Brussels embraces the power of local and regional governments as agents of change
This week the Brussels Urban Summit provided a unique space for local and regional government associations to organize their constituencies and set the priorities and work plans for the next months. The United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) Executive Bureau is being held from 12 to 15 June along with the Metropolis General Assembly and the Eurocities General Assembly.
After the approval of the UCLG’s Pact for the Future of Humanity at its World Congress in Daejeon in October 2022, and the Annual Retreat of the organization in Barcelona in February 2023, UCLG is focusing its Executive Bureau on how to drive high-impact actions to accelerate common goals.
In parallel, the Brussels Urban Summit also brings together three international city conferences: the 14th Metropolis World Congress, the Eurocities Annual Conference and the sixth OECD Champion Mayors Summit for Inclusive Growth Initiative.
Representatives from 600 cities and experts and representatives of civil society have been exchanging ideas since the opening of the Summit on Tuesday, 13 June.
The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the attendees in the opening session of the Summit, emphasizing the pivotal role of cities in shaping the future. “Cities have always been the place where the future happens first,” stated President von der Leyen in her online speech. From tackling climate change to addressing inequalities, cities are at the forefront of implementing initiatives that aim to create a fairer and more sustainable future.
At the heart of these initiatives are the people who inhabit cities. Their passion for their communities and their desire for a sustainable future drive these projects forward. Increasingly, citizens are forming strong urban networks that translate their values into platforms for action at the local, regional, national, and even global levels. Tzheir contributions are instrumental in making the world a better place.
Cities are the closest to people and their dreams for the future. They are not only partners in addressing local challenges but also powerful agents in addressing global issues. As cities continue to collaborate and innovate, they play a vital role in implementing and accelerating high-level impact actions.