VII UCLG WORLD CONGRESS – DAY 1

On October 12, the grand opening of the VII World Congress of the World Organization “United Cities and Local Government” took place under the slogan “Local and Regional Governments Are Breaking Through as One”. The event was attended by more than 1000 representatives of large and small cities of the world.

Welcoming remarks were made by President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk-yeol, former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, UCLG Secretary General Emilia Saiz, and Mayor of Daejeon Li Jang-woo.

“I am convinced that the UCLG World Congress in Daejeon will be the best opportunity to strengthen partnerships between local and regional governments and to elaborate new strategies for the future development of generations and the world community”, said Mayor of Daejeon in his greeting.

One of the main sessions was the Eurasia Assembly, where UCLG-Eurasia’s priorities for the period from 2022 and beyond were announced.

«UCLG-Eurasia makes every effort to raise awareness of best practices in the field of international municipal cooperation and urban development among local governments of Eurasia”, Secretary General of UCLG-Eurasia Rasikh Sagitov stressed.

Chairman of Khujand Firdavs Sharifzoda, Director of the Union of Russian Cities, Head of the Tekstilshchiki Municipal District in Moscow Alexandra Ignatyeva, Director of the Union of Local Self-Governments of the Kyrgyz Republic Bekturgan Orozbaev, Chairman of the Mongolian Association of Local Authorities Sundui Batbold, Head of the Information Technology Department of the Rostov-on-Don City Administration Victor Egorenkov delivered their reports.

Firdavs Sharifzoda presented the industrial potential of the city of Khujand, and also noted the importance of establishing sister city relations.

Concluding his speech, Firdavs Sharifzoda and Mayor of Kazan, President of UCLG-Eurasia Ilsur Metshin exchanged memorable gifts.

Alexandra Ignatyeva, Director of the Union of Russian Cities, Head of the Tekstilshchiki Municipal District in Moscow, highlighted the importance of cooperation between local and regional governments and national governments. It is through joint efforts that the quality of life of our citizens can be improved.

During his speech, Director of the Union of Local Self-Governments of the Kyrgyz Republic Bekturgan Orozbaev proposed to the World Organization of UCLG and the Eurasia Section, in cooperation with the Union of Local Self-Governments of the Kyrgyz Republic and other municipal associations, to elaborate and implement regional projects for the development of horizontal ties and cultural exchange, applying the already tested forms, but giving them new content, examples of peaceful settlement of disputes and contradictions and efficient border cooperation.

Victor Egorenkov shared the experience of the city of Rostov-on-Don and told about the importance of digital services that facilitate the interaction between governments and citizens. It should be noted that such services promote the implementation of the UN’s principle “to leave no one behind”: allowing people with disabilities to get services online.

Thus, the needs of the population, climate change, infrastructure and development of inter-municipal cooperation were among the most important issues for the Eurasia Region.

The Assembly was followed by a meeting of the Executive Bureau attended by leaders and representatives of Rostov-on-Don, Osh, Grozny, Ulyanovsk and Kazan from UCLG-Eurasia. Reports and strategic priorities of the Organization were heard during the Executive Bureau.

At the end of the day, a welcome dinner was held on behalf of Mayor of Daejeon Li Jang-woo, where the Congress participants tasted Korean national cuisine, as well as saw the performance of the Republic of Korea Folk Dance Ensemble and the Korean taekwondo team.

This year, UCLG-Eurasia was represented by more than 50 delegates from 25 cities of Eurasia.

12.10.2022

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