President John Dramani Mahama has commended the Global Alliance of Mayors in Africa for taking the lead in creating new forms of international cooperation between cities for human development.

He made the commendation in a speech read for him by Vice-President Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur at the opening of the fourth World Summit of Mayors and leaders from Africa and of African Descent in Accra.

The three-day summit, which is on the theme: “Cities leading Sustainable Human Development and Economic Empowerment for Africa and the Diaspora” was designed to foster an interactive policy dialogue between municipalities and private/public institutions.

It would examine strategic directions and prospects, explore investment opportunities and cooperation for the development of Africa and the Diaspora.

President Mahama also lauded key issues such as improving education, seeking sustainable responses to climate change and youth empowerment, to be addressed by the mayors.

He said Ghana had long held a commitment to the development of women by promoting them to high positions, to enable them to become part of the decision making process.

On HIV and AIDS, President Mahama was proud that Ghana had been able to see major reduction in HIV infections and AIDS deaths, adding that; “he strongly endorsed the Paris Declaration by mayors worldwide for fast-tracking cities’ AIDS response as a key strategy to end the pandemic by 2030.”

“Addressing HIV and AIDS is an essential element of the summit because it lies at the core of our economic and social development efforts since Africa is the region hardest hit,” the President said.

He said the United Nation (UN) provides a solid framework for the people of the world to join together with Africa and of African descent, and take effective measures for advancement in the spirit of recognition, justice and development.

Dr Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, the Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive and President of the Global Alliance of Mayors outlined some of the objectives of the summit, such as developing effective partnership between municipalities and other stakeholders and explore ways and means to improve the well-being of the people.

Others are, to further solidify the international alliance between Africa and the Diaspora, formed during the Colombia Summit, to tackle economic and social development issues and deepen political dialogue.

Dr Vanderpuije called on all mayors in the world to be proactive and seek concrete steps to identify and share best practices and training programmes for professional growth and the development of the people.

He urged the mayors to also create trade and investment opportunities for their countries, scale-up actions to end HIV and AIDS and provide water, shelter and food to the people.