We are pleased to invite contributions for Issue 52 (September edition) of MEWA Agora, themed: “Governing the Future: Local Power in a New Era of Multilateralism.”
This issue will focus on how LRGs are strengthening municipal transparency, driving decentralization reforms, and utilizing “City Diplomacy” to shape global policy. It will highlight how MEWA cities are transforming local governance to play a more active and influential role in a rapidly evolving multilateral landscape.
For reference, you may explore previous issues of MEWA Agora from here to gain insight into the publication’s scope and approach.
Thematic Focus Areas
Contributions may address the following topics:
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Decentralization reforms and legal frameworks empowering local and subnational authorities.
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“City Diplomacy” and the strategic role of municipalities in international networks and global policy negotiation.
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Municipal transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption measures in local governance.
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Localizing global agendas (such as the SDGs and the Pact for the Future) through municipal policy innovation.
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Participatory governance and mechanism-building for direct citizen engagement and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
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Cross-border municipal cooperation and regional partnerships tackling shared challenges in the MEWA region.
Global Alignment
This issue aligns with major global milestones, most notably the 81st UN General Assembly (September 2026) and the associated Local & Regional Governments Forum, contributing to global discussions on the indispensable role of cities in the future of international multilateral cooperation.
Submission Guidelines
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Article length: 1,000–1,500 words
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Structure: Articles should be original, well-structured, and policy-oriented, combining solid analysis with practical examples or city-level case studies.
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Content Types: For this edition, we are seeking three main content types: Feature, Opinion Piece, and Best Practice. We also accept articles focusing on distinct urban themes, such as City and Gastronomy, City and Women, for our Urban Columns section.
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Scope: Submissions should clearly connect local governance experiences with regional or global urban innovation trends.
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Visuals: High-quality visuals (photographs, infographics, charts, maps, or illustrations) are highly encouraged.
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Submission of Interest Deadline: August 10, 2026
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Final Submission Deadline: August 25, 2026
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Send submissions to: communications@uclg-mewa.org
We encourage local leaders, researchers, and urban practitioners to share their innovative practices, lessons learned, and forward-looking perspectives to enrich the regional dialogue on city diplomacy and local governance.
We look forward to your valuable contributions!
