The UCLG Annual Retreat 2026 was held from 23–27 February in Barcelona, bringing together local and regional leaders to examine the evolving role of cities in global governance and multilateral cooperation. Over five days of intensive sessions, participants explored how municipalities can translate international commitments into tangible, community-focused action. The retreat emphasized that cities are not just service providers; they are the frontlines of democracy, human rights, and sustainable development, shaping policies that directly affect citizens’ daily lives.
Feminist leadership and inclusive governance were central themes throughout the retreat. Speakers stressed that women’s leadership is vital for democratic legitimacy, equitable public services, and social cohesion. Networks such as ICLEI and C40 Cities were recognized for helping local governments implement sustainability agendas and fostering collaboration across territories. During the session on the Outreach Strategy for an Inclusive Movement, Yehia Ibrahim, UCLG-MEWA General Coordinator, highlighted the Section’s ongoing work and commitment, underscoring MEWA’s active engagement ahead of the UCLG World Congress in Tangier and its determination to contribute to a unified voice and a strengthened municipal movement on the road to 2030. Tangier was highlighted as a symbolic and practical example of how municipal and territorial movements can consolidate influence within global governance.
Housing, care services, and inclusive public spaces emerged as urgent priorities, reflecting the retreat’s focus on leaving no one or place behind. Discussions highlighted the importance of data-driven, human rights–based approaches to urban planning, as well as peer learning among cities to share innovative solutions. Participants underscored that local government workers are essential actors in delivering care-centered services and must be supported through strong social dialogue and fair labor conditions.
The MEWA region was represented by UCLG Executive President and Mayor of Konya Uğur İbrahim Altay, alongside Ahmed Abu Laban, Ramallah City Manager, and Abdallah Anati, Executive Director of the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) and Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (UMT). Representing the UCLG-MEWA General Secretariat, General Coordinator Yehia Ibrahim and Communications Assistant Elif Serra Ateş participated in the retreat.
The retreat concluded with a call for continued collaboration, inclusive multilateralism, and feminist approaches to policymaking, underscoring that municipalities will remain at the forefront of shaping a resilient, equitable, and sustainable post-2030 world.
