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Bogota Congress: Commitment from and for the World

OCTOBER 12-15, 2016, over 3,000 representatives of cities, towns, regions, and civil societies from various regions of the world gathered in the 5th UCLG Congress World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders at the City of Bogota, Colombia. They engaged in deep discussion and dialogues relating to sustainable development and the new urban agenda in the pursuance of a new sustainable era in the future.

Sessions and discussions were arranged focusing on the role of local governments, from human to living city, metropolitan governance, culture as a dimension in urban transformation, public spaces and inclusiveness, local economic development and localization of SDGs. At the final day of the Congress, UCLG declared Bogota Commitment and Action Agenda. The Bogota Declaration agrees that current emerging challenges provide opportunities for local governments to play key role in

driving sustainable development. In playing the role, local and regional governments need to “translate normative ideas into concrete policies and practical investments that will remake human settlements as the primary driver of a new, sustainable era.”

Held back to back with the Habitat III Conference, Bogota Congress declared Bogota Commitment that is dedicated to the global action to achieve sustainable development as well as complement the statement of the World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments to Habitat III. Apart from its contribution to the world, UCLG, as an international organization, did the election and now has Councilor Parks Tau of Johannesburg who is also the President of SALGA (South African Local Government Association) as its new President. While campaigning, Parks Tao mentioned, “A leader with humility tried and tested, a unifier and a change agent that will propel UCLG forward.” Asia-Pacific supports and congrats for the new era!

UCLG ASPAC would like to express its gratitude to the past President of UCLG, Mayor Kadir Topbas of Istanbul, for his outstanding leadership that excelled UCLG to its level and for its world and UN’s recognition as the United Voice of Cities and Local Governments.