Toespraak introductie werkprogramma Executive Bureau UCLG, 10 April 2026

 

Dear colleagues,

 

The progress reflected in the work programme is not only about delivery, it speaks to how our Organization is positioning itself in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

 

What we see across these first months of 2026 is a network that is increasingly able to connect its different areas of our work.
Bringing together policy, advocacy, research, learning and partnerships, into a more coherent and strategic contribution to global debates.

 

This is visible in the way we are advancing the three core pillars of the Pact for the Future. People, planet and government.

From strengthening the Feminist Municipal Movement and advancing care systems and inclusive policies,
to stepping up our role in global climate and environmental processes, and consolidating our role in multilateral governance spaces through the Global Taskforce.

Our work is both broad but increasingly aligned.

And importantly, backed by action.
Through our initiatives such as GOLD SEVEN, our learning programmes, and our strong partnerships.

 

Dear colleagues,

 

As Mayor of the international city of peace and justice, The Hague, let me also highlight our work on peace.

 

Through frameworks as the Hague Charter on Municipal Peace, and initiatives such as the World Forum of Cities and Territories of Peace and the UCLG Peace Prize,

we continue to affirm the role of local and regional governments as actors of dialogue, coexistence and local diplomacy.

 

In a context of growing tensions, this dimension of our work is not only symbolic.

It is a concrete contribution to building more inclusive and peaceful societies, and will be an important element of our collective narrative in Tangier.

 

What is equally important is how this work is strengthening us as a network.

Greater coordination across sections, policy councils and partners, as well as stronger engagement in global processes such as the HLPF or the World Urban Forum, are allowing us to act with more coherence and visibility as a constituency.

 

As we move towards the World Congress in Tangier, this becomes even more critical.

The Congress will not only mark a milestone for our Organization, but also an opportunity to consolidate these different strands.

It is a moment to bring everything together.

 

Our priorities.
Our partnerships.
And our shared political direction for the years ahead.

 

So let us continue to build on this momentum – together.

 

Thank you.