Islamabad among first 500 cities in 'Global Mayors Challenge'

Islamabad: Islamabad has earned the distinction by getting included among first 500 cities in Global Mayors’ Challenge programme of 2021. The programme is yearly organised by US-based Bloomberg Cities Network, where hundreds of cities from around the world participate, said a news release on Thursday.

It is meant to select top 50 ideas from municipalities based upon the criteria of vision, impact, implementation and transferability. Idea themes include health, inclusive growth, climate change and good governance.

Metropolitan Corporation of Islamabad (MCI) Administrator Syeda Shafaq Hashmi is leading the efforts by pitching MCI’s structural engagement with Street Vendors in the programme. MCI has recently established a Street Economy Unit for enhancing street livelihood in Islamabad. Ehsaas programme, under the leadership of Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation Dr. Sania Nishtar, is providing guidance and support in this endeavor.

PIDE remains the technical partner for the design and implementation of interventions in the local street economy. Hashmi is hopeful that MCI’s innovative and participatory idea of improving street economy will take traction with the judges at the Global Mayors’ Challenge. -