ORGANIZED BY: METROPOLIS AND BUENOS AIRES CITY GOVERNMENT

CONTEXT

The session tackled the political and technical aspects of the themes of Inclusion, Innovation, and Sustainability, highlighting their central role in local public policies, as well as the importance of integrated urban management and genuine participation by citizens.

Inclusion
Citizen participation is a fundamental element of local management, lifting the levels of citizens’ skills and empowering local people to engage in, decide on and plan their city together with the local authorities. In this context, addressing the problems of poverty and urban inequality must be a priority to enhance fairness by designing social and physical architecture that can impact equal opportunities.

Innovation
The concept of innovation worked on in Live the City covers both technological change, via information technologies and digital solutions, and improvements in public administration processes and models – urban and open Innovation – which considers inserting cities in the knowledge economy and that of the common good, the main asset of which is human capital. This concept embraces all measures that can generate an ecosystem favorable to innovation and entrepreneurs.

Sustainability
Live the City proposes a holistic perspective on sustainable and balanced urban development which considers social, economic and environmental factors as well as cultural ones. Urban environmental policies have to explore solutions that make a decided contribution to the fight against climate change. This necessarily involves tackling the green economy concept, which includes the development of renewable energies; a clear commitment to pedestrianization and the implementation of zero or low carbon-emitting public transportation; the protection of natural spaces and environmental services; and waste management with a reduced environmental impact, among other strategies.

CONTENT

The introduction was by Daniel Chain, who emphasized the importance of the central themes of the gathering for the construction of more liveable cities and their specific impact on people’s quality of life; in other words, the importance of urban planning that tackles these themes from a holistic perspective. Subsequently, the other speakers shared details of the way in which these issues are dealt with in their own cities, with specific examples of policies which have been implemented, as well as the identification of lessons and learning experiences.

Michael Müller structured his presentation around the following question: How can we achieve progress in our cities in order to improve people’s quality of life with the help of technology and good political management? In order to demonstrate that change is possible, he explained the implementation of the system of interactive maps in order to verify wheelchair access in the city, and an application for electronic devices that allows people to check not just the departure times for bus and train services, but also how full these transport services are.

Pierre Desrochers emphasized the need for the creation of spaces where citizens can express themselves and make decisions in order to strengthen the commitment and the integration of all population sectors and generations. For this purpose, he gave the example of various formats which stimulate participation, such as municipal or neighbourhood councils.

For his part, Daniel Chain gave examples of the policies which have led Buenos Aires to be considered a healthy, cultural, habitable, and integrating city. From amongst these actions he highlighted the Green City initiative, the Urban Development and Recovery Plan, and the improvement of various central thoroughfares as part of the Microcentro Plan.

With regard to participatory planning, Daniela Chacón set out its meaning, its implementation, and its advantages, whilst the representative from the city of Mexico, Felipe de Jesús Gutiérrez, demonstrated the efforts made in order to achieve integrated urban renewal based on habitability and participation, with projects such as Interurban Trains, the Health City, the Sports City, and the new CDMX airport, amongst others. 

 

The speakers agreed that, in order for all inhabitants to be able to enjoy a city, it had to be re-organized, and that investment, development, and equality needed to be encouraged. Beyond this, the main point of agreement was in relation to the importance of listening to citizens, i.e. making them participate in collective decisions. Cities need to be humanized, and for this is it essential to create spaces for social integration backed by modern, high-quality infrastructure, that improves the competitiveness and productivity of the economy. In conclusion, the presentations insisted on the idea expressed by Minister Chain that ‘Cities are for living in, not surviving in’.

AGENDA

9 am – 9.15 am: Introduction by Daniel Chain about the importance of the meeting’s central themes (inclusion, sustainability, innovation) for the construction of more livable cities and their specific impact on the quality of people’s lives. Importance of a form of city planning that approaches these themes from a holistic focus, not as independent work areas.

9.15 am – 10 am: Speakers’ presentations (approx. 7 mins per speaker, with or without PPT at the speaker’s choice) on the way the central themes are approached in their cities, with specific examples of policies/actions carried forward and the identification of lessons, points learned and/or failed experiences which they learnt from in order to improve.

10 am – 10.15 am: Comments or questions from the moderator (D. Chain) to the speakers regarding specific aspects of the presentations.

10.15 am – 10.30 am: Questions from the public to the panelists and close.

Organized by: METROPOLIS, UCLG, FMDV and Cities Alliance

CONTEXT

The session was organized around a series of questions directed towards the political representatives of METROPOLIS with regard to the past, present, and future of the major metropolises in relation to three highly-significant events for urban communities: the UN Conference for the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, in September 2015 in New York; the United Nations Conference on Climate Change, to be held in Paris in December 2015, and the Third United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Development, Habitat III, to be held in Quito in October 2016.

The questions around which the debate was structured were as follows:

1. How do the major metropolises participate in the development goals post-2015?
2. How can and should the major metropolises tackle climate change?
3. What is the role of the major metropolises in the worldwide commitment to sustainable urban development?

Divided into three modules, each Mayor (or equivalent) tackled one of the questions on the basis of their personal experience leading their city, in order to highlight their own personal voice and leadership. The session allowed the main political representatives to set out what had motivated them to get involved in the administration of their city, the progress made so far, and their vision for the urban future. This format served to establish the position of the political leaders in the face of the aforementioned upcoming events with worldwide significance, which will have a considerable impact on how urban development, urbanization, and the life of citizens in the 21st century is viewed.

The first module was moderated by Jean-François Habeau, Executive Director of the Global Fund for Cities Development (FMDV), and his central theme was the development goals post-2015. Mpho Parks Tau, Mayor of Johannesburg; Bianca Debaets, Secretary of State for Equal Opportunities of the Capital of the Brussels Region; Helen Fernández, Acting Metropolitan Mayor of Caracas; Felipe de Jesús Gutiérrez, Mexico D.F. Urban Development and Housing Secretary; and Mónica Fein, Municipal Mayor of Rosario, all spoke.

The second module, for which the main theme was climate change, was moderated by Alain Le Saux, Secretary-General of METROPOLIS, and Jean Paul Huchon, President of METROPOLIS and of the Île-de-France Region; Pierre Desrochers, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the City of Montreal; Claudio Orrego, Governor of the Santiago Metropolitan Region; José Fortunati, Mayor of Porto Alegre, and Ana Olivera, Mayor of Montevideo, all set out their points of view on the issue. 

The third and last module dealt with sustainable urban development and was co-ordinated by Josep Roig, Secretary-General of UCLG. Participating in the debate were Michael Müller, Mayor of Berlin; Yang Jiancheng, Deputy Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Guangzhou Committee; Edson Aparecido, Secretary-General of Sao Paulo State; and Daniela Chacón, Deputy Mayor of the Quito Metropolitan District.

A consensus emerged from the discussions with regard to the duty of the international community to listen to and understand the concerns of the mayors, especially those of the most populated cities in the world. These local political leaders embody the message of millions of citizens and their daily needs. Issues such as employment, housing, transport, access to education, healthcare, security, and energy are just some of a long list of basic issues.

Mayors have a high level of political responsibility, administering cities, urban conurbations, or metropolitan regions which are considerably more important than some member States of the United Nations, whether because of their population, or the international significance they possess. As such, city mayors (and their equivalents) are becoming leaders when it comes to responding to the challenges facing the planet. However, their role does not appear to be sufficiently recognized in contemporary international relations, which give almost absolute visibility to leaders acting at a national level. Launched in October 2014, the METROPOLIS project entitled ‘Voice of the Mayors’ has the aim of ensuring that the mayors of the major cities are seen and heard, and that their active work in international development is recognized. For this purpose, the written first-hand testimony of the mayors (and their equivalents) is collected, and form part of a collection of publications available in digital and printed formats.

At the end of the session, Jean-Paul Huchon announced that the METROPOLIS Declaration is to be drawn up, with the aim of representing the voice of the major cities at the Habitat III Conference.

MODERATORS:

• Jean François Habeau, Executive Director of the Global fund for cities development (FMDV)
• Alain Le Saux, METROPOLIS Secretary General
• Josep Roig, Secretary General of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG)

PARTICIPANTS:

• Jean Paul Huchon, President of METROPOLIS and the Île-de-France Region
• Mpho Franklin Parks Tau, Mayor of Johannesburg
• Michael Müller, Mayor of Berlin
• Pierre Desrochers, Presidente of the Executive Committee, City of Montreal
• Yang Jiancheng. Chinese People's Political Consultive Conference Guangzhou Committee (CPPCC GHZ Committee)
• Claudio Orrego, Mayor of Santiago Metropolitan Region
• Bianca Debaets, Secretary of State for Equal Opportunity of the Brussels-Capital Region
• Edson Aparecido. Chief-Secretary of Civil House, State of Sao Paulo
• José Fortunati, Mayor of Porto Alegre
• Daniela Chacón, Metropolitan Deputy Mayor of Quito
• Ana Olivera, Mayor of Montevideo
• Felipe de Jesús Gutiérrez, Secretary for Urban Development and Housing, Mexico City
• Helen Fernández, Metropolitan Mayor in charge, Caracas
• Mónica Fein, Mayor of Rosario

ROOM:  Auditorio principal

2nd Thematic Session on Inclusion

Organized by: Metropolis and Government of the City of Buenos Aires 

Citizens were the protagonists of this session under the premise that the organization of cohabitation and the creation of policies are not solely in the hands of the civil servants or experts, but also in those of the inhabitants of cities. The main idea was that the political classes should not be considered to be separate from the community, in isolation from each other. On the contrary, it is necessary to build alliances between public intervention and the community, given that only the latter knows what its needs are, and ought to be at the heart of its own social transformation.

The gathering was moderated by Jorge Melguizo (consultant and speaker on public administration, integrated urban projects, and culture) and Mercedes Aranguren (President of the Convivir Foundation). The experiences shared during the session were as follows:

• 'Abidjan: Modern plant for the transformation of cassava', by Cathérine Zouzoua, councillor for the Abidjan District.
• 'Barcelona: Experience concerning public spaces and gender from the community leadership perspective' by Estel Crusellas, Coordinator of the Women's Information and Resources Centre (CIRD).
• 'Agra: Assisting the poorest communities of the suburbs through the smart use of technologies, sustainable social and economic impact, and the interface between the excluded communities and the administration of the city' by Renu Koshla, Director of the Centre for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE) India.
• 'Participation of women in the administration of local neighbourhoods' by Ensieh Ghafouri Sharbaf, Policy councillor in Mashhad.
• Following this there were brief presentations under a “TED” format, which made the session dynamic and exciting. The speakers were:
• Nelsa Curbelo, an expert in human rights, non-violence, and conflict resolution, from Guayaquil. 
• Alvaro Jourde, leader of 'Ruwasunchis', a cultural and citizen movement based in a peripheral community of Lima known as Manchay.

Lastly, the evidence of the following community leaders and representatives from Buenos Aires was put forward:

• Mario, Camilo, and Roxana, members of the 'La Hermandad' Band from Villa 20 de Lugano (who also gave a musical presentation).
• Sara 'Chachi' Lázzaro, who chairs the Centre 'Luna Bu' for retired people and pensioners in Villa Pueyrredón.
• Serafina Falagán, Director of the 'Los Ángeles' community canteen, chair of Villa 26 barrio de Barracas, and spokesperson for resettled inhabitants.
• Fernando Ríos Avillo, from Villa Soldati, member of the project Orchestras and Choirs for Equity of the Ministry of Education of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires.
• Mario Delgado, who after spending seven years living rough, managed to turn his life around and now helps other people to escape from this situation, working with the Operational Department for Integral Assistance for the Homeless.

 
In the first round of presentations, examples were given of projects in which networks of women are at the forefront as the main group involved. Many of these cases are highly significant because they are carried out in places where women are not free or independent, or there is gender inequality. However, they have been able to satisfy their needs, participate in NGOs, or be the brains behind the planning and urban management. Experiences were also described with regard to the poorest communities as the protagonists of programmes that seek to promote them as being responsible for the administration of the city. In this first round of presentations, the main conclusion was how important it is to listen to the community when planning and implementing any interventions. 

Other presentations during this session provided examples of how the agents of community change can be a successful driving force in generating improvements in citizens’ quality of life through local movements focussed on working towards peace, social rights, and inclusion. These are self-organizing phenomena which emerge in the neighbourhoods and which encourage processes of individual development and community empowerment. The initiatives described have shown that they have an enriching impact on social fabric, on the increase of autonomy in the administration of public and local spaces, and on the promotion of the common good, solidarity, and ethical values.

To conclude, the importance of respecting and strengthening community leadership and networks was highlighted. There was also emphasis on the need for providing these kinds of experiences with more visibility in the various international forums, so that the authorities might listen and learn from these kinds of experiences. Lastly, it was pointed out that the presence of the State with policies for supporting people contributes to the construction of high-quality life projects.

ROOM:  Microcine

Innovation Session 2

Organized by: METROPOLIS and Buenos Aires City Government

Open innovation is a tool that is widely used by companies and businesses around the world, but in actual fact its most significant impact may derive from this approach being adopted by local authorities. Open innovation offers the potential to improve citizens’ quality of life, to achieve changes and efficiency at local authorities, while also encouraging citizens and local businesses to participate more actively. In the current changing circumstances in which we find ourselves, it is important to be one step ahead of change, providing solutions and initiatives. With regard to cities, this requires imagination, creativity, and lateral thinking. It requires innovation applied to urban challenges, or in other words, urban innovation.

The session was structured through speeches followed by round-table discussions where participants had the opportunity to debate certain issues raised by various specialists in urban management. The audience was made up of civil servants from member cities of METROPOLIS, academics, and members of NGOs on public policies.

Sunil Dubey, Professor from the University of Sydney, began the working session by introducing the subject of urban and open innovation, with references to experiences and challenges. Subsequently, Alvaro García Resta, architect in charge of the Urban Innovation Team in the City of Buenos Aires, spoke about the subject of Urban Innovation; Rudi Borrmann, Director-General of Innovation and Open Government in the Government of the City of Buenos Aires, spoke about Open Innovation; and Cecilia Lucca, Coordinator of the Innovation and Creativity Table of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires, spoke about the administration of innovation within local authorities.

Following this, the participants were divided into groups in order to discuss various problems and questions relating to urban and open innovation. The conclusions and challenges reported from these debates focussed on aspects such as the importance of connecting innovative ideas through virtual communities, the generation of innovation hubs, the value of planning and the generation of projects, the increase of budgetary funds, and the tools of participatory budgets. Emphasis was also placed on the creation of contents in collaborative manner, which encourage the exchange of information and online knowledge management.

The participants likewise identified some of the challenges to urban efficiency, such as the focus on sustainability, better use of public spaces, the optimization of transport, universal access to basic services, the use of new technologies, and the creation of employment and opportunities. Furthermore, there was interest in enriching the identity and role of citizens, and active participation in local areas and communities, and a return to what is collective, with value being placed on the dissemination and socialization of initiatives through social media.

Schedule

1.30 p.m. – Opening and welcome

1.35 p.m. – Introduction to the theme by the expert. Problems involved

1.55 p.m. – Presentation of the methodology and debate topics

2.00 p.m. – Start of the group discussions

2.30 p.m. – Summary of the group work

2.40 p.m. – Final presentation of conclusions by each group (1 min per group, presentation of experiences, good practices, examples, innovative ideas, etc.)

3.00 p.m. – Close and conclusions by the session leader

ROOM:  Cámara

2nd Thematic Session on Sustainability

Organized by: METROPOLIS and Government of the City of Buenos Aires 

The subject of this meeting arose as a result of the identification of a central problem for cities: the excessive prominence of the motor car, which generates other drawbacks such as traffic jams, pollution, illness, and lack of safety. In order to resolve this, designing transport to be more friendly has been proposed as a way of making cities more sustainable, human, accessible, and healthy, with the aim of reducing traffic and making people’s travel more reliable.

In contemporary urban society, mobility is an essential condition for accessing goods and services and managing different daily living activities. This is why boosting connectivity means improving urban equity and triggering a virtuous cycle with positive effects on social cohesion. Guaranteeing the maximum level of accessibility and providing it at the lowest possible social cost is a major global challenge for our cities.

In past decades, we've seen see how the design of large cities focused on awarding a leading role to automobiles over people. As these conditions hassle the circulation of pedestrians and bicycles, every citizen who needs to move around such cities on a daily basis has to face major problems, which range from large-scale traffic jams to health problems deriving from vehicle emissions and safety risks.

No commitment to a sustainable and humane city will be complete if friendlier mobility is not guaranteed, in a model which promotes healthy mobility (cycling and/or walking), to shore up the idea that pedestrians have priority, as they are the most vulnerable parties with regards transport. Friendly mobility pursues traffic calming, guaranteeing travel and accessibility to people. In this regard, it is essential that urban planning fosters the mobility of pedestrians and bicycles, recovering the public space and targeting it at walking and the construction of bike paths, as well as efficient public transport, both within cities and on an inter-urban basis. These measures must be complemented by policies to revitalize local services and businesses in neighborhoods to minimize unnecessary travel.

In a debate moderated by Daniely Votto Fontoura, Head of Strategic Relations at EMBARQ Brazil, and taking questions from the audience, the following experiences were shared:

• Buenos Aires: 'The Sustainable Mobility Plan' by Juanjo Méndez, Head of the Committee of the Transport Subsecretariat of Buenos Aires City Government​
• Johannesburg: 'Friendly mobility in the city' by Lisa Seftel, Executive Director of the Department of Transport of the City of Johannesburg.
• Seoul: 'The Project for the recovery of the River Chenggyecheon' by Soohjun Kim, Director of the Seoul Institute.
• Rio de Janeiro: ‘Policies of mobility in 2016 Olympic Games' by Diego Blanc, Advisor on Institutional Relations and Bilateral Co-operation for the Rio de Janeiro City Hall.

The presentations tackled the way in which urban initiatives in transport matters have benefits for citizens’ quality of life (pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users, traders, businesses, etc.), as well as on the economic and social development of the city. The participants in this session shared the experiences of their cities, explaining how, through urban planning, they had been able to recover public spaces, build cycle lanes, administer transport efficiently, and revitalize services and businesses in local areas in order to reduce unnecessary travel. The essence of this subject is to understand that genuine transformation is possible with changes in three areas: infrastructure, operations, and behaviour. 

Some measures which were highlighted include the Rea Vaya Rapid Bus Transit, the promotion of cycling and the use of minibus taxis in Johannesburg; the transoeste, transcarioca, and transolímpica Rapid Bus Transit along with the promotion of cycling in Rio de Janeiro, and pedestrianization in Buenos Aires along with the Metrobus and Ecobici schemes. The project in Seoul involved the restoration of Cheonggyecheon, a canal buried under the Cheonggye Highway which used to result in a poor quality of life, depopulation, and the running down of the centre.

In the case of Buenos Aires, the Sustainable Transport Plan has been implemented, which works on a paradigm shift based on thinking out public spaces in terms of mobility and not just transport. As such, there is more focus on the person and not just on the motor car or the bus. Within this framework, the Buenos Aires Sustainable Transport Plan has as its aim the improvement of the quality of life of residents, working on themes such as the priority of public transport, for which the main action is the construction of the Metrobus corridors. Currently, the network is 38 km in length and has an impact on the quality of the travel experience for over 640,000 people every day. With regard to healthy mobility, the aim is to promote travel by bicycle and on foot through the construction of a network of cycle lanes and the creation of a system of public bicycles known as Ecobici, as well as improving walkability by creating friendly environments for pedestrians.

Representatives from the following METROPOLIS members participated: Île-de-France, Barcelona, Johannesburg, Guangzhou, Berlin, Brussels, Montreal, Sao Paulo (state), Sao Paulo (city), Abidjan, Mexico City, Mashhad, Seoul, Santiago de Chile Metropolitan Region, Istanbul, Chengdu, Quito, Buenos Aires, Dakar, and Porto Alegre.

Also in attendance were Alain Le Saux, METROPOLIS Secretary-General; Felip Roca, candidate for Secretary-General; the Treasurer Jean-Luc Vanraes, and Marina Klemenciewicz on behalf of the International Women Network. Also in attendance were representatives from UCLG, Deloitte, and FMDV.

Out of the main decisions taken by the Board of Directors, we may highlight the following:

• Approval of the Minutes of the 2014 Board of Directors Meeting (Hyderabad).
• Ratification of Felip Roca as the new Secretary-General of METROPOLIS as from 1 October 2015.
• Approval of the Activities Report (August 2014 - March 2015).
• Approval of the cities of San Salvador and Ramallah as new members of the Association.
• Approval of the report on the implementation of the 2014 budget.
• Approval of the creation and of the composition of the Finance Committee as part of the Executive Committee.
• Approval of the implementation of the amended 2015 budget, and extension of the planning for the 2016 budget to December.
• Approval of the inclusion of METROPOLIS in the UCLG taskforce on risk management, led by the CUF (United Cities of France).
• Approval of the process led by the Co-Presidency of Berlin, Michael Müller, and the working dynamics proposed in relation to the METROPOLIS contribution project.
• Approval of the mandate of the mayor of Montreal, Denis Coderre, as the METROPOLIS representative for Climate Change and COP21.
• METROPOLIS supports the organization of the 2nd World Assembly of Local Authorities, and approves the proposed METROPOLIS Declaration read out by the President at this meeting.
• Approval of the mandate of the Mayor of Johannesburg, Mpho Parks Tau, as representative of METROPOLIS for Basic Services and Social Inclusion.
• Mandate to the Secretary-General to find a city to host the METROPOLIS Annual Meeting in 2016.
• Approval to organize the XII World METROPOLIS Congress in Montreal in 2017, on the grounds that it is the city where METROPOLIS was created in 1985 and it hosted the Congress in 1993.

In addition, the METROPOLIS Board of Directors officially welcomed the new Secretary-General, Felip Roca, who officially takes office as from the fourth quarter of 2015, when the current Secretary-General, Alain Le Saux, steps down. Roca will be the fifth Secretary-General, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Association, which faces the future with numerous challenges at an international level, the administration of over 140 member cities, as well as facing new governance within the Association, amongst others.

This session was moderated by Paul James, Professor of Globalization and Cultural Diversity at the ICS and UWS in Australia, and Barbara Berninger, Regional Secretary of METROPOLIS Europe.

PrepCity was an initiative set up by the city of Berlin, and it is proposed as a working group at METROPOLIS. The workshop was the starting point for the PrepCity Working Group, and a second gathering in early 2016 will be sought.

The initiative seeks to support the efforts that UCLG has been leading with regard to the generation of debating forums in order to express the voices of local and regional authorities. The aim is to encourage the reflexion process in the implementation of the sustainable goals of the new urban agenda to be agreed during the United Nations Habitat III Conference.

During the meeting, all interested metropolises were encouraged to participate in the discussion process on the future of cities. It was emphasized that cities have a great deal of experience and that local authorities can play a crucial role as interlocutors and negotiators in the establishment of the global agenda on Sustainable Urban Development. There were also discussions on the scope of Habitat III, as well as on the PrepCity concept.

The speakers included Josep Roig, Secretary-General of UCLG, the Governing Mayor of Berlin Michael Müller, the Mayor of Johannesburg, Mpho Parks Tau, and the Deputy Mayor of the Quito Metropolitan District, Daniela Chacón. Marina Klemensiewicz and Estel Crusellas represented Buenos Aires and Barcelona respectively, with the intention of demonstrating the work of the METROPOLIS Women in the process of drafting and agreeing a declaration for the world conference. Likewise, Hossein Kashiri participated on behalf of METROPOLIS Youth.

The Global Fund for Cities Development (FMDV) is a network that facilitates direct and autonomous access to funding for local authorities. It was set up in October 2010 as an initiative by METROPOLIS, by United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), and by 34 founding members (cities and networks of cities). The FMDV is a network of political solidarity for the strengthening of the financial capacities of local authorities, by local authorities.

The FMDV was created out of the need for local authorities to have operational and functional assistance in the search for sustainable and viable financial solutions for the projects promoted by local authorities.

The FMDV provides technical assistance and financial engineering throughout the entire process of drawing up Urban Development projects (definition, search for finance, and organization). It facilitates access by local authorities to the financial resources that are best suited to their needs, and under the best conditions: guaranties, loans, subsidies, donations, capital markets, endogenous instruments. This dual component of technical support for Urban Development and financial engineering in order to facilitate access to sustainable funding, allows governments, elected authorities, and their technical teams to design, implement, and assess their own development projects, in accordance with the characteristics and the potential of their territory, and in consultation with other interested local parties..

The meeting brought together the members of FMDV, and served to present the organization’s activities discuss its strategy. The representatives of the METROPOLIS member cities forming part of the General Assembly were able to participate in this meeting (albeit without the right to vote).

The dinner was held at the ‘Piazzolla Tango’ theatre. The event began with an opening reception for the participants. Subsequently, the guests took their seats to enjoyed the dinner, which was interspersed with tango performances. When the dessert course arrived, a cake was cut to commemorate METROPOLIS’ 30^thanniversary. Jean Paul Huchon, Josep Roig, Alain Le Saux, and Marina Klemensiewicz all said a few words, and gifts were handed out to some of the protagonists of the association’s thirty-year history.