I.Metshin: “We must take measures to ensure that what happened in Kazan never happens again anywhere in the world”

The Mayor of the capital of Tatarstan held the annual meeting of the UN Advisory Committee of Local Authorities (UNACLA).

International organizations play an important role in ensuring effective interaction between cities and municipalities. Now, members of such organizations must develop and take measures to counter common threats. Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, the President of the Advisory Committee of Local Authorities (UNACLA), made such a proposal at the annual meeting of the committee, which was held yesterday via videoconference.

The meeting was co-chaired by Maimunah Mohd Sharif, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-Habitat.

I.Metshin began his speech with words of thanks for the support of Kazan residents for the tragedy that occurred on 11 May.

It is important for cities to unite in countering the common threats, which was shown by the COVID-19 pandemic, said the President of UNACLA. “Much of what was done in Kazan to combat the coronavirus has become a model for other Russian cities. We have actively learnt from the experience of our colleagues from all over the world, - he said. – What happened in Kazan is a new challenge, and we must learn the lessons and jointly take measures to ensure that this never happens again anywhere in the world”.

Five years ago, the international community adopted the New Urban Agenda– a program of transformation, the Mayor of Kazan reminded. The New Urban Agenda is recognized as an accelerator for integrated sustainable urban development up to 2030, as well as for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Five years after the adoption of the New Agenda, its implementation in urban development remains a challenge, the Mayor said. “Many of the expectations associated with an actual strengthened partnership between the participants and the United Nations system remain unfulfilled, - he added. - Nevertheless, a structured dialogue was ensured with all parts of the system and more active interaction”.

In the coming months, the World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments will make every effort to demonstrate the need to recognize local and regional authorities as official participants in the activities related to the New Urban Agenda, I.Metshin added.

UNACLA representatives from all over the world took part in the discussion.

Video report

20.05.2021 10:10

The Mayor of Kazan held the annual meeting of the UN Advisory Committee of Local Authorities