EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda has called on the world’s mayors to work together to address challenges facing global cities. 

 

He was addressing the United Cities in Local Government (UCLG) World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders which is currently taking place in Daejeon in South Korea. 

 

Mayor Kaunda reminded delegates that the summit was taking place at a time when cities of the world were still reeling from the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread changes in weather patterns across the world which have destroyed lives and impacted livelihoods.

 

“Coupled with the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, many cities also faced the challenge of climate change which caused severe drought and flooding which placed further pressure on local government as delivery agents of basic services,” said Mayor Kaunda. 

 

He urged the mayors in attendance to form stronger coalitions between cities and to accelerate the process of recovery and rebuilding. 

“COVID-19 and other disasters have affected our cities but have also demonstrated how interconnected we are as the global community. And if we act in solidarity, we can mitigate some of these disasters which adversely affect cities in developing countries,” said Mayor Kaunda.  

 

He suggested that the UCLG make the development of climate resilience strategies and improved urban planning post disaster one of the key focus areas for next year. He added that this will go a long way in mitigating the impact of disasters and ensuring that cities build better and smarter after disasters. 

 

ENDS

 

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit.