CLGF joined a broad cross section of members of the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments for the annual strategy meeting. Held in Barcelona, alongside the UCLG Retreat, the GTF meeting was an opportunity to share examples of good practice, demonstrating how local governments of all types and from all parts of the world are playing an increasingly important role in delivering sustainable development.

Caring for people, democracy and the planet

Sessions focused on the new multi-lateral system and the need for a greater focus on care for people, democracy and the planet; strategies for fostering ecological transition; the role of cities in enhancing equality through placing human rights and local public service provision at the centre; and city level actions for peace, and building stronger governance. The importance of access to finance at the local level was emphasised throughout.

These thematic areas all relate directly to major global policy events taking place in 2024 (see below), and at which the Global Taskforce will be present, advocating for greater localisation and strengthening the role of cities and local governments to achieve global development targets.

• 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States, Charting the Course Toward Resilient Prosperity, 27-30 May 2024; Antigua and Barbuda
• High Level Political Forum, 8-17 July 2024, “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions”
• UN Summit for the Future, September 2024
• CHOGM, 21-25 October, 2024, Samoa
• World Urban Forum, Cairo, November 4–8, 2024
• COP29, 11 to 22 November 2024, Baku

UN advisory committee on local government

The meeting also provided an opportunity for the GTF members to discuss the Secretary General’s Advisory Committee on Local and Regional Government – a new mechanism bringing together 15 city leaders, member states and UN agencies – to strengthen the voice of local government in UN policy making. This is particularly relevant given the UN Secretary General’s commitment to localisation as one of the key levers for accelerating progress towards achieving sustainable development. Mayor Bernard Wagner, Chairperson of CLGF is one of five mayors from Commonwealth countries on the Advisory Committee.

The Global Taskforce is an important mechanism to ensure that local and regional governments and their networks can coordinate their advocacy and ensure the strongest possible voice for our sector.