Closing of the XII Metropolis World Congress and of the 2017 Congress of Francophone Mayors - The cities of the world proclaim the Montréal Declaration and commit to implementing the Paris Agreement

MONTRÉAL, June 22, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Closing the XII Metropolis World Congress and the 2017 General Assembly of the Association Internationale des Maires Francophones (AIMF), the mayors of the world's largest cities have proclaimed, from one voice, the Montréal Declaration. This historical document sets out the commitment of cities to come together in taking on local and global challenges, particularly in implementing the Paris Agreement on climate. The Declaration demonstrates the leadership and the involvement of cities to tackle the major issues of our world. For the full Declaration, please click here.

"We, the mayors and city representatives from the four corners of the planet, are more than ever determined to exercise strong leadership and to work towards solving global problems that affect city dwellers and indeed the entire global population. The Montréal Declaration confirms the commitment of cities to implement the Paris Agreement, as well as the Declaration of the Climate Summit for Local Leaders, regardless of the international political context," said Montréal Mayor and Metropolis President, the Honourable Denis Coderre.

The document also highlights the determination of its signatories to achieve the New Urban Agenda, adopted by the United Nations in 2016, and to meet all the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. The Declaration also reiterates the commitment of cities to support economic and sustainable development, openness, equality, peace, and living together in solidarity in the face of violence.

"The Montréal Declaration aspires to be the concrete manifestation of the commitment of cities to play a central role in terms of local and global issues. In this document, local governments formally commit to address with determination some of the most pressing challenges of our time, particularly regarding the climate, the fight against pollution and for air quality, as well as a more equitable representation of women in governance positions. I am very pleased that under Denis Coderre's instigation, we could successfully draft this ambitious text," added Paris Mayor, AIMF President, and C40 President, Ms. Anne Hidalgo.

In addition to the hundreds of cities and metropolises member of Metropolis and the AIMF, major international networks such as United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, and the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) add their voice to the Montréal Declaration.

XII Metropolis World Congress: A successful meeting of metropolises
The XII Metropolis World Congress officially closed today after four days in which more than 140 mayors and 1,500 delegates from all over the world discussed the major challenges of the 21^st century. Under the theme "Global Challenges: Major Cities in Action", the Congress offered an extraordinary program and well-attended sessions, with more than 250 speakers and presenters, and topics covering sustainable development, inclusion, living together, economic development, smart cities, mobility and urban planning, as well as leadership and city governance.

"The openness, responsiveness and cooperation spirit of all the participants gathered together in Montréal were the perfect environment for fruitful exchanges and reflections. The contribution of diverse participants, notably from the business sector and members of the civil society, is crucial to identifying solutions to address the challenges we face locally and internationally. I am proud of the Montréal Declaration and of the leadership shown by the cities and organizations that made it possible," declared President of the Congress Board of Directors, Ms. Monique F. Leroux.

Montréal Mayor Denis Coderre re-elected President of Metropolis
Today's General Assembly of Metropolis saw the re-election of Denis Coderre as president for a new term as well as the election of the Board of Directors members for 2017-2020. The General Assembly was presented with the 2018-2020 action plan and approved the final version of the Montréal Declaration. In addition, the president of Metropolis Women, Laura Pérez Castaño, was re-elected for a new term. For more information, please visit the Metropolis website.

AIMF: Creation of a working group on Living Together policies
As part of the 37^th General Assembly of the AIMF, the Permanent Commission on Living Together of the Association, presided by Mayor Denis Coderre, established a working group tasked with performing an international scan of municipal living together policies and to develop a support mechanism for these policies.

During the two congresses, thirteen new cities in Africa, Europe and the Americas join the International Observatory of Mayors on Living Together, which celebrates its first year anniversary this year. This brings the number of member cities to 45. For the list of new signatories, please click here.

"Rarely have we seen a week so internationally charged in Montréal. It is with great pride that our city hosted during its 375^th anniversary so many delegations of women and men who in solidarity shown determination in tackling the challenges that affect the planet. Finally, I wish to acknowledge the tireless work of the people behind Metropolis and the AIMF, without whom the Montréal Declaration would not have been possible," concludes Denis Coderre.

For photos and other documents for the media, please click here.

About Metropolis
Metropolis, World Association of the Major Metropolises, is the global network of major cities and metropolitan areas having populations greater than one million. Founded in 1985, the association comprises more than 140 members worldwide. It serves as an international forum for large cities from around the world to consult on urban issues and challenges.

About the AIMF
The AIMF was founded in Québec City on May 1, 1979, at the initiative of then Paris Mayor Monsieur Jacques Chirac and Québec City Mayor Monsieur Jean Pelletier. Montréal, through Mayor Jean Drapeau, is one of twenty founding members of the Association. The current president is Madame Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris. The AIMF has nearly 300 member cities, in 51 countries in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

SOURCE Ville de Montréal - Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif

Source: Marc-André Gosselin, City of Montréal, 514 290-1194; Information: Laurie Fossat, 514 234-0535, [email protected]; Jules Chamberland-Lajoie, City of Montréal, 514 872-7426, [email protected]