Ernst Woller attends United Nations Forum of Mayors in Geneva

Once more, the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals was the central topic during the United Nations Forum of Mayors in Geneva.

The fourth "United Nations Forum of Mayors - Cities Summit of the Future" took place on 30 September and 1 October in the City of Geneva. As in the preceding years, President of the Vienna Provincial Parliament Ernst Woller attended the prestigious meeting of mayors in Geneva. The forum offers opportunities for mayors to exchange strategic plans for sustainable development between their European home cities. The City of Vienna is regarded as an international prime example in this field. Its Smart City Strategy and available expertise on this topic spark interest throughout the world. Regarding the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the 17 Goals for Sustainable Development set forth by the United Nations, Vienna is on track and its strategies have attracted international attention.

"City politics equals world politics. Cities set both pace and strategy for sustainable development. I am glad to accentuate the important role of the City of Vienna at this meeting and to engage in conversation with mayors from all over the world. We can only move forward in our development if we learn from one another", Ernst Woller stated in his speech.

Sustainable Development Goals

The goals for sustainable development will impact all of humanity during the next decades. They constitute an ambitious agenda for the world, which is planned to be implemented in the upcoming years and will apply to all people living on earth.

The United Nations agenda stipulates that by 2030, poverty and hunger will be abolished, all children should be able to attend school, and that earth and environment will be protected. It also aims to tackle inequality and create more peaceful, just and inclusive societies. One of its credos states that: "No one will be left behind".

"This guiding principle has fundamentally influenced Vienna's city development during the last decades and is key to its success as the world's most livable city", Woller said in his closing statement.