The World Organization of UCLG together with partners organized a number of events within the framework of the High-Level Political Forum held at the UN Headquarters.
On July 11, the Forum of Local and Regional Governments was held. Uğur Ibrahim Altay, President of UCLG, Mayor of Konya, opened the event with a welcoming speech.
The meeting was held with the participation of national governments and in partnership with United Nations entities such as UN-Habitat, the United Nations Development Program and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Participants discussed poverty alleviation, climate change, multi-level governance and local democracy.
At the High-Level Forum, local governments in Eurasia were represented by Kuvanchychbek Kongantiev, Chairman of the Bishkek City Council and Chairman of the Union of Local Governments of the Kyrgyz Republic. From the UN podium, he noted that like many other cities around the world Bishkek faces the challenges of rapid development and the need to enhance mechanisms for interactions with the citizens. In this light, the Chairman of the Bishkek City Council spoke about the administrative-territorial reform being currently underway in his city, a crucial initiative to streamline the governance structure in expanding Bishkek and ensure the efficient delivery of service to its residents.
“Our aim is for every citizen to feel supported and valued by municipal authorities, ensuring that every voice is heard and considered. Our goal is to improve universal access to public services as the basis for social justice and solidarity by fostering law”, concluded K.Kongantiev.
The mayors of Bonn, Rabat, Ramallah, Esteban Echeverria, Bilbao and others delivered a speech during the event as well.
Paula Narváez, President of the UN Economic and Social Council, concluded the session. She noted the importance of the participation of local and regional governments to accelerate the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and expressed confidence that the multi-level dialogue will lead to successful results.
A day earlier, on July 10, the UNDP office hosted a session on the annual report of the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments on Localizing the SDGs. The participants presented successful cases on SDGs localization. Rasikh Sagitov, Secretary General of UCLG-Eurasia, told about the activities on conducting learning seminars on sustainable development for the cities of Eurasia. He noted that the 19th century was the century of empires, the 20th century was the century of states, and the 21st century is the century of cities. Cities are becoming more and more significant, and many mayors become governors and presidents.
At the High-Level Political Forum, UCLG-Eurasia was represented by Kuvanychbek Kongantiev, Chairman of the Bishkek City Council, Rasikh Sagitov, Secretary General of UCLG-Eurasia, Ernisbek Ormokov, Mayor of Jalal-Abad, Nurtilek Orozbaev, Chairman of the Jalal-Abad City Council, Avtandil Moldosaliev, Chairman of the Naryn City Council, Kalas Dzhanybekov, Chairman of the Talas City Council, Turatbek Akimkanov, Chairman of the Karakol City Council, Altynbek Ashirov, Chairman of the Batken City Council, Tunaybek Sansyzbaev, Chairman of the Tokmok City Council and others.
The broad participation of local governments in the High-Level Political Forum brings the voice of local governments to the high rostrums and strengthens multi-level partnerships.
12.07.2024