Youth

Highlights for Wednesday, 20 November 2019 From L-R: CBD Deputy Executive Secretary David Cooper; Working Group Chair Hamdallah Zedan, Egypt; and John Scott, CBD Secretariat Delegates to the 11th meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on Article 8(j) and Related Provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) met throughout the day to hear opening and regional statements, address organizational matters, conduct the in-depth dialogue on the contributions of indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) to the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, assess progress towards Aichi Target 18, and discuss the links between nature and culture in the post-2020 framework. In the opening plenary, Mohawk elder Charlie Patton, Kahnawake, welcomed participants onto Mohawk territory and noted the need to “work of one mind to help heal our Mother Earth.” Elizabeth Mrema, CBD Secretariat Officer-in-Charge, emphasized that no wisdom can be left out, and that traditional knowledge transferred between generations is key to understanding nature. Inger Andersen, UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director, underscored that IPLCs have been deploying the solutions that “we need to rediscover to secure a sustainable future,” and stressed that environmental defenders, who work to protect nature, often pay for their efforts with their lives. Working Group Co-Chair Hamdallah Zedan (Egypt), for the COP Presidency, emphasized the need to be ambitious, inclusive, and optimistic. Regional groups, indigenous peoples’ organizations, and civil society organizations emphasized the importance of full and effective participation of IPLCs in the work of the Convention and the development of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. Seven IPLC representatives were designated as “Friends of the Bureau,” representing the geo-cultural regions recognized by the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), and Lakpa Nuri Sherpa (Asia) was designated as Working Group Co-Chair. Plenary then addressed an in-depth dialogue on the contribution of cultural diversity and the traditional knowledge, innovations, and practices of IPLCs to the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. Panelists highlighted the importance of: IPLCs’ inclusion in policy and decision-making; an international alliance for nature and culture; and nature-culture indicators. Delegates and participants were introduced to the concept of "ili", the place where one is born, including its natural, cultural, and spiritual identity. In the afternoon, the Working Group unpacked almost all of the items on its agenda. Delegates and participants reviewed progress towards Aichi Target 18 (traditional knowledge); deliberated on the role of IPLCs in the development and implementation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework; and exchanged ideas for possible elements of work aiming at reintegration of nature and culture in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. Regarding possible institutional arrangements, some parties recommended that a permanent subsidiary body on aspects relating to IPLCs be created, while others suggested delaying relevant decisions until the content of the new programme of work is finalized.For more details on the day’s negotiations and to hear what delegates said in the corridors, see our daily Earth Negotiations Bulletin.  IISD Reporting Services, through its Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) meeting coverage, provided daily web coverage, daily reports, and a summary and analysis report from SBSTTA 23 and WG8J 11. Photos by IISD/ENB | Mike Muzurakis For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page Working Group Chair Hamdallah Zedan, Egypt Inger Andersen, Executive Director, UN Environment Programme (UNEP) John Scott, CBD Secretariat, with CBD Deputy Executive Secretary David Cooper Vinod Mathur, Rapporteur Elizabeth Mrema, Officer-in-Charge, CBD Tiina Sanila-Aikio, Finland Lucy Mulenkei, Indigenous Information Network Charlie Patton, Mohawk Elder Phepsile Maseko, Traditional Healers Organisation, South Africa John Scott, CBD Secretariat Joaqin Salzberg, Argentina Moustafa Fouda, Egypt Josefa Cariño Tauli, Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) Marina von Weissenberg, Finland Alejandra Loría Martínez, Costa Rica Tim Badman, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Belal Alhayek, Syrian Arab Republic Charlotta Von Troil, EU Aslak Holmberg, Saami Council June Batang-ay and Dibara Sharipova, Tebtebba Foundation Raed Bani-Hani, Jordan Gillian Dunuan, Philippines Gunn-Britt Retter, Saami Council Around the Venue

Highlights for Friday, 15 November 2019 Mohamed Boudra, Mayor of Al Hoceima, Morocco (left), is elected as the new President of the UCLG, with Ilsur Metshin, Mayor of Kazan, Russian Federation (right), elected as Chairperson of the UN Advisory Committee of Local Authorities (UNACLA). The United Cities and Local Congress World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders closed on Friday evening, 15 November, by electing Mohamed Boudra, Mayor of Al Hoceima, Morocco, and President of the Moroccan Association of Communal Council of Presidents (AMPCC), to lead a new collegiate presidency of co-presidents, treasurers, and special envoys. The newly elected presidency and officers are: President: Mohamed Boudra, Mayor of Al Hoceima, Morocco; Chair of the UN Advisory Committee for Local Authorities: Ilsur Metshin, Mayor of Kazan, Russian Federation; Co-Presidents: Johnny Araya, Mayor of San José, Costa Rica; Uğur İbrahim Altay, Mayor of Konya, Turkey; Jan Van Zanen, Mayor of Utrecht, the Netherlands; Li Mingyuan, Mayor of Xi’an, China; Thembisile Nkadimeng, Mayor of Polokwane, South Africa; Treasurers: Madelaine Alfelor-Gazman, Mayor of Iriga, the Philippines; Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor of Kitchener, Canada; and Special Envoys: Ada Colau, Mayor of Barcelona, Spain; Special Envoy to the UN; Fernando Medina, Mayor of Lisbon, Portugal, Special Envoy for Local Development. In his inaugural speech, Boudra said he was honored to be at the helm of UCLG, thanking all who had supported his election, especially the UCLG-Africa section. He said the UCLG stood ready to stand with partners and interlocutors on the sustainable development agenda.Reflecting on an insightful and inspiring journey, Mpho Parks Tau, outgoing UCLG President, expressed his gratitude to the municipal movement. He noted that the three-year legacy would strengthen the world organization, make it more visible on the international arena with localization at its core.The final day of the Summit provided an opportunity for convening the World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments, which acts as the main political voice of the world organization. The Assembly received a comprehensive series of recommendations from the Town Hall and Assembly Tracks and adopted a Political Declaration.The main outcomes of the meeting are the Durban Political Declaration - Envisioning the Future of Our Renewed International Municipal Movement, and the Outcome Document of the World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments. These policy outcomes will shape the upcoming actions of the ULCG as it advances a local and regional perspective and increasingly shapes the global multilateral agenda.On the immediate horizon will be the organization’s role in shaping the world’s development agenda by contributing to preparations for the 64th session of the Commission on the Status of Women/Beijing+25 and the UN 75th anniversary events that will include input on the perspective of local governments on the future of the global multilateral agenda.The World Summit brought together more than 3000 local and regional leaders and other stakeholders at the International Conference Centre in eThekwini-Durban. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ meeting Coverage, provided daily web coverage and daily reports from the #UCLGCongress Durban 2019. In addition, IISD Reporting Services has published a summary report from the Congress, which is now available in HTML and PDF. Photos by IISD/ENB | Kiara Worth For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page World Council View of the dais during the World Council. Mpho Parks Tau, outgoing UCLG President Carola Gunnarsson, Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions Heo Tae-jeong, Mayor of Daejeon, Republic of Korea Claudio Sule Fernández, City Association, Chile Daejeon, Republic of Korea, is announced as the host for UCLG 2022. Mohamed Boudra, newly elected UCLG President Mpho Parks Tau, outgoing UCLG President, congratulates Mohamed Boudra on his election Family photo of the newly elected Presidency. World Assembly Emilia Sáiz, UCLG Secretary-General, opens the World Assembly. Mpho Moruakgomo, Chairman, Commonwealth Local Government Forum Board Laia Bonet, Deputy Mayor of Barcelona, Spain, and Co-President of Metropolis Panel speakers during the session 'Challenges and priorities: the quest of local and regional governments (LRG) in the current context' (L-R): Gunn Marit Helgesen, President, Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Governments; Sami Kanaan, Mayor of Geneva, Switzerland; Souad Abderrahim, Mayor of Tunis, Tunisia; Kobie Brand, ICLEI Regional Director for Africa; Hannes Lagrelius, World Blind Union; Violet Shivutse, Chair of Governing Council, Huairou Commission; and Madelaine Yorobe, Mayor of Iriga, the Philippines. Panel speakers during the session 'Driving policy innovation from the bottom-up' (L-R): Patrick Klugman, Deputy Mayor of Paris, France; Rohey Malick Lowe, Mayor of Banjul, The Gambia; Nelson Saule Junior, Polis Institute, and Global Platform for the Right to the City (GPR2C); Greg Munro, Secretary-General, Commonwealth Local Government Forum; Núria Marín, Barcelona Provincial Council, Spain; David Cull, Mayor of Dunedin, President of Local Government, New Zealand; Billy Cobbett, Director, Cities Alliance; and Armand Béouindé, Mayor of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Vera Galushko, Mayor of Krasnodar, Russian Federation Hannes Lagrelius, World Blind Union Panel speakers during the session 'Leading the local-global coalition towards the implementation decade' (L-R): Mohamed Sefiani, Mayor of Chefchaouen, Morocco; Manuel de Araújo, Mayor of Quelimane, Mozambique; Vera Galushko, Mayor of Krasnodar, Russian Federation; Noraini Roslan, Mayor of Subang Jaya, Malaysia; Octavi de la Varga Mas, Secretary-General, Metropolis; and Maria Soledad Cisternas Reyes, UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Disability and Accessibility. Intergenerational Dialogue for Peace and Solidarity Panel speakers during the 'Intergenerational dialogue for peace and solidarity': Mariam Iddrisu, Mayor of Sagnarigu Municipality, Ghana, and Vice-President, Network of Locally Elected Women of Africa (REFELA-West Africa); Imen Ouardani, City of Sousse, Tunisia; Prisca Amponsah, Student of Law, University of Ghana; Johnny Araya Monge, Mayor of San José, Costa Rica; Sofia Moschin, Italian Youth Delegate; Vasu Gounden, Executive Director, African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD); Tamires Gomes Sampaio, Director, Lula Institute, Brazil; Aníbal Gavíria Correa, President of the Assembly, Cities Alliance; Jan van Zanen, Mayor of Utrecht, and President of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities; Aisen Nikolaev, Head, Sakha Republic, Russian Federation; and Raghav Ranganathan, Organisational Development and Conflict Engagement, India. Prisca Amponsah, Student of Law, University of Ghana Tamires Gomes Sampaio, Director, Lula Institute, Brazil Aisen Nikolaev, Head, Sakha Republic, Russian Federation Jan van Zanen, Mayor of Utrecht, and President of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities UCLG Peace Prize Award Ceremony Ton Rombouts, Senator of the Netherlands, and Ambassador of the UCLG Peace Prize, presented the awards, which celebrates successful initiatives undertaken by local governments in ensuring sustainable and peaceful development. Bassel Al-Hujairy, Mayor of Arsal Municipality, Lebanon (far left), is awarded the prize. All finalists are given a token of appreciation for their efforts in encouraging peace. Local4Action Track Participants attend the session 'Local government associations 2.0 - ready for the future.' Panel speakers during the session 'Peace initiatives: inspiration from the UCLG Peace Prize finalists.' Local4Action Hub Panel speakers during the session 'Digital networking for sustainable urban development' (L-R): Sara Hoeflich, UCLG Learning; Octavi de la Varga, Secretary-General, Metropolis; Kate Joseph, City of Johannesburg, South Africa; and Thomas Honeck, Berlin Senate Chancellery. Closing Plenary Emilia Sáiz, UCLG Secretary-General, Mpho Parks Tau, outgoing UCLG President, Mohamed Boudra, newly elected UCLG President, Thembisile Nkadimeng, South African Local Government Association (SALGA), and Mxolisi Kaunda, Executive Mayor eThekwini Municipality, South Africa, stand while the South African national anthem is played during the closing celermony. The South African acapella group, The Legacy, performs at the closing ceremony. Around the Venue Emilia Sáiz, UCLG Secretary-General, Mariam Iddrisu, Mayor of Sagnarigu Municipality, Ghana, and Vice-President, Network of Locally Elected Women of Africa (REFELA-West Africa), Thembisile Nkadimeng, SALGA, and Rohey Malick Lowe, Mayor of Banjul, The Gambia, give a thumbs up for the empowerment of women. Delegates between sessions. Participants speak informally. The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) Earth Negotiaions Bulletin+ (ENB+) team covering UCLG Congress 2019: Asheline Appleton, Kenya; Simon Høiberg Olsen, Denmark/Japan; Annelies van Gaalen, South Africa; Peter Doran, Ireland; Wangu Mwangi, Kenya; and Kiara Worth, South Africa.

Highlights for Thursday, 14 November 2019 Carla Rey, Secretary-General, Italian National Association for the European Council of Municipalities and Regions (AICCRE), shows her committment to achieveing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On Thursday, the agenda of the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders included a meeting of the organization’s General Assembly and the launch of elections for the presidency. In his introductory remarks during the Assembly, UCLG President, Mpho Parks Tau, recounted activities over the last three years, including on housing, migration, localizing the SDGs and engagement with stakeholders and municipalities around the world. Five UCLG sub-regions then reported on impacts, challenges and key recommendations, to be overseen by the new UCLG governing body, following the conclusion of elections on Friday.Delegates also convened in a second plenary to launch the UCLG’s fifth edition of the Global Report on Local Democracy and Decentralization: How local action is transforming territories and communities (GOLD V). Núria Marín Martínez, Mayor, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, President of Barcelona Provincial Council, Spain, welcomed the publication, which her council has supported since 2017. Marina Ponti, Global Director, UN SDG Action Campaign, and Carla Montesi, Director for Planet and Prosperity, European Commission, congratulated UCLG on the publication of the report acknowledging that local authorities are on the front line of addressing both old and new global challenges.Throughout the day, delegates met in special sessions on transparency and open government, migration, and the future of resilience. Assembly and Town Hall track sessions continued to prepare recommendations for UCLG’s World Assembly, which convenes Friday. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ meeting Coverage, provided daily web coverage and daily reports from the #UCLGCongress Durban 2019. In addition, IISD Reporting Services has published a summary report from the Congress, which is now available in HTML and PDF. Photos by IISD/ENB | Kiara Worth For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page General Assembly Plenary is filled to capacity as participants attend the UCLG General Assembly. View of the dais during the session. Corrine Lepage, President, Friends of the Universal Declaration of Humankind Rights' Association Jean-Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary-General, UCLG Africa Corrine Lepage, President, Friends of the Universal Declaration of Humankind Rights' Association; Mpho Parks Tau, President, UCLG; and Roland Ries, UCLG Co-President, Senator, and Mayor of Strasbourg, France, sign the Universal Declaration of Humankind Rights. Tri Rismaharini, Mayor of Surabaya, Indonesia Mpho Parks Tau, President, UCLG Localizing Sustainable Development: Gearing Up to the Implementation Decade Panel speakers during the session 'Localizing sustainable development: gearing up to the implementation decade' (L-R): Edgar Pieterse, African Centre for Cities; Clare Short, Cities Alliance; Núria Marín, Barcelona Provincial Council, Spain; Ilsur Metsin, Mayor of Kazan, Russian Federation; Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor of Kitchener, Canada; Carla Montesi, European Commission; Marina Ponti, UN SDG Action Campaign; and Babacar Mbengue, Mayor of Commune de Hann, Senegal. Edgar Pieterse, African Centre for Cities Babacar Mbengue, Mayor of Commune de Hann, Senegal The report 'The Localization of the Global Agendas' was launched during the session. Tree Planting Participants attend the launch of the 'Plant Trees Not Bombs' campaign, a Global Peace initiative designed to highlight the need for increased action to reduce and halt the effects of climate change. During the event, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, South Africa, commited the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to plant one million trees, helping to achieve the global target of planting 75 million trees by 25 October 2020 when the UN will celebrate its 75th anniversary. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, South Africa (left), and Graça Machel, Chair, Global Peace (right), plant the 'Tree of Peace' at the Durban ICC. Members of the South African National Defence Force attend the event. A participant films the arrival of the 'Tree of Peace,' flown in to the venue by helicopter. Town Hall Track The Town Hall Track focused on the 'Right to the City' as its first discussion, highlighting that cities and human settlements must be viewed through a rights-based lens for equity, sustainability, and social justice to be achieved. Eugenie Birch, University of Pennsylvania, US Steve Weir, Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) Participants share ideas on 'Sustainable Urban Development' where tools and methods to include local and regional governments into the framework of achieving sustainable urban development at the global level were discussed. Family photo of the Town Hall Track participants. Beth Chitekwe, Depuy Director, Slum Dwellers International (SDI) Gyyongu Shin, Human Rights Special Adviser to the Mayor of Gwangju, South Korea Participants during the session 'addressing informalities' that focused on how cities and regions need to adopt innovative visions and include city dwellers in decision-making processes to design accessible and inclusive schemes for people in poverty. Assembly Track Panel speakers during the 'Assembly on multilevel governance and national/continental advocacy,' led by the Americas. Johnny Araya Monge, Mayor of San José, Costa Rica Musa Hadid, Mayor of Ramallah, Palestine Panel speakers during the 'Assembly on migration management and peacebuilding,' led by the Middle East and West Asia. Panel speakers during the 'Assembly on public space and demographic challenges,' led by Metropolis. David Makhura, Premier of Gauteng Province, South Africa Liu Mei, President, Guangzhou's Women Federation Special Sessions Panel speakers during the session on 'The future of transparency and open government' (L-R): Hubert Julien-Laferrière, French Partnership for Cities and Territories (PFVT); Carlos Martínez Mínguez, Mayor of Soria, Spain; Sofia Moschin, Italian Youth Delegate; María Julia Reyna, UCLG Forum of the Regions; Mohamed Saadieh, President, UCLG MEWA; and Mukelani Dimba, Open Government Partnership. Panel speakers during the session 'The future of resilience' (L-R): Debra Roberts, Working Group II Co-Chair, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC); Juan Mari Abyurto, Mayor of Bilbao, Spain; Madelaine Yorobe, Mayor of Iriga, the Philippines; Zhasur Azimov, Vice Mayor of Osh, Kyrgyzstan; Olcay Ünver, Vice-Chair, UN-Water; Pablo Jurado, Governor of Imbabura Province, Ecuador; Sarah Kupka, Regions4; Corrine Lepage, President, Friends of the Universal Declaration of Humankind Rights' Association; and Sanjaya Bhatia, UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). Debra Roberts, Working Group II Co-Chair, IPCC Michael Spindelegger, ICMPD Panel speakers during the session on 'The future of migration' (L-R): Mohamed Boussraqui, UCLG; Yvonne Aky-Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone; Michael Spindelegger, International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD); Jill Helke, International Organization for Migration (IOM); Souad Abderrahim, Mayor of Tunis, Tunisia; Omar Hejira, Mayor of Oujda, Morocco; Pablo Jurado, Consortium of Provincial Autonomous Governments of Ecuador (CONGOPE); Hüseyin Keskin, Mayor of Sultanbeyli, Turkey; and Nkulwa Kabila, Youth Delegate. Local4Action Track Panel speakers during the session 'Children uprooted: what can local governments do?' Participants during the session 'Local 2030 Hubs - a global network to localize Agenda 2030.' Panel speakers during the session 'Making cities resilient beyond 2020.' Local4Action Hub Panel speakers during the session 'Cities facing crisis' (L-R): Genevieve Sevrin, Director General of Cités Unies, France; Rob Metz, Mayor of Soest, the Netherlands; Bassel Al Houjairy, Mayor of Arsal, Lebanon; and Fatimetou Abdel Malick, Chair, Nouakchott Regional Council, Mauritania Panel speakers during the session 'Creative mobilities' (L-R): Valeria Marcolin, Creative Mobilities; Jordi Pascual, UCLG World Secretariat; Dionisio González, Global Director, Advocacy and Outreach, International Association of Public Transport (UITP); Roland Ries, Mayor of Strasbourg, France; Marc Villarubias, Director, Mission on Cultural Cooperation, Lyon, France; and Cecilio Cerdán Carbonero, General Directorate, Global Cooperation and Citizenship, Madrid, Spain. Around the Venue Participants meet informally to consult throughout the day. A participant reads the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) UCLG Bulletin to keep track of the conference proceedings. South African Police around the venue.

Highlights for Wednesday, 13 November 2019 The Ndlovu Youth Choir performs at the official opening of the UCLG Congresss 2019. The United Cities and Local Government (UCLG) World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders officially opened on Wednesday during a ceremony entitled “Local and Regional Governments, Sentinels of Dreams.” To the sounds of the Ndlovu Youth Choir, South African poet and storyteller, Gcina Mhlophe, opened the Summit in the evening. Welcoming high-level guests and delegates, Mxolisi Kaunda, Executive Mayor, eThekwini Municipality, South Africa, said the Summit would build on the great work of local and regional governments around the world, ensuring a better future for all cities through debate and dialogue.Graça Machel, Chairperson, Board of Trustees, African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD), announced plans to call on the UN Secretary-General to convene a global peace forum of all nations and nationalities, and involving cities and towns around the world.Fabrizio Hochschild Drummond, UN Under-Secretary General, invited UCLG delegates to support the UN75 Initiative, stating it consists of dialogues on the future envisaged by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mpho Parks Tau, President, UCLG, highlighted the unveiling of the International Municipal Investment Fund, which is based on a partnership between UCLG, the UN Capital Development Fund and the Global Fund for Cities Development.Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Acting President, South Africa, reflected on challenges that cities face in providing tangible development opportunities in a context of shrinking resources and unequal wealth, and stressed the need to give a voice back to the people.The Congress also met in plenary to consider the reinvention of local democracy, and held its inaugural Assembly Track sessions on decentralization and finance, Agenda 2030 and the Right to the City, and resilience. This new Track, organized at the regional level, has been established for the Congress as a permanent policy process for UCLG.The Executive Bureau of the UCLG World Council also convened for its last meeting under the current mandate. A new Executive Bureau will be appointed for the 2019-2022 mandate in Durban during a meeting of the UCLG World Council. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ meeting Coverage, provided daily web coverage and daily reports from the #UCLGCongress Durban 2019. In addition, IISD Reporting Services has published a summary report from the Congress, which is now available in HTML and PDF. Photos by IISD/ENB | Kiara Worth For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page Official Opening of UCLG Master of Ceremonies Gcina Mhlope, South African Anti-Apartheid Activist, Poet and Actress, welcomes participants to the meeting. Graça Machel, Chairperson, ACCORD Board of Trustees Fabrizio Hochschild Drummond, UN Under-Secretary-General The Ndlovu Youth Choir performs during the opening ceremony. Emilia Sáiz, UCLG Secretary-General; Mpho Parks Tau, President, UCLG, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Acting President, South Africa; and Graça Machel, Chairperson, ACCORD Board of Trustees, dance to the music of the Ndlovu Youth Choir. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Acting President, South Africa Sihle Zikalala, Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa A view of the dais during the opening ceremony. Town Hall Track Mayors join representatives of civil society networks during the inauguration of the Town Hall Track, which offered a space to "co-create" the future of the municipal movement. Peter Rene Hohmann, Head, Global Programmes, Cities Alliance Violet Shibutse, Governing Council Chair, Huairou Commission Speakers during the discussion on 'Accessible and Inclusive Cities.' Speakers during the discussion on 'Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.' Sri Husnaini Sofjan, Huairou Commission Fernanda Hassem, Mayor of Brasiléia, Brazil Jennifer Canaveral Guzman, Urban Development Institute, Colombia Federico Poitier, Director, External Affairs and Partnerships, World Enabled Assembly Track Jean-Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary-General, UCLG Africa, welcomes participants to the Assembly Track, aimed at gathering the continental and thematic priorities. Philipp Heinrigs, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Francois Paul Yatta, UCLG Africa Panel speakers during the discussion on 'Lightning rounds: European actions on the SDGs,' led by Europe. Panel speakers during the discussion on 'Resilience, Urbanization and Heritage,' led by Eurasia and Asia-Pacific. Jan van Zanen, Mayor of Utrecht, President of Association of Netherlands Municipalities Fernando Medina Maciel Almeida Correia, Mayor of Lisbon, Portugal Participants ask questions during the session. Special Sessions Panel speakers during the session 'The Future of Culture' (L-R): Jordi Pascual, Coordinator of UCLG Culture Committee; Obed Bapela, Deputy Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, South Africa; Catarina Vaz Pinto, Vice-Mayor on Culture, City of Lisbon, Portugal; Luca Bergamo, Vice Mayor of Rome, Italy; Christine Mackenzie, President, International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA); and Marc Villarubias, Director, Cultural Cooperation, Lyon, France. Christine Mackenzie, President, IFLA Obed Bapela, Deputy Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, South Africa Panel speakers during the session on 'The future of housing: local governments for the right to adequate housing' (L-R): Sheela Patel, CGLU-UBUNTU; Laia Bonet, Deputy to the Mayor of Barcelona, Spain; Leilani Farha, UN Special Rapporteur on Adequate Housing; Eduard Cabré Romans; Global Platform for the Right to the City (GPR2C). Panel speakers during the session on 'The future of biodiversity' (L-R): Gino van Begin, Secretary-General, ICLEI; Marie Daigle de Lafontaine, City of Montréal, Canada; Sara Kupka, Regions4; Kobie Brand, Regional Director of ICLEI Africa; and Madelaine Yorobe, Mayor of Iriga, the Philippines. Local4Action Track Panel speakers during the session on 'Advancing nature-based solutions for resilient and socially inclusive cities: public space potentialities.' Participants during the session on 'SDGs and decentralized cooperation: Working on Agenda 2030 locally and globally.' Participants during the session on 'The power of youth in building resilient urban communities.' Local4Action Hub Panel speakers during the session 'Presentation of the tenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF10)' (L-R): Diana Lopez, Head, Local Government and Decentralization Unit, UN-Habitat; Hamdah Al Shamsi, United Arab Emirates (UAE); and Reginald Lashbrook, DPM. Committee on Statutory Affairs UCLG members gather for the Committee on Statutory Affairs. Emilia Sáiz, UCLG Secretary-General Mpho Parks Tau, President, UCLG Executive Bureau Meeting View of the dais during the Executive Bureau Meeting (L-R): Berry Vrbanovic, UCLG Treasurer; Uğur İbrahim Altay, Mayor of Konya, Turkey, and Co-President of UCLG; Roland Ries, UCLG Co-President, Senator, and Mayor of Strasbourg, France; Thembisile Nkadimeng, South African Local Government Association (SALGA); Mpho Parks Tau, President, UCLG; Emilia Sáiz, UCLG Secretary-General; Ada Colau, Mayor of Barcelona, Spain, and Co-President of UCLG; and Mxolisi Kaunda, Executive Mayor, eThekwini Municipality, South Africa. Thembisile Nkadimeng, SALGA Mxolisi Kaunda, Executive Mayor eThekwini Municipality, South Africa Reinventing Local Democracy Panel speakers during the session: Ada Colau, Mayor of Barcelona, Spain, and President of Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB); Souad Abderrahim, Mayor of Tunis, Tunisia; Roland Ries, Mayor of Strasbourg, France; Sanjay Pradhan, CEO, Open Government Partnership; Keboitse Machangana, Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) Amos Masondo, Chairman of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), South Africa. Ada Colau, Mayor of Barcelona, Spain, and President of Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) Sanjay Pradhan, CEO, Open Government Partnership Around the Venue Delegates network and consult throughout the day.

Highlights for Monday, 11 November 2019 Mpho Parks Tau, President of UCLG, and Emilia Sáiz, UCLG Secretary-General, share a moment as the first day of the 2019 UCLG Congress begins. The United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders convened Monday for the first of two days of preparatory sessions, leading up to the official opening of the Summit on Wednesday.At an opening press briefing, the President of UCLG Mpho Parks Tau, Deputy Minister, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, South Africa, outlined the highlights of the UCLG’s work over the past three years, including input to the New Urban Agenda (Habitat lll). He said the UCLG – a “network of networks” – was at the forefront of mobilization of local government associations. Tau noted significant strides in enhancing the voice of local and regional governments within the UN system, and highlighted the relevance of local inputs on the SDGs, climate change, housing, migration, and local finance.Approximately 20 sessions took place throughout the day, organized around four “Tracks,” as well as the Local4Action Hub, an informal meeting place, and related events organized by themes and constituencies due to take place through the week. The Tracks are: Assembly Track – Local Action for the People; Town Hall Track – Cities are Listening; Local4Action Track – A multi-format collaborative track to facilitate partnerships; and Statutory Track – A decision-making track for UCLG members, comprising meetings of governing bodies responsible for shaping UCLG policies and work plans. Following the informal launch of the Local4Action Hub, several events took place in the Summit “Agora” that included sessions on: Mayors for the Future, Cities Panels addressing regional collaboration on multilevel governance and informality, and an enabling environment for local human development, and the launch of the Call to Action after the Marrakesh Mayoral Declaration. A special session on the future of local finance convened in the afternoon. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ meeting Coverage, provided daily web coverage and daily reports from the #UCLGCongress Durban 2019. In addition, IISD Reporting Services has published a summary report from the Congress, which is now available in HTML and PDF. Photos by IISD/ENB | Kiara Worth For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page Local4Action Hub Participants gather for the Local4Action Hub inaugural celebration. Jean Baptiste Buffet, UCLG Emilia Sáiz, UCLG Secretary-General, and Mpho Parks Tau, President of UCLG Panel speakers for the session 'Mayors for the Future.' Rohey Malick Lowe, Mayor of Banjul, The Gambia Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, UK Participants during the session. Special Session: The Future of Local Finance Panel speakers during the special session (L-R): Moderator Judy Nkosi, Director, National Treasury, South Africa; Sameh Wahba, Global Director, Urban, Disaster Risk Management, Resilience and Land Global Practice, World Bank; Michel-André Volle, Meridiam; Christel Alvergne, Regional Coordinator West and Central Africa, UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF); Hanitra Raharinjatovo-Rasamison, Director-General, Local Development Fund, Madagascar; Rodica Rossu, Mayor of Telita, Moldova; Mohamed Boudra, Mayor of Al Hoceima, Morocco, and President of the Moroccan Association of Communal Council of Presidents (AMPCC); Ahmed Aziz Diallo, Mayor of Dori, Burkina Faso; Isaac Musumba, Minister for Urban Development, Uganda. Delegates listen to the presenters during the session. Local4Action Track Panel speakers for the session 'Localizing the transformative Agenda: scaling up and out social and solidarity economy and finance' (L-R): Judith Hitchman, President, Urgenci, The International Network for Community Supported Agriculture; Carlos de Freitas, Global Fund For Cities Development (FMDV); Laurence Kwark, Secretary General of the Global Social Economy Forum (GSEF). Panel speakers for the session 'Delivery of inclusive and sustainable cities - theory and practice using multi-criteria and geospatial tools' (L-R): Ashley Hay, Celiwe Kgowedi, and Mannini Makhele; Gauteng Office of the Premier, South Africa; Irene Josa, Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Spain; and Santiago Uzal, International Congress of Urban Landscapes. Claudia Baranzelli, European Commission Edgardo Bilsky, UCLG Panel speakers for the session 'Shaping resilient cities' (L-R): Craig Laird, UN-Habitat; Rene Peter Hohmann, Cities Alliance Secretariat, UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS); Vinesh Chintaram, Secretary General, African Union of Architects; Fatimatou Abdel Malick, President of Nouakchott Regional Council, Mauritania; Najat Zarrouk, Director, ALGA; Sikhumbuzo Mtembu, Deputy President, South African Institute of Architects; and Mzwandile Masina, Executive Mayor, City of Ekurhuleni, South Africa. Participants gather for the session 'Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) - building blocks for a community of practice.' Panel speakers during the session 'Community of pactice on local finance: the landscape of urban transition financing.' Mannini Makhele; Gauteng Office of the Premier, South Africa Santiago Uzal, International Congress of Urban Landscapes Ronald Wall, University of Witswatersrand, South Africa Changhee Lee, Seoul Metroplitan Government, South Korea Ibticem Atitallah Regaieg, Deputy Major of Sfax city, Tunisia; Christopher Kang’ombe, Mayor of Kitwe, and President, Local Government Association of Zambia; and Jean-Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General, UCLG Africa, during the session on 'Young African local elected offficials facing the challenges of territorial governance.' Panel speakers for the session 'Cities at the center: how 'state of cities' reports influence urban policy and governance' (L-R): Ronald Wall, University of Witswatersrand, South Africa; Mbali Hlophe, Gauteng Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Arts and Culture, South Africa; Beryl Mphakathi, Deputy City Manager, eThekwini Municipality; and Mzwandile Masina, City of Ekurhuleni, South Africa. Sofia Moschin, Italian Youth Delegate, speaks during the session 'Raising awareness on youth.' Town Hall Track Participants gather for the preparatory meeting of the Town Hall Track. Eugenie Birch, University of Pennsylvania, US Federico Batista Poitier, World Enabled Massima Perrino, UCLG Emilia Sáiz, UCLG Secretary-General Participants gather for a family photo showing that "Cities Are Listening." Around the Venue Media Briefing on the UCLG Congress and World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders (L-R): Mxolisi Kaunda, Executive Mayor eThekwini Municipality, South Africa; Sebenzile Ngangelizwe, Deputy President, South African Local Government Association (SALGA); Mpho Parks Tau, President of UCLG; and Emilia Sáiz, UCLG Secretary-General. Participants network between sessions. Rohey Malick Lowe, Mayor of Banjul, The Gambia (L), speaks with a delegate. Delegates between sessions.