Francophonie: the mayors go to university!
The International Association of French-speaking Mayors has opened its 20th general assembly at EPFL. Daniel Brélaz, mayor of Lausanne, welcomed his counterparts from all over the world. The meeting includes two workshops on the theme of universities in towns.
“A close cooperation between universities and the towns where they are situated is an important factor in the success of our companies – as much for the northern hemisphere as for emerging countries.” Accompanied by Daniel Brélaz, the President of EPFL Patrick Aebischer stressed this point in his opening address to the 20th general assembly of the International Association of French-speaking Mayors (AIMF).
On 20 and 21 October 2010, mayors from all over the world will get together for the summit meeting of French-speaking countries. Bertrand Delanoë, President of the AIMF and mayor of Paris, will be attending.
EPFL was chosen to host the event, since the goal is to reflect on the relationships between towns and universities, in particular during two workshops that will focus on the integration of polytechnics in the urban environment and on their role as a partner of economic development