I. Metshin: “The aggravation of relations between countries should not ruin the bonds between cities”

Ilsur Metshin took part in the World Council of the United Cities and Local Governments organization, of which he is the co-president. The World Organization represents more than 1000 cities and associations of the world and is the most powerful and influential structure in the sphere of an interaction of local self-government bodies. The main topics of the speeches were the problems that local governments faced recently. Humanitarian crises are among them, in particular, the aggravated problems with refugees and internally migrants, as well as the problems of sustainable development.

Speaking at the World Council, Ilsur Metshin urged for strengthening work in the field of assistance to cities that faced a large influx of internal migrants. The Mayor of Kazan marked the high role of local authorities in overcoming humanitarian crises, as well as the need to involve business representatives and various civil associations in solving urban problems. During the speech, it was noted that Kazan managed to climb 37 steps up in the environmental rating of Russia for three years, becoming one of the most prosperous and comfortable cities in the country. And it was possible to do this not at the expense of budget infusions, but by involving business and various civil associations in solving city problems.

Insisting on the need to exchange best practices, Ilsur Metshin urged the cities to leave aside political differences and unite to ensure balanced development for the benefit of society. “The aggravation of relations between countries should not ruin the bonds of cities that have been built for years. I see local authorities in the forefront of defenders of the population rights to a decent standard of living and to face global challenges. We are at the forefront of solving problems in order to achieve the new goals set by the UN. This responsibility is colossal, and we must start right now not waiting for the waves of the crisis to subside, and promoting the emergence of peace on the trajectory of sustainable development by concerted active work. Local authorities like no one else know the main soft spots in their cities”, noted I. Metshin.

On this day, Ilsur Metshin headed the chairmanship of the UCLG's Executive Office, assuming the responsibility to make important organizational and political decisions, aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the organization's activities in promoting the role of local self-government in the world community.

Ilsur Metshin joined the UCLG in 2004, from the very beginning of the organization's work. Being the Mayor of Nizhnekamsk, he became an ordinary member, then vice-president, and then - co-president. Today Ilsur Metshin is the only Mayor from Russia, representing the UCLG among 20 members of the UN Advisory Committee for Local Self-Authority (UNACLA).