Opening ‘Local governments for human rights’, Genève, 22 juli 2025

 

Your Excellency, High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr. Volker Türk,

Ambassador Seong Deok Yun,

Mayor Alfonso Pomet,

Distinguished representatives of the United Nations,

Dear mayors, colleagues, and friends,

 

It is a profound honor to be here with you today to speak about the essential role that local and regional governments play in shaping the next chapter of human rights.

Allow me to begin by expressing heartfelt thanks to the Office of the High Commissioner—and to you, Mr. Türk, a true ally to local and regional governments—for graciously hosting us in this critical conversation.

 

Today is more than a meeting—it is a defining moment. Together, we are shaping the understanding of what it means to be a human rights city or region. And while we may not always have the formal powers, we have never hesitated to lead.

On the front lines of public service, we have shown that real human rights protection begins with local action.

 

From securing access to housing, water, and sanitation, to delivering healthcare and building safer, more inclusive communities, we have translated ideals into daily realities.

Now, it is time to ensure that this frontline leadership is recognized and embedded within a broader human rights framework.

 

Local and regional governments are not simply implementers— we are co-creators of rights-based societies.

As the closest level of government to our communities, we are uniquely positioned to prevent human rights violations and foster dignity through a people-centered, caring approach to public service.

 

That is why we are proud to champion the 10, 100, 1000 Cities and Territories for Human Rights campaign — a powerful initiative to elevate the essential work of local governments and to strengthen our collective call for systemic change.

 

Time and again, we have made it clear —before this very institution and others— that local and regional governments are part of the State: we are co-governments.

We carry not only responsibility, but also rights.

We therefore call for stronger international frameworks, greater devolution of powers, and a reimagined multilateralism—one that rests on trust, subsidiarity, and a shared duty to act.

 

Dear High Commissioner, dear Volker,

You know you can count on us. Our commitment is unwavering.

As you may recall from our exchanges leading up to our World Congress in Daejeon, UCLG was already envisioning a Pact for the Future of Humanity.

A bold declaration of our values, and our vision.

 

That pact, forged by our community of local leaders, resonates deeply with the United Nations’ Pact for the Future.

The alignment is not coincidental—it is a sign of a rising global consensus: that our future must be built on solidarity, justice, and the power of local action.

 

Today, with only five years left to meet our shared goals, the convergence of our efforts has never been more critical—or more promising.

 

Excellencies, colleagues, friends:

The Guidance Framework we present today is a testament to the strength and unity of the movement I have the honor to represent.

It reflects our collective agenda, grounded in purpose and driven by the shared commitments of the Pact.

 

The time for dialogue has brought us here.

Now is the time to act—to be the change, to enact the vision, and to build the future our communities deserve.

And you are right Volker, cities are oasis of freedom.

We do not take that for granted.

We, local and regional governments, will hold the banner for human rights high.

 

Thank you.