Mayors from Asian countries seek eradication of urban poverty

from New Kerala

Dehradun, The first Asian mayors conference today adopted a declaration pledging to eradicate urban poverty, fixing a uniform tenure of mayors and recommending measures to strengthen infrastructure facilities in cities through public-private partnership.

In the 12-point 'Doon Declaration' adopted at the end of the three-day meeting, mayors, converged here from various asian nations to deliberate urban problems, said solutions to many of the problems of urban poor have to be found locally through measures like slum upgradation.

Mayors from over 80 cities from countries including Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan besides India participated in the conference. A mayor from Israel was also present.

"We, therefore, resolve to jointly look for the solutions for enhancing the quality of life of the urban poor through slum upgradation, implementation of livelihood programmes, housing, health, education, environment and better living conditions of the poor'',the declaration said.

In this regard, it said the mayors will work toward establishing an Asian mayors forum on alleviation of urban poverty.

The declaration sought a greater role for the private sector in building city infrastructure, in application of e-governance and in the delivery of civic services.

"This is a responsibility of the private sector to plough back gains made from the citizenry. We shall, therefore, attempt to pro-actively engage with the private sector through diverse public-private partnerships...," it said.