Eurasian Training of UCLG held for the first time in Kazan
Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin opens Plenary Session before delegates from 20 Countries
The Eurasian training program “Eurasian Cities and Global Trends,” organized by the global network United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) in cooperation with the Municipality of Kazan, officially opened today in the Kazan City Hall. For the first time, the three-day training is taking place in Kazan, bringing together 60 delegations from 20 countries, including China, Turkey, Lebanon, and South Africa. Alongside representatives of UCLG’s Eurasian section, members of the Asia-Pacific, Middle Eastern, and South African branches are also present.
The Eurasian training serves as a traditional platform for exchanging experience and best practices, and is typically hosted by Barcelona. The seminar in Kazan opened with a plenary session focused on international municipal cooperation and global trends, during which President of UCLG Eurasia and Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin addressed the audience.
“We are honored to host this significant Eurasian forum,” said Metshin. “Today, leaders of over 60 cities from 20 countries have gathered here.” He emphasized that developing horizontal ties between municipalities is a key global trend that strengthens cities.
Metshin underscored that no city can thrive in isolation:
“Only by staying open and sharing best practices can we grow, remain competitive, and become more attractive for both residents and visitors. Today, more than ever, we must remain aware of the best ideas and adapt them to serve our citizens.”
As the mayor of a multicultural city, Metshin highlighted Kazan’s ongoing dialogue of cultures and religions, which he said allows the city to grow, learn, and perceive the world in a richer way.
He also pointed to Kazan’s rapid development in recent years, saying:
“This has made Kazan one of the leading million-plus cities in Russia and a host for global events, from world championships to major economic forums like the one held last week, as well as next year’s BRICS summit.”
According to Metshin, the training is part of UCLG’s broader strategy:
“The seminar includes expert talks, consultations, exchanges of best practices, and interactive simulations—all of which will enhance the capacity of municipal leaders to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”
He also announced the upcoming Urban Diplomacy Forum to be held in Kazan this September and invited participants to take part.
“The world is going through challenging times,” he said. “But let’s ask ourselves—has it ever been easy? The role of leaders is to always act for the development of municipalities and the betterment of life for future generations.”
The Eurasian training serves as a traditional platform for exchanging experience and best practices, and is typically hosted by Barcelona. The seminar in Kazan opened with a plenary session focused on international municipal cooperation and global trends, during which President of UCLG Eurasia and Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin addressed the audience.
“We are honored to host this significant Eurasian forum,” said Metshin. “Today, leaders of over 60 cities from 20 countries have gathered here.” He emphasized that developing horizontal ties between municipalities is a key global trend that strengthens cities.
Metshin underscored that no city can thrive in isolation:
“Only by staying open and sharing best practices can we grow, remain competitive, and become more attractive for both residents and visitors. Today, more than ever, we must remain aware of the best ideas and adapt them to serve our citizens.”
As the mayor of a multicultural city, Metshin highlighted Kazan’s ongoing dialogue of cultures and religions, which he said allows the city to grow, learn, and perceive the world in a richer way.
He also pointed to Kazan’s rapid development in recent years, saying:
“This has made Kazan one of the leading million-plus cities in Russia and a host for global events, from world championships to major economic forums like the one held last week, as well as next year’s BRICS summit.”
According to Metshin, the training is part of UCLG’s broader strategy:
“The seminar includes expert talks, consultations, exchanges of best practices, and interactive simulations—all of which will enhance the capacity of municipal leaders to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”
He also announced the upcoming Urban Diplomacy Forum to be held in Kazan this September and invited participants to take part.
“The world is going through challenging times,” he said. “But let’s ask ourselves—has it ever been easy? The role of leaders is to always act for the development of municipalities and the betterment of life for future generations.”
UCLG President and Secretary General Emilia Saiz addressed the session via video message:
“Peace, unity, and cooperation motivate us to find solutions to global challenges. The SDGs must be achieved, and we value the work you do. We look forward to working together.”
Ashok Kumar, head of the UCLG Asia-Pacific section, stressed the importance of coordinated action:
“Without joint efforts, municipalities cannot ensure a sustainable urban future. We need to replicate best practices globally.”
Bheke Stofile, President of the South African Local Government Association, highlighted the diverse challenges local governments face and called for stronger interregional cooperation.
Mehmet Duman, Secretary General of UCLG Middle East, referred to the recent devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria:
“Thousands lost their lives, cities were destroyed, and internal migration has risen. Local governments now face new crises. We must do more to rebuild and prepare better for such disasters. Sustainable development is key to resilience.”
Ekaterina Torubarova, head of public diplomacy at Rossotrudnichestvo, shared practical insights on inter-municipal cooperation, noting that Russia currently maintains around 2,200 twinning relationships. She also proposed initiatives to engage young mayors through educational programs in Kazan.
Mohamad Saadie, President of the Union of Danish Municipalities and Deputy Ombudsman of UCLG Middle East, commended Metshin:
“You and your team have done outstanding work to make Kazan a prominent city. Your contributions are recognized on the international stage.”
Saadie emphasized the importance of local governance in achieving sustainability, highlighting that municipalities, unlike ministries, are directly engaged with citizens.
At the session’s close, Metshin presented awards, including a presidential commendation from Vladimir Putin to UCLG Eurasia Secretary General Rasikh Sagitov.
The session was moderated by Evgenia Lodvigova, Deputy Head of the Kazan Municipality.
In the afternoon, the Executive Bureau of the Asian Mayors Forum convened on the sidelines of the training.
“This significantly broadens the seminar’s framework and illustrates the multipolarity of today’s world,” concluded Metshin.
“Peace, unity, and cooperation motivate us to find solutions to global challenges. The SDGs must be achieved, and we value the work you do. We look forward to working together.”
Ashok Kumar, head of the UCLG Asia-Pacific section, stressed the importance of coordinated action:
“Without joint efforts, municipalities cannot ensure a sustainable urban future. We need to replicate best practices globally.”
Bheke Stofile, President of the South African Local Government Association, highlighted the diverse challenges local governments face and called for stronger interregional cooperation.
Mehmet Duman, Secretary General of UCLG Middle East, referred to the recent devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria:
“Thousands lost their lives, cities were destroyed, and internal migration has risen. Local governments now face new crises. We must do more to rebuild and prepare better for such disasters. Sustainable development is key to resilience.”
Ekaterina Torubarova, head of public diplomacy at Rossotrudnichestvo, shared practical insights on inter-municipal cooperation, noting that Russia currently maintains around 2,200 twinning relationships. She also proposed initiatives to engage young mayors through educational programs in Kazan.
Mohamad Saadie, President of the Union of Danish Municipalities and Deputy Ombudsman of UCLG Middle East, commended Metshin:
“You and your team have done outstanding work to make Kazan a prominent city. Your contributions are recognized on the international stage.”
Saadie emphasized the importance of local governance in achieving sustainability, highlighting that municipalities, unlike ministries, are directly engaged with citizens.
At the session’s close, Metshin presented awards, including a presidential commendation from Vladimir Putin to UCLG Eurasia Secretary General Rasikh Sagitov.
The session was moderated by Evgenia Lodvigova, Deputy Head of the Kazan Municipality.
In the afternoon, the Executive Bureau of the Asian Mayors Forum convened on the sidelines of the training.
“This significantly broadens the seminar’s framework and illustrates the multipolarity of today’s world,” concluded Metshin.