Closing remarks bij de European Assembly (van CEMR) tijdens het UCLG World Congress, 23 juni 2026

 

Dear colleagues,

Before anything else, I would like to thank Boris, the other speakers form all over Europe, and all of you for a rich discussion this morning.

Listening to today’s discussion, I was reminded why I am so proud to be part of the European section (CEMR) of UCLG.

Not because our cities and regions are the same, but because despite our different realities, we so often arrive at the same conclusions.

This morning, we heard reflections on public services, territorial inclusion, preparedness, local democracy, gender equality and decentralised cooperation.

And councillor Eider Inuntziaga (Bilbao) just told us about the European Observatory for the Defence of Democracy at the local level. A great initiative. We have to be free from fear and safe when we are doing our political work at local level …

Different themes, but together they tell a broader story about the kind of local governance Europe stands for. Democratic, inclusive, cooperative and rooted in strong public institutions.

I believe that collective experience is Europe’s greatest contribution to the Local Social Covenant.

And if I were to summarise that contribution in a single sentence, it would be this:

Europe’s contribution to the Local Social Covenant is a call to close the gap between recognition and empowerment.

Today, local and regional governments are increasingly recognized in international pollitical and policy frameworks.

Recognised as essential partners in addressing the major challenges of our time.

But recognition alone is no longer enough.

Recognition must now be paired with empowerment.

Being empowered to contribute to shaping the global political agendas of the future.

And for Europe, that has important implications for the future direction of UCLG.

First, Europe believes that democracy, inclusion and equality must remain at the heart of the next UCLG mandate.

One of the strongest messages from today’s discussion was that democratic resilience cannot be taken for granted.

But democracy is not only about institutions.

It is also about participation, representation and ensuring that every voice can be heard.

A democracy that excludes women, young people or marginalised communities is not resilient.

That is why local democracy, gender equality and inclusive governance should remain central to our collective agenda.

Second, UCLG should continue strengthening its role in global governance.

Not simply because local governments seek visibility, but because global decisions are better when local realities are part of the conversation.

The progress UCLG has made with the United Nations, UN-Habitat and other international partners shows what is possible.

The next step is ensuring that local and regional governments have a permanent seat at the table.

Third, Europe believes in a multilateralism of action.

Not one based only on declarations, but on cooperation.

Cooperation between territories.

Between regions.

Between sections of our organisation.

And between local governments across the world.

In an increasingly fragmented world, that role of UCLG is becoming more important, not less.

Colleagues,

After more than ten years in the UCLG family, and more than seven years as part of the UCLG Presidency, I remain convinced that UCLG’s greatest strength is its ability to turn diversity into a common voice.

When national governments struggle to find common ground, I have seen personally that we are able to build bridges.

When dialogue becomes difficult, local governments continue talking.

And when international cooperation comes under pressure, local governments often remain among its strongest defenders.

That is why I believe the next mandate should be guided by a simple ambition:

A stronger voice.

A more united UCLG.

And a stronger role for local and regional governments in shaping the decisions that affect our communities.

The question for Tangier is not whether local governments matter.

That debate is over.

The real question is whether we are prepared to equip local and regional governments with the influence, partnerships and political recognition needed to meet the expectations placed upon them.

If the Local Social Covenant and the Tangier Outcome Document help us do that, they will be more than declarations.

They will be a roadmap for a stronger, more influential and more united UCLG.

Thank you very much.