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UN – Pact for the Future

United Nations Pact for the Future: A Seat for the LRGs


On 22-23 September 2024, the United Nations will organise the Summit for the Future where the UN Pact for the Future should be adopted. This document aims to better prepare our multilateral systems for the current and future challenges. It is also a great opportunity for our constituency of Local and Regional Governments (LRG) at the United Nations to advocate for strengthening LRGs engagement in intergovernmental processes. As of today, the document is still being negotiated between the different members of the UN.

In collaboration with UCLG and the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments, CEMR is an advocation for supporting a reference in Chapter 5 of the UN Pact for the Future on “Transforming global governance” to “strengthen the engagement of local and regional authorities in United Nations intergovernmental bodies and processes”.

To support this initiative, the CEMR President, Ms Gunn Marit Helgesen has already sent four letters to:

  • The President of the European Commission;
  • The President of the European Council;
  • The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy;
  • The EU Ambassador to the UN in New York (where the Summit of the Future will be held).

In addition, to strengthen our impact and maximise our chances of securing that the aforementioned reference is included in the final draft of the Pact for the Future, all CEMR members have been invited to send a letter on their behalf to their respective Ministry of Foreign Affairs and their permanent representation to the United Nations in New York before the end of June.

For more information about how to get involved in this advocacy action please get in touch with CEMR Attaché to Secretary General Martin Ravault martin.revault@ccre-cemr.org

Bridges of Trust – Branding

Bridges of Trust Branding - News 2024

Bridges of Trust: New Branding and Strengthening Municipal Partnerships


On the 7th of May, the Bridges of Trust project held a pivotal coordination meeting for partner municipalities where CEMR, along with AUC and U-LEAD with Europe, unveiled the new branding for the initiative. Developing a cohesive branding and visual identity is crucial for the project as it enhances recognition, fosters a unified message, and strengthens the impact of our collaborative efforts.  

The meeting was honoured by the presence of Antje Kaestner, Senior Policy Officer, Task Force Ukraine at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Ms. Kaestner provided an insightful presentation on the preparations for the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference 2024, in Berlin. For the first time, this conference will focus on the regional and local level dimensions.

This month, the framework of the project a series of bilateral meetings among the mayors of municipalities took place to deepen the existing cooperation between the municipalities.  

  • Korop – Gulbene 
  • Lebedyn – Papa
  • Malyn – Teruel
  • Pidhorodne – Soria
  • Borodianka – Minsk Mazowiecki 
  • Korosten – Bourges
  • Vasylkiv – Sundbyberg
  • Novyi Bilous – Kekava
  • Bohodukhiv – Azuqueca dé Henares
  • Byshiv – Bacsolmas
  • Yasinia – Česká Třebová

These meetings, conducted in collaboration with the Association of Ukrainian Cities (AUC), are designed to strengthen ties and enhance cooperation among European and Ukrainian municipalities. We remain committed to advancing our collective efforts and fostering meaningful partnerships through this ongoing initiative.

CEMR Leaders Summit

CEMR Leaders Summit 2024: A Crucial Post-Election Gathering for Local Governments


The CEMR Leaders Summit, 17-18 June 2024, at the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels, marks the first gathering of CEMR leaders with the new EU Parliament. This event is a crucial moment for shaping future policies and strategic directions for the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR).
 
The agenda for the Summit opens with the Policy Committee Meeting, which will address various statutory affairs and thematic work, including sustainability initiatives, territorial cohesion, and urban-rural linkages. These discussions are essential for addressing the immediate and long-term needs of local communities in the context of the recent elections.
 
June 18th will feature high-level panel debates focusing on the future of Europe and integrated territorial development. Key topics include democracy, sustainable development, enlargement, and effective collaboration across government levels. These timely discussions offer an opportunity to align local priorities with the broader European agenda.
 
The previous CEMR Policy Committee, held in Prague, culminated in the signing of the Prague Declaration, setting expectations for local leaders for the next EU mandate. Holding this year’s summit immediately after the European elections allows for a timely recalibration of priorities and strategies in light of the election results. This gathering will enable CEMR leaders to forge a unified vision and collaboratively address the pressing challenges and opportunities facing Europe’s local and regional governments in the coming years.

Looking for Proposals

Looking for Proposals WiP - News 2024

CEMR is currently looking for an agency to design, publish and print our study on Women In Politics


CEMR is calling for proposals for external services to design and produce a publication on our study “Women in Politics”. 

For more information, you can access our Terms of Reference here.