Le maire de Lisbonne Fernando Medina : « Pourquoi je suis candidat à la présidence de CGLU »Cet article sera bientôt traduit en français.
rnWhile national governments are increasingly paralysed, cities and regions have a unique opportunity to take the lead in addressing the world’s most pressing issues, from migration to climate change. That is Fernando Medina’s message as Europe’s candidate to the presidency of United Cities and Local Governments for 2019 to 2022.
rn“This is the time for cities and local governments”, Medina says in an online address to UCLG members. “Everywhere we see that national governments are failing to tackle the major challenges that humanity is facing.” He argues that if cities and local governments unite and speak with a common voice, they can be the drivers for global change: “UCLG can have an incredibly important role to solve and help solve the problems of our time.”
rnAs mayor of Lisbon since 2015, Medina has consolidated the city’s reputation for openness and tolerance. Under his watch, Lisbon has taken action to implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals locally and served as a platform for international dialogue and cooperation.
rn“All around the world, people are clamouring for action, for leadership. And cities and local governments are showing that leadership and showing that action,” says Medina. “That is why I decided to run for president of UCLG.”
rnMedina outlines his global vision for cities and local governments in his political manifesto. Major planks include:rn
- Strengthening the collective voice of cities and regions worldwide
- Supporting and implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
- Fighting climate change and moving towards carbon neutrality
- Developing UCLG as a learning and sharing hub for local and regional governments
- Supporting local democracy, notably with the creation of a global observatory of local democracy
rnMedina has a distinguished record of public service in both national and local government. Lisbon is one of the founding members of UCLG and has long tradition of democratic self-government in a sometimes unstable political and economic environment. “Local democracy is in our DNA”, Medina says, arguing for more support for local and regional officials facing persecution. “Democratic ideals are for me immovable.”
Climate, Sustainable Finance Officer
