Minister Lilyana Pavlova presented the polycentric model of regional development during the Summit of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

The urban development in Bulgaria is a key element in the government’s regional policy, because cities are complex systems, which could be engines for sustainable development. That was stated by the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, Lilyana Pavlova, who took part in the Summit of the ministers responsible for urban development and the mayors, organized by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Mexico city, United Mexican States. The event is aimed at directing the challenges in the policy regarding the climate changes, mobilizing investments, creating jobs and ensuring sustainable urban growth.  Minister Pavlova took part in a round table discussion on Creating Sustainable Cities that was held during the forum.

Addressing the participants in the meeting, Pavlova said that the past few years of economic crisis have seen a tendency towards an increased mono-centric urban process and constant expansion of the big metropolitan areas. According to Pavlova, the concentration of activities in the capital cities and in the large metropolises during crisis contributes to the preservation of the economic potential of the country or the region, which can be used for future recovery. 

On the other hand, in long terms the consequences from the monocentric development are not so beneficial. ‘If we don’t cope with these tendencies in time, they would lead to adverse phenomena and problems in the big metropolises – overpopulation, increasing unemployment, social alienation and inequality, deterioration of the urban environment, housing problems, congestion of urban systems, environmental pollution, etc.,’ said Minister Pavlova.

According to minister Pavlova this process leads to problems even in the larger territorial areas that have influence on the smaller towns and peripheral areas leading to depopulation, lack of investment inflows, increasing expenses for public infrastructure maintenance, leaving off croplands. ‘These trends may worsen the condition and hold up the development of the small but historically significant cities with rich culture, valuables and strategic geographic or peripheral location’ said Minister Pavlova emphatically.

She said that a new long-term strategy, vision and policies for sustainable urban management need to be worked out in order to cope successfully with the challenges that the cities are faced at. One of the key elements is a result-oriented public support for balanced polycentric development of the territory, i.e. support of the development of small and medium-sized cities that act as centers for support and balance of the major urbanized areas. ‘This support can be achieved through the reinforcement of relationships and connectivity between the different cities, exchange of knowledge, experience and investments,’ assured Minister Pavlova. According to her an integrated approach to urban management is important in order to identify areas with specific needs and achieve synergy and maximum benefits for the citizens, business and environment with the few public resources that are available.

‘The task of managing sustainable and inclusive cities is very complex and is a challenge that requires a lot of efforts and good cooperation with various partners in order to achieve a balance between economic growth and better quality of life as well as economic prosperity and social well-being," added Pavlova.

During her visit in Mexico city Minister Pavlova held meetings with the Minister of agricultural, regional and urban development, Ms. Rosario Robles, and the mayor of Mexico City, Mr. Miguel Angel Mancera. Minister Pavlova exchanged views on the politics, provided by the two countries towards coping with the inward migration from small towns to big cities. 

The sixth round table, organized by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development attended by mayors and ministers on “The century of the metropolises: Policies for sustainable and inclusive cities”, was held in Mexico city. High-level representatives of national and local authorities from about 30 countries as well as a great number of non-governmental organizations took part in the forum and discussed policies for more sustainable, inclusive cities in a increasingly more urbanized era.

The round table aims at searching and exchanging innovative approaches to urban policy.
This global event was held in 2007 for the first time, as it is based on a long tradition of political dialogue on urban development in the OECD, in order to overcome policy gaps in combating climate change and encouraging green growth, mobilize investments, create jobs and ensure sustainable, inclusive urban development.