Toespraak Stimson Center

 

Dear all,

 

It is a true honor to be here at the Stimson Center in Washington, D.C.,

to speak on the importance of subnational diplomacy and the crucial role of local governments in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.

 

As Mayor of The Hague, the City of Peace and Justice,

I am reminded every day of the power of diplomacy,

of legal frameworks,

and of our shared commitment to creating a better world.

The Hague,

home to the International Court of Justice, stands as a symbol of how collaboration between nations can lead to peaceful resolutions.

 

Diplomacy is often seen as the domain of presidents and prime ministers,

but let me ask you:

where do the consequences of global decisions truly unfold?

In cities, in communities—at the local level.

 

One of the platforms that is making local engagement possible is UCLG, United Cities and Local Governments,

the international organization of local and regional governments. This year,

I have the honor to serve as UCLG’s Executive President.

With more than 70 percent of the world’s population represented through UCLG’s members,

we truly have a global reach.

From The Hague to Daejeon,

from Cairo to Montevideo,

UCLG connects cities,

regions,

and municipalities from across the globe,

empowering them to take action on shared challenges and ensure that local voices are heard in international dialogue.

 

Just last Wednesday,

I had the privilege of meeting with the UN Secretary-General

in New York,

where we discussed a topic that is close to my heart:

the essential role of good local governance in addressing global issues.

From migration to climate change,

from inequality to sustainable development,

local governments are often at the forefront of these challenges. And yet,

despite the direct impact that local action has on these global problems,

local governments are still underrepresented within the structures of international organizations like the United Nations.

 

The challenges we face today

—whether they concern climate action, migration, or poverty—are not only global in nature,

they are also deeply local.

Effective solutions to these complex issues are best crafted and implemented where they are most directly experienced:

at the local level.

That is why good local governance is not just important

—it is absolutely critical for the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

 

This is why organizations like VNG International,

the international development cooperation of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities of which I am a board member,

are so vital.

Through its solid expertise,

VNG International supports cities and municipalities in their efforts to improve governance,

build resilience, and foster sustainable development.

 

What sets VNG International apart is its deep-rooted connection to local government and its decades of experience in the field. Founded by local governments,

it has a long track record of success in building strong, accountable, and transparent local administrations.

 

Through initiatives like The Hague Academy for Local Governance,

the training institute of VNG International,

training is provided to local officials from all over the world, including those from urban and rural areas, NGOs,

and international organizations like USAID and the EU.

By training these frontline professionals with essential skills and knowledge,

local governments are better positioned to address global challenges in effective and sustainable ways.

 

VNG International also has a presence right here in Washington, actively engaging with USAID,

State Department,

and other US agencies,

ensuring that US investments in international development also strengthen the foundations of local governance.

 

In all of this,

the message is clear:

local governments are not only key actors in the global arena—they are essential partners.

The challenges we face today cannot be solved by national governments alone.

They require collaboration and cooperation across all levels of government.

 

It is only by working together

—at the local level,

at the national level,

and at the international level—

that we can begin to address the scale of the challenges we face.

We must recognize the power of local action,

the value of local knowledge,

and the unique position that local governments have in driving change on the ground.

 

Thank you.