-sponsored by IAP and the Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences (CAETS). The purpose of the Forum was to discuss the views of the worlds scientific and engineering academies on challenges facing cities. The Forum offered an opportunity for individual academies to provide more detailed information and written reports on their programmes and studies. In preparation of the forum, IAP and CAETS developed a statement for discussion and for transmittal to the delegates of the II United Nations Conference on Human Settlements. See also: List of participants Programme IAP Statement 1996