Next Meeting Canberra 2007          Ottawa 2005 Brasilia 2004    Washington, DC 2003   Canberra 2002 . Canberra 2007 Delegates from eleven countries participated in the fifth meeting of the Capitals Alliance, hosted by the National Capital Authority in Canberra the week of January 21. In addition to the host city, the national capitals in attendance included Beijing, Brasilia, Islamabad, Moscow, Ottawa, Paris, Seoul, Tshwane (formerly Pretoria), Washington, DC, and Wellington. The conference provided attendees with in-depth sessions on a number of key issues unique to capital cities: commemoration, promotion and celebration, and planning and development of a capital city. Larry Beasley, who served as Vancouver’s planning director for more than a decade delivered the keynote address. Beasley emphasized that a great capital must first be a great city. “A capital city serves as a model for an entire country, embodying its hopes and inspiring its people,” said Beasley during his presentation. “It should be a diverse and engaging economic, social and physical place.” While in Canberra, Alliance members participated in tours to the Australian War Memorial (a national museum commemorating the sacrifice of Australians who served in wars), the Anzac Parade (an avenue lined with commemorative works of national significance), and the new Parliament House. The latter opened in 1988 and houses the legislative branch of Australia’s national government. For more information on the 2007 Capitals Alliance, or to access papers presented by Alliance participants, please visit the website of Australia's National Capital Authority.