UCLG and the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) have formalised their commitment to collaborative efforts in advancing research, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building initiatives to empower local and regional governments in achieving the objectives of the 2030 Agenda and beyond. This commitment was solidified by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Retreat, underscoring their joint dedication to supporting the achievement of the SDGs.
Tom Mitchell, Executive Director of IIED, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasising the substantial synergies between UCLG and IIED. He highlighted the potential for leveraging each organisation’s networks and resources to address pressing global issues such as housing justice and climate change. He also stressed, “bringing together the networks and power of UCLG but also fostering that in partnership with research and evidence in such a way that allows creating change.”
The collaboration between the two organisations is rooted in years of fruitful partnership across various projects, focusing on promoting urban and territorial equality, notably in housing rights. Relevant initiatives include the recent GOLD VI Report on Urban and Territorial Equality, the Tomorrow’s Cities peer-to-peer learning initiative, and the report on the role of local and regional governments in localising SDG 11.1 on housing and essential services.
UCLG and IIED aspire to significantly influence international agendasetting processes through this strategic partnership, including pivotal events such as the Summit for the Future in 2024 and the forthcoming World Social Summit in 2025.
This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of UCLG and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.