Mayor Parks Tau has been elected co-president of the Metropolis, a global network of 138 metropolitan cities.
The network is a platform for sharing innovative ideas for urban sustainability and lobbying for metropolitan solidarity.
The announcement was made recently at the 11th World Congress of Metropolis 2014 in Hyderabad, India. Tau will lead the network’s portfolio responsible for supporting access to basic services and social inclusion.
Speaking from Hyderabad, India after his election, he said his responsibilities were part of the network’s policy priorities and action plan for 2015/17 which address challenges of metropolitan development. The responsibilities include urban governance and innovation, urban equity, civic engagement and participation, public health, migration, social housing, and economic development.
Tau’s election comes after the network changed its statutes to make provision for co-president portfolios. Its new structure comprises a board of 24 members. They include the president, five co-presidents from Johannesburg, Guangzhou, Sao Paulo State, Barcelona, Berlin and Montreal, several vice presidents and ordinary members.
The current president is Jean-Paul Huch who, with the co-presidents, will represent the network in various global forums in a bid to increase the network membership.
Details : City of Joburg 011 407 7354.
