UCLG World Council: Renewing Commitment, Strengthening the Network
Parks Mpho Tau, President of UCLG in World Council Meeting, Hangzhou, 8-10 December 2017
DISTINGUISHED representatives and key delegates of the world’s largest organization on local governments, UCLG, global network of UCLG ASPAC, once again gathered and reinforced their commitment to mainstream the role of local governments and enhance their capacity through a World Council held in Hangzhou on 8-10 December 2017. The meeting addressed issues which relate to the organization’s network, partnership with other world-level institutions, as well as to determine its commitment and statement towards currently emerging issues, in addition to the organization’s internal management.
External Matters During the meeting, the organization also set its political motion towards several issues. Regarding climate change, members attending the meeting supported statement that highlighted the need to strengthen commitment from all actors as well as emphasized on the financing of initiatives to fight climate change. Similar support was also shown in regards to women’s political participation at local level and need to promote transparency in governance and public policies. Discussion also addressed a motion on the status of Jerusalem. The World Organization clearly stated that it reaffirmed its attachment to the status of Jerusalem as defined by the international law. Partnership and Network As the largest organization concerning local governments, UCLG took the opportunity to discuss extension of partnership with European Union. It was positively welcomed and the collaboration was extended until 2021. To strengthen the political leadership, members of the World Secretariat also considered important the establishment of Policy Councils. While the initial nominations were ratified by the Executive Bureau in Madrid, the World Council meeting saw the proposed renewed mechanism on each of the Policy Council: “Right to the City,” “Multilevel Governance,” “Opportunities for All” and “Resilient Cities.” Renewed mechanism was also applied to Committee on Decentralization and Local SelfGovernment, Committee on Local Finance and Development, Committee on Development Cooperation and City Diplomacy, and Mediterranean Committee. Regarding the localization of the global agenda, the global network mentioned its contribution in various aspects: from consistently following discussions relating to the UN reform, co-chairing the High Level Panel in UN-Habitat Assessment and Habitat III implementation, and facilitating the presence of members at the High Level Political Forum. UCLG also confirmed its plan to organize its work towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its strategic priorities and the creation of Local4Action Hub. Parks Tau, the President of UCLG, mentioned that the creation of the hub was aimed at stimulating members and partners to be active in the implementation of 2030 Agenda. Besides helping to collect data, share best practices, and facilitate support to members, there will also be an interface under initiative of UN Secretary-General’s office to create a localization hub. Making good use of this opportunity, the World Council also highlighted the urban issues that need to be addressed locally: migration and housing.
Internal Body Regarding the organization’s internal issues, UCLG set a commitment to build a work plan for 2018 based on the organization’s strategic priorities. The 2018 workplan was structured in six main components which include implementation, advocacy, monitoring and reporting, learning, strengthening the network, leadership and governance, and cross-cutting activities. The development of the workplan was mentioned to be developed through specific actions and would consistently aim to make local and regional governments become a broadly respected and inspiring stakeholder, particularly on the implementation of global international agendas on issues impacting the communities. The World Council meeting also saw appointment of new Secretary General, Emilia Saiz. Commenting on her appointment, Emilia put emphasis on the importance of balance between commitment and continuity of associations and the drive of cities and regions. For her, it is those factors that will guarantee the sustainability of the organization. In line with that, the outgoing Secretary General, Josep Roig, invited members to recall the principles and values that made UCLG until today. Other internal matters include the appointment of a Women’s Caucus, with representation from all sections, to ensure representation of female local political representatives that are not already in the governing bodies but are active in the networks at regional or national level; renewal of the membership fee scheme, and decisions on the upcoming meetings (Executive Bureau will be held in Strasbourg from 23 to 26 May 2018, World Congress in 2019 will be hosted by SALGA-eThekwin in South Africa.
Emilia Saiz, the newly elected Secretary General of UCLG and Josep Roig, the outgoing Secretary General of UCLG.
As one of the result of the meeting, UCLG ASPAC Secretariat Team congratulates Emilia Saiz for her appointment as the newly elected Secretary General and wish her good luck. We also thank Josep Roig for his inspiring leadership.
Dato Maimunah Mohd Sharif (middle), when appointed as UCLG ASPAC Chair of Women Standing Committee
In this occasion, UCLG ASPAC would also like to congratulate Mayor of Penang Dato Maimunah Mohd Sharif for her appointment as Executive Director of UN-Habitat. She chairs UCLG ASPAC’s Standing Committee of Women in Local Governments, and her new position at the UN will definitely inspire more women to contribute in local
governance. UCLG ASPAC is proud to support her during her tenure and beyond in serving the interests of cities and local governments and their people.