Metropolis Strategic Action Plan 2021-2024: Active listening to transform our metropolitan spaces
Note from the President
Cities carry modernization and life. According to the United Nations, 55% of the world’s population lives in urban areas, a proportion that is expected to increase to 68% by 2050. Cities have been decisive in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals since urban governance and development influence the fulfillment, happiness and security of each of us. The year 2024 has witnessed the collective response of cities around the world to the critical challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reality has proved that the destinies of people from different cities become ever-more entwined and interconnected and that solidarity and cooperation are the most powerful weapons for cities to overcome crises.
The year 2024 also marks the 35th anniversary of the World Association of the Major Metropolises (Metropolis). As an international organization focusing on metropolitan cities and a pivotal platform for multilateral cooperation among cities, Metropolis has been committed to solving urban problems and driving sustainable urban development. Its wisdom and energy have strongly promoted exchange, governance and joint response to challenges among cities.
Standing at a new historical starting point, Metropolis still has its missions and responsibilities in mind and has formulated this 2021-2024 Strategic Action Plan. The Action plan brings together the efforts and wisdom of 141 members across the globe, and it expects to provide directions and pathways for cities to tackle challenges and problems and to optimize their governance in the next three years.
We are convinced that the Action Plan will encourage cities to voice their opinions in the international community, consolidate and enhance the crucial role of cities in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and empower metropolises to be a leading global force.
We are convinced that the Action Plan will make cities more resilient and flexible, and more functional in promoting economic development, ecological balance, social harmony, gender equality and livelihoods, and therefore propel cities towards a more sustainable future.
We are convinced that the Action Plan will allow Metropolis to perfect internal management and pool network resources, expand its influence in the exchange and cooperation among cities, and build a community with a shared future for metropolises. We hereby call on all member cities to fully support and participate in the implementation of the 2021-2024 Strategic Action Plan, jointly address challenges, pursue common development and shoulder responsibilities, cooperatively promote global urban governance towards joint contribution, co-governance and shared benefits.
by Wen Guohui, President of Metropolis and Mayor of Guangzhou
Access the full document here