United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and have joined forces to strengthen cooperation in organizing the UN Forum of Mayors’ meetings by signing a Memorandum of Understanding.
The agreement reaffirms the shared commitment of UNECE and UCLG to advancing urban sustainability and fostering international collaboration. By recognizing the vital role of local and regional governments, this partnership will enhance engagement in global urban processes, in line with the UNECE Executive Committee’s decision of 9 December 2024.
The signed document lays the foundation for deepening cooperation between the two organisations. It aims to enhance knowledge sharing in the implementation of international urban programes.
The Memorandum marks the first initiative of the UCLG in the work of the UN Secretary-General's Advisory Group on Local and Regional Authorities, reinforcing their commitment as the convener of the Global Task Force. Multi-level governance is necessary to put local authorities on the global stage, and the Mayors' Forum acts as a guarantee that cities and regions will have a strong voice in shaping the international agenda.