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Cities across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region stressed their commitment on Tuesday, during a meeting held in Tangier as part of the 8th World Congress of the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), to fostering momentum toward building a new generation of local public services.
During the meeting, organized by the Moroccan Association of Presidents of Communal Councils (AMPCC), in partnership with the Municipality of Tangier, UCLG Middle East and West Asia (MEWA), UCLG Africa, and the International Centre for Innovative Local Governance (CILG VNG International), speakers highlighted the central role of cities in the region in addressing urban challenges, particularly those related to climate change, water scarcity, and demographic pressures, while emphasizing their contribution to developing inclusive, innovative, and sustainable public services.
Through policy dialogues, city testimonies, and collaborative workshops, participants jointly drafted the MENA Urban Pact Letter, regarded as a collective commitment aimed at enhancing the quality and accessibility of public services throughout the region.
Speaking on the occasion, UCLG-MEWA Honorary President Mohamed Saadie said that the World Congress represents the highest decision-making body of the international municipal movement and a key platform for shaping the future of urban policies and influencing the global development agenda.
He noted that the gathering goes beyond being a simple international meeting, becoming instead a key milestone in unifying the voice of cities facing shared challenges, particularly those stemming from climate change, water shortages, and extreme heat waves.
In this context, he stressed the responsibility of local authorities in promoting social cohesion and delivering essential public services with a view to building a sustainable urban future, noting that MENA cities, rich in history and potential, are hubs of innovation and culture.
This dialogue forms part of a regional drive to strengthen the role of local authorities as key actors in sustainable development and to promote innovative local governance capable of effectively responding to citizens’ aspirations.
Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the major international event brings together more than 3,000 participants, including ministers responsible for decentralization and local authorities, mayors of major metropolitan areas and world capitals, as well as numerous experts, economic stakeholders, local governance professionals, and media representatives.
The event, held under the theme “A New Generation of Universal Local Public Services,” takes place against a global backdrop marked by growing efforts to strengthen the role of local and regional governments in addressing the increasing challenges of development, climate change, and social inclusion.
Source: map
