UCLG and UNECE join forces to organize the UN Forum of Mayors

United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) andhave 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. With UCLG’s longstanding consultative status at ECOSOC and its dedication to democratic local self-governance, the collaboration aims to amplify the Forum of Mayors’ impact and accelerate progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Memorandum sets the foundation for deeper cooperation between the two entities. It focuses on fostering resource mobilization, strengthening political advocacy, and enhancing knowledge-sharing to reinforce international urban agendas.

Reactions to the signing of the MoU

Jan Van Zanen, President of UCLG and Mayor of The Hague: “Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires a strong and inclusive multilateral system, one in which the UN, local and regional governments, and communities work together. This Memorandum reaffirms the vital role of local and regional governments in global governance and highlights the importance of collaboration across all levels to address today’s and future urban challenges”.

Tatiana Molcean, Executive Secretary of UNECE, highlights how “cooperation is key to addressing today’s global challenges, and meaningful engagement with cities and local governments is essential in order to reach our shared vision of the future, as outlined in the Agenda 2030. This Memorandum reaffirms UNECE’s commitment to multilevel collaboration, strengthening the Forum of Mayors as a unique UN body for inclusive dialogue and action”.

Guy Ryder, UN Under-Secretary-General for Policy, recalls how this agreement represents a milestone in strengthening multilateral cooperation, highlighting how “building on the 2024 Pact for the Future, this MOU underlines the great value of partnerships to drive transformative change where it matters most – at the local level, on the ground, in people’s lives. As engines of innovation, cities can help co-create the right conditions improving lives and advancing sustainable development for all”.

Emilia Saiz, Secretary General of UCLG, emphasises the significance of this step, stating: “This Memorandum marks the first formal action of UCLG within the framework of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Group on Local and Regional Governments, reinforcing our commitment as convener of the Global Taskforce. Multilevel governance is essential to elevating local leadership to the global stage, and through the Forum of Mayors, we are ensuring that cities and regions have a strong voice in shaping the international agenda”.

Paola Deda, Director of the Forests, Land and Housing Division at UNECE: : “We are pleased to join forces with UCLG to further strengthen the Forum of Mayors as a key multilateral platform within the UN framework. Coming at a pivotal moment, as the Forum is growing in its outreach and participation, this strategic partnership reflects UNECE’s commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue and expanding the Forum to new voices”.

The Memorandum represents a milestone in reinforcing the role of local and regional governments in global governance. Through this partnership, the Forum of Mayors will be further enhanced as a platform for dialogue and action, driving progress on urban sustainability and the achievement of the Agenda 2030.