Emilia Sáiz
Secretary-General of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG)
Welcome to the UCLG World Congress 2026, a gathering that takes place at a defining moment for local and regional governments and for the future of multilateralism itself.
As the world faces growing uncertainty, every day there are spheres of government that make rights tangible through the delivery of public services. The governments of proximity that UCLG represents are well placed to strengthen communities, foster inclusion, and respond to the dreams and aspirations of people building trust in public institutions.
The theme of this Congress, “A New Generation of Universal Local Public Services,” is both a call and a commitment. At a time when confidence in collective action is being tested, when development and rights seem trade-offs, local public services remain one of the most powerful expressions of solidarity, democracy, and care. They are the means through which housing, health, food, mobility, culture, education, and care become realities rather than aspirations. They are also the foundation upon which a renewed and more effective multilateralism can be built.
Gathering in Tangier, at the heart of the “100 Days of Local Multilateralism,” we have an opportunity to advance a shared vision for the future, based on concrete actions that impact our daily lives everywhere. This Congress is a moment to demonstrate that Local and Regional Governments are willing to design their collective agenda with civil society, to acknowledge that caring for the neighbours in our cities and towns implies caring for the rest of the world, that sometimes responsibilities go beyond competences and that transformations in our societies go faster than our governance systems.
The UCLG membership and partners are ready to put to the test the transformative power of territories, of a Local Multilateralism that works, anchored in public service delivery, the protection of the commons and the vision of communities ready to reshape societies Across the world, local and regional governments are already pioneering innovative approaches to service delivery, strengthening partnerships with communities, and showing how public action can reconnect global ambitions with local realities.
Our Congress comes at a time of great responsibility: we need to reconquer our humanity at a time when artificial intelligence is questioning our value. We need to understand solidarity when fear might drive us to put oneself first. We need to renew without forgetting what we have learned.
We come to Tangier convinced that we can make a difference and that our diversity continues to be our strength. May this Congress drive the movement into a next frontier: with people, driven by solidarity, and capable of delivering meaningful change. Welcome to Tangier. Welcome to the home of local multilateralism and to the collective effort to build a new generation of universal local public services.
Mounir Lymouri
Mayor of Tangier
MAYOR, WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR TANGIER TO HOST THE UCLG WORLD CONGRESS?
It is a great honour, and also a responsibility. Tangier will become a meeting point for thousands of mayors and territorial leaders from around the world at a key moment for the future of the international municipal movement.
WHAT WILL PARTICIPANTS FIND WHEN THEY ARRIVE IN THE CITY?
They will find a city open to the world, situated between continents and cultures, and shaped by dialogue, cooperation and innovation. We want Tangier to be a place of encounter, where local solutions can inspire global responses.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE WILL BE THE MAIN POLITICAL OUTCOME OF THE CONGRESS?
The Congress comes at a decisive moment for building a new stage of local multilateralism. We want to contribute to a common agenda based on strong public services, cooperation among territories and a renewed relationship between governments and citizens.
WHAT IS YOUR WELCOME MESSAGE TO PARTICIPANTS?
Welcome to Tangier. This city will be the home of the global municipal movement. We hope every participant will find a space to build alliances, share experiences and strengthen the role of local governments in shaping a more sustainable, inclusive and peaceful future.
