World summit of local government leaders opens in Rabat

Over 3,000 participants, representing 120 countries, were welcomed today in Rabat, Morocco, during the opening of the World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders, 4th United Cities and Local Government (UCLG) Congress to tackle the summit’s theme of ‘Imagine Society, Build Democracy’.

The host city’s mayor, Fathallah Oualalou, began the ceremony emphasising Morocco’s belief in pursuing local democracy and read a message from his Majesty the King of Morocco, Mohammed VI: “My country also supports all initiatives upholding the principles of decentralisation and local democracy, which are a legitimate demand shared by all nations.”

Mayor Oualalou, also spoke of the honour of hosting the World Summit, reaffirming that “the African elected representatives must play a significant role on African continental development.” He also highlighted the gathering’s importance, constituting a perfect occasion to demonstrate the African experience and learn from other proven models. “As elected representatives, we should play a key role in development and contributing to overcome difficulties and challenges for the African continent.”

The President of UCLG and Mayor of Istanbul, Kadir Topbas, affirmed that, “the new international agenda, which we consider our own, will need to recognise the local and regional governments as specific spheres of governance and as essential actors in the development scene. World citizens are asking for action at global and local levels. I am deeply convinced that together we can make a difference building a future of dignity that we all want regardless of the place where we are born, our beliefs or gender.”

Key international figures expressed their complete support for towns, cities and local authorities throughout the world during the opening ceremony. Joan Clos, Executive Director of UN-Habitat highlighted the major stakes for the future of cities and “the importance of local governments in the Post-2015 agenda. The Rio+20 declaration is a step forward to obtaining this recognition.”  He also declared that local governments are “the origin of community participation and local democracy”.

The opening ceremony was followed by the official celebration of the Centenary of the International Municipal Movement. During the three days of intense debates and exchanges, numerous representatives from towns, cities, regions and local government associations will address the essential issues faced by them and their populations: how to foster wellbeing, manage diversity, new governance and the dynamics of change and solidarity among territories. Furthermore, two plenary sessions will be dedicated to the definition of the strategy of towns, city and regional organisations for preparing the framework for Habitat III and the Post-2015 Development Agenda.

At the end of the summit UCLG will elect a new presidency and adopt the action framework and new priorities for the coming three years.