Ilsur Metshin: "The efforts of UCLG are aimed at achieving of human well-being"

(Kazan City KZN.RU, May 26, Zilya Gayfi, Anton Nozdrin). Thanks to the participation of the World Organization "United Cities and Local Governments" Kazan enriched the experience in solving urban problems, which allowed the capital of Tatarstan to enter a new stage of development. Kazan today is actively growing city, where complex issues in economy improvement, social and environmental are resolved. This brief but capacious characteristic of the city and its main achievements was made today by co-president of the organization, President of the Eurasian department, Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin at a meeting of the Executive Bureau of UCLG.

According to the Mayor of the city, Kazan membership in the world organization allows the city to grow and develop, basing on the best international practices. "In the course of working visits we have been able to meet with interesting, talented people, get acquainted with the experience of our colleagues, including at UCLG site. I work for more than 17 years in the mayor's office, 10 years ago I became the Mayor of Kazan, and then, as a young head of the capital city, we had to learn many policy issues. A major role in this was played by Kazan participation in the work of the world organization and its Eurasian department, whose headquarters is located in Kazan,"- the head of the city said.

Ilsur Metshin stressed the importance of sustained dialogue with the urban communities. "Our main goal is creating a comfortable urban environment, providing decent living and working conditions for the people. I am glad that more and more heads of cities and regions are ready to share their experiences and knowledge with other colleagues,"- the Mayor said and thanked the first President of UCLG, Mayor of Paris Bertrand Delanoe and the current President of UCLG, Mayor of Istanbul Kadir Topbash for their contribution to the organization. Ilsur Metshin called the creation of a global network of cities local and regional authorities as the main achievement of the organization.

Mayor of Kazan sees the main mission of UCLG in being a global advocate of local government. "I thank the heads of the cities who responded with consent to our request to speak to the young people in Kazan, to talk about their experience, vision of the future of our cities. Many megacities are preparing or already prepared their long-term development programs for the next decade. I am close to the idea that the UCLG is an organization not for mayors, but for all people to achieve well-being, on which our efforts  are directed,"- the head of the capital of Tatarstan said in the completion.