Ilsur Metshin invites UN Secretary-General to 2013 Universiade

(KZN.RU, April 24, by Ekaterina Andreeva) Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin on behalf of the President of Tatarstan invited the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to attend the 2013 Universiade in the capital of Tatarstan. This was done during a meeting of the UN leadership with mayors, members of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). Mayor of Kazan attended the meeting as co-president of UCLG and president of its Eurasian department.

The meeting was held in preparation for the Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio +20, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro in June. The UCLG delegation presented to Ban Ki-moon, the UN officials, the leadership of international unions and city associations their ideas and recommendations, aimed at achieving sustainable development of cities and regions. Along with mayor of Kazan, who was the sole representative of Russia at the meeting, the heads of Istanbul, Lisbon, Montreal, among others, shared their ideas.

Commenting on the event, Ilsur Metshin expressed his satisfaction that the United Nations pays special attention to the problems of municipalities. “Many speakers pointed out that in our rapidly changing world governments are sometimes unable to respond to new challenges due to the lack of time; therefore, municipalities have to be at the forefront and assist governments in this matter," said I.Metshin.

Following the meeting, during which three round tables were held, a joint statement was signed. The statement notes the role of urbanization as a factor in global economic growth and social development. On the one hand, cities around the world experience acute problems of migration, social inequality, environmental pollution, climate change and youth unemployment. On the other, urban areas are cradles of innovative ideas, currently producing more than 75% of global GNP. In this regard, cities need to become more environmentally sustainable, socially responsible and economically productive, the document says.

“In addressing these issues it is very important to use the best international practices,” said mayor of Kazan. “Each city solves its own problems of water supply, waste management, environmental protection, transportation, health, education, etc. There is no way to simultaneously solve all the problems. Therefore, it is important to share experiences."

The results of the New York meeting will serve as the basis for UCLG participation in the Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio +20.