Cities: Solutions for Global Challenge
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Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, inspiring delegates in the 12 World Congress of Metropolis Section of UCLG.
METROPOLIS, the global network of major cities and metropolitan areas, brought together distinguished mayors from all regions in its 12th World Congress. Taking theme “Global Challenges: Major Cities in Action,� Metropolis set a particular agenda to stimulate debate and generate insights for leaders participating in the event held in Montreal, Canada, 19-22 of June 2017. During the four day event, the forum saw attendance of over 1,500 delegates. Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister of Canada), Denis Coderre (Mayor of Montreal), and Anne Hidalgo (Mayor of Paris) were among many other key speakers inspiring participating delegates in the panel session. Moderated by Celine Galipeau, the session deeply discussed roles of cities as driver of change and thus become strategic partner of national governments. In the discussion, Trudeau mentioned the importance of partnership, "We serve the same citizens, [so] we must work together." Connecting the discussion with climate change, Anne Hidalgo put stress on the role of major cities, "large cities are the front line of globalization," especially for climate and the refugees issue. "We have to find solutions that people have not yet
thought of, and which can be used on a larger scale." In line with it was exploration by Denis Coderre, "What we have in our hands is an ecosystem that is part of the global village. The economic reality makes it necessary to consolidate all this together and for this, cities play a key role.� Apart from the high note inspirations, this congress also inserted a fun yet smart practice for participants reminding them to continuously exercise healthy living through Run for Fun, a race through the streets of Montreal, on the third day. Contributing to this global agenda, was President of UCLG, Mpho Parks Tau. Also attending was Tri Risma, Mayor of Surabaya, the second largest city in Indonesia and an active member of UCLG ASPAC.