The unprecedent challenges and emerging crises the world is facing today require political commitments to shift the direction towards a better future, where the role of the municipal movement is crucial. It also means more participation and engagement from local communities, increasing democracy, responsability, accountability and ownership.
The Pact for the Future is the key outcome document of the 2022 World Congress. It defines the strategic priorities for the organization 2022 to 2028. With the Pact, local and regional governments reaffirm that they are ready to join national and international partners in bringing meaningful change.
The 7th UCLG World Congress and Summit of Local and Regional Leaders closed on 14 October 2022 with the participation of more than 3,000 representatives from all over the world. The adoption of the Pact for the Future of Humanity was the most relevant outcome of the event held in Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
The world’s largest meeting of mayors, local and regional leaders and their associations closed on 14 October 2022 in Daejeon, Republic of Korea. It was the first time after the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic that most of them met physically.
Trust is essential to building healthy societies; however, recently citizens’ trust in government institution has been declining. In his annual address, “Our Common Agenda,” the United Nations Secretary-General has called for a new social contract of the 21st century, where trust plays a central role.
Through social movements and civil society, citizens are increasingly calling for governing systems to be more inclusive and to implement the global development agendas. Another challenge includes growing lack of trust between citizens and institutions that should be guaranteeing their rights.
No conference involving aware leaders can take place in today’s times without acknowledging climate change. Considering that cities account for more than 70% of the world's CO2 emissions while also suffering most of the consequences of climate change, climate action and resilience are some of the most important topics at the UCLG World Congress.
“Caring systems” are the core of the Pact for the Future of Humanity. On 12 October 2022, a Town Hall was held bringing together representatives of civil society and local and regional elected officials to discuss and reflect on policy recommendations to advance the implementation of caring systems.
The GOLD VI Report is an essential contribution to the Pact for the Future of Humanity, the expected outcome document of the Daejeon’s World Summit. It was built following the three pillars of the Pact – people, planet, and government -- and offers local and regional governments “pathways” to mobilize a common vision for addressing inequalities through local transformation strategies.
Enthusiasm was in the air on Wednesday afternoon in Daejeon. “Local and regional governments: Breaking through as one” was the topic of the session celebrating a reunion after the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.
