Opening of the World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments, 4 November 2024
Excellency,
UN-Habitat Executive Director,
Excellencies
representatives of Member States,
esteemed mayors and governors,
colleagues,
Today,
as we convene the World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments here at the 12th session of the World Urban Forum,
we stand together to emphasize the essential role of local and regional governments in shaping a multilateral system.
A system,
capable of responding to today’s complex challenges.
From metropolises to rural communities,
our collective commitment as local leaders has the power to advance global goals and bridge the gap between global and local priorities.
I saw examples of that again last week when the Mayor of Arusha, Maximillian Iranqhe,
showed me the initiatives in his city and in Addis Ababa
where I witnessed the power of cooperation in the subcity of Kolfe Keranio, men, women and very important: the young generation,
working on inclusion and empowerment of the disabled.
The difficult circumstances we have faced,
increasing polarization and worsening the climate crisis,
have done nothing but consolidate the importance of the core principles laid down in the Quito outcome document,
including preserving the Right to the City,
stressing the social function of the city through equality-driven local service provision,
and recalling the need for enabling environments for subsidiarity and decentralization.
With this in mind,
it becomes more important than ever to reaffirm our recognition of the collective efforts of the local and regional government constituency,
gathered in the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments,
facilitated by United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG).
Last month,
I had to honor to host the UCLG World Council in my own city,
The Hague, the international city of peace and justice, with as motto ‘A New Peace Agenda for Future Generation’.
But also I cannot agree more that the theme of the 12th edition of the WUF,
“It Starts At Home,”
reinforces our central belief that lasting transformation begins within our communities.
Local and regional governments are not only implementers;
we are catalysts for sustainable change.
Our Assembly serves as a platform to affirm that,
in the journey toward the 2030 Agenda and beyond,
our ability to lead in critical areas such as good governance, housing,
climate resilience, health, and economic stability
directly supports our communities’ well-being and resilience.
The Summit of the Future laid an essential foundation by recognizing,
for the first time,
that our constituency is crucial to accelerating localization.
However,
this acknowledgment must translate into a formal and permanent status for local and regional governments within UN bodies.
Localization is more than a strategy.
It is a governance model that places communities at the heart of decision-making,
with real influence over the resources they need.
We call on the international system
to honor the commitments of the Summit of the Future
and to involve our organized constituency in the discussions around financing and governance.
To drive a local SDG Rescue Plan,
we commit to a universal agreement that guarantees everyone has access to essential services.
As we face economic, social, and environmental challenges,
we should prioritize partnerships, equity, and peace,
making sure our solutions reflect the needs of our communities.
As we look ahead to the World Social Summit,
we focus on building a global social agenda rooted in principles of equity and care,
ensuring access to basic services and local resilience.
We call for renewed financial frameworks,
now and for future generations,
that place the provision of public goods and local service delivery at the center of the global agenda.
Together, we aim to secure a multilateral system where no place and no person are left behind.
With a global financial structure that prioritizes local public investments,
we can respond to climate, social, and economic challenges alike.
This World Assembly reaffirms our unwavering commitment to a global agenda that centers on people and planet,
built upon resilient and inclusive communities.
Thank you.
