The Local Social Covenant, a transformative political platform for advancing social justice, equality, and sustainable urban development, was officially launched during the U20 Mayors Summit in Rio de Janeiro. This seeks to tackle global challenges through local action, prioritizing housing, climate justice, cultural rights, and universal access to quality public services. It promotes high-level political commitments, actionable solutions, and localized multilateralism as the foundation for a renewed global social agenda.

 

“In alignment with what we advocate for in the multilateral system of nation-states, we are opening the local multilateral system to be inclusive and networked, establishing a structural relationship with internationally organized civil society”. emphasized Emilia Saiz, Secretary General of UCLG.

 

The launch brought together mayors, international organizations, and global partners, who highlighted the significance of the Covenant in reshaping the future.

 

“The world starts in our neighborhoods and homes,” remarked Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona. “From Barcelona, we embrace the Local Social Covenant to tackle global challenges locally. Affordable housing begins in our neighborhoods, and partnerships with civil society are key to building a fairer, more inclusive future.”

 

Highlighting the centrality of care policies, Verónica Delgadillo, Mayor of Guadalajara, stated: “We place care at the center of our agenda. Guadalajara is a city that cares, through community policing, quality public services, and inclusive social policies.”

 

Addressing social cohesion, Dada Morero, Mayor of Johannesburg, called for urgent action: “Social cohesion must lead our efforts to tackle housing, combat hunger, and fight climate change. Cities and public services are at the core of a strong social agenda.”

 

Andrea Ferrari from the European Commission underscored the importance of partnerships: “The EU is advancing the fight against inequalities through the Global Gateway, fostering investments for sustainable cities. Partnering with local governments and aligning with the priorities of the Local Social Covenant ensures a just and inclusive future.”

 

Speaking on behalf of UN-Habitat, Anacláudia Rossbach emphasized the role of housing in the new social contract: “Housing is a demanding challenge for advancing a new social contract centered on rights. Through the New Urban Agenda, we must diversify housing models, rethink urban production, and prioritize access to land, with local governments as key actors.”

 

The launch featured an esteemed group of leaders and organizations, and partners 20such as the Global Alliance for Care, Global Observatory of Sustainable Proximities, UITP, and IIED reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the agenda of the Local Social Covenant.

 

The Covenant will play a central role in shaping discussions at critical milestones such as the Finance for Development Summit and the World Social Summit 2025, marking 30 years since the Copenhagen Declaration. It also contributes to strengthening localized multilateralism in global platforms like the G20, BRICS Summit, and the United Nations General Assembly.

 

The Covenant was presented by UCLG Secretary General at the session attended by Presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil and Gabriel Boric of Chile, emphasizing its potential to complement the Global Alliance Against Hunger and push a cities agenda at the World Social Summit.

 

Central to the Local Social Covenant is its commitment to human rights and anti-discrimination, as well as its focus on tangible outcomes in housing, health, employment, and social cohesion. With local governments leading the way, it provides a bold vision for a better world.