TEHRAN —The chief of the Tehran City Council, Mehdi Chamran, has announced that global challenges such as climate change, human crises, and economic inequalities require local solutions, as well as enhanced international cooperation.

“In today's fast-paced world, the need to develop sustainable infrastructure, improve the quality of urban life, and foster coordination between public and private institutions is felt more than ever,” Mehr news agency quoted Chamran as saying.

He made the remarks in an address to the 6th BRICS International Municipal Forum which took place from August 27 to 28 in Moscow.

Highlighting that the forum provided an exceptional opportunity to analyze and promote the essential role of urban parliaments in the present era, Chamran said, “Today, cities are recognized as the main hubs of growth and change in the modern world, and urban parliaments are at the heart of sustainable development processes”.

Cities are responsible for managing natural resources and achieving sustainable development goals by developing and implementing strategic policies and plans, he added.

In this regard, promoting public transportation, optimal waste management, and supporting green initiatives are part of their responsibilities. This role becomes significantly important when facing global challenges such as climate change and environmental crises, Chamran stated.

Urban parliaments help strengthen local democracy and increase transparency by providing proper platforms for active and effective participation of citizens.

These institutions strengthen social responsibility by creating systems to receive people's opinions and suggestions, the official noted.

Public participation in decision-making processes leads to the promotion of social justice and the reduction of inequalities at the local level, he said.

Nevertheless, the existing challenges require synergy and international cooperation, as well, he stressed.

“The current forum helps locate effective solutions for urban problems by exchanging experiences, discussing challenges, and leveraging new ideas. It also strengthens relations between cities and BRICS member states,” Chamran stated.

The goal to create a better future for the cities is only achievable through close cooperation, exchange of expertise and experiences, as well as benefiting from each other's achievements.

By fostering international cooperation and exchanging knowledge, urban parliaments can provide effective solutions to address global crises like challenges in the fields of food, water, energy, and security.

“As a member of the BRICS, we always look for ways to be able to address sustainable and comprehensive urban development more effectively,” the official further noted.

BRICS International Municipal Forum

The 6th BRICS International Municipal Forum is known as one of the largest platforms for discussing municipal cooperation issues and exchanging experience in the run-up to the BRICS Summit.

The Forum program included more than 70 business events and a major exposition.

Experts discussed the development of trade and investment relations and exchanged experience in the use of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and green technologies to create a comfortable living environment. The program discussions addressed environmental issues, climate change, and solutions in education, healthcare, culture, and tourism in an effort to enhance the attractiveness of cities, territories, and regions.