(Ansamed) - Naples, 4 Sept - Round table talks regarding
the role of local governments in improving the infrastructure of
cities have taken place at the World Urban Forum in Naples,
involving Mayors from around the world.
Opening the talks was Mayor of Naples, Luigi Di Magistris,
who emphasized the need to "unite the efforts of mayors of
different countries of the world to increase the happiness of
our citizens."
"Mayors are the closest representatives to the needs of the
people in large urban areas" said Di Magistris.
"We see with our own eyes problems of youth unemployment,
and therefore are well equipped to adopt the wisest decisions,
taken with the participation of the citizens themselves."
The Mayor of Istanbul and President of the Union of Cities
and Local Government (UCGL) Kadir Topbas, added that "cities
must be protagonists of change and not spectators" and that one
of the most significant role of mayors is 'transparency' and the
ability to stay in touch with citizens in all decision making
areas.
"We (mayors) are the principal stakeholders of trust in the new millenium." Topbas reiterated that the economic crisis should not be an excuse to make cuts in cities. "On the contrary, the financing of infrastructures such as transport is fundamental to the boosting of economic growth: investment should therefore be increased," he said.
Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Naomi Tsur called for "an improvement in networks between cities to create a common global momentum". Topbas in turn proposed an Annual Meeting of Mayors in every continent to deal with the specific challenges related to this. (AnsaMed)
"We (mayors) are the principal stakeholders of trust in the new millenium." Topbas reiterated that the economic crisis should not be an excuse to make cuts in cities. "On the contrary, the financing of infrastructures such as transport is fundamental to the boosting of economic growth: investment should therefore be increased," he said.
Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Naomi Tsur called for "an improvement in networks between cities to create a common global momentum". Topbas in turn proposed an Annual Meeting of Mayors in every continent to deal with the specific challenges related to this. (AnsaMed)
