The 8th UCLG Congress and World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders was held in Tangier, Morocco, on 22–25 June under the theme “A New Generation of Universal Local Public Services.”
The MEWA Region was strongly represented by local leaders from Syria, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine, showcasing regional synergy and the importance of cooperation among cities for knowledge sharing, co-learning, and capacity building.
UCLG-MEWA Caucus – 22 June
The UCLG-MEWA Caucus brought together local and regional leaders from across the Middle East and West Asia. In his opening remarks, UCLG-MEWA Secretary General Dr. Mehmet Duman emphasized the importance of strengthening regional solidarity, aligning common priorities, and ensuring that the voice of the MEWA Region is strongly reflected within the global UCLG network.
Other speakers included Badr Al-Ajil Al-Askar (Secretary General of ATO), Mohamad Saadie (UCLG-MEWA Honorary President and SDG Ambassador), and Abdulkarim Al Zubaidi (President of APLA and UCLG-MEWA Co-President). They reaffirmed the importance of this meeting in strengthening regional cooperation and advancing a more sustainable and resilient region, underscoring the need for stronger collaboration among local and regional governments to address shared challenges and promote inclusive, people-centered development.
The session also highlighted the MEWA Region’s active contribution to shaping the future leadership and agenda of UCLG for the 2026–2029 term.
Mediterranean Climate Cooperation – 22 June
At the Strategic Steering Committee of the Mediterranean Climate House Foundation, Dr. Mehmet Duman underscored the need for stronger Mediterranean cooperation to address climate challenges that transcend borders. Joined by Mohamad Saadie, UCLG-MEWA reaffirmed its commitment to empowering local governments as key actors in building a more sustainable and resilient future.
MENA Urban Covenant – 23 June
During the session “The MENA Urban Covenant: MENA Local Governments for the Next Generation of Public Services,” leaders, including Youssef Al-Jabari (Mayor of Al-Khalil and UCLG-MEWA President), Mohamad Saadie, Dr. Ahmed Al-Ghassani (Mayor of Dhofar), Eng. Ammar Musa Kazim (Mayor of Baghdad), Eng. Munif Triesh (Mayor of Al Bireh) and Hanna Hanayen (Mayor of Bethlehem) emphasized the vital role of local governments in shaping the future of public service delivery across the MENA region.
Speakers highlighted the importance of fostering stronger inter-municipal cooperation, promoting innovation and digital transformation, and developing citizen-centered approaches to governance. They also stressed the need for collaborative action to address common urban challenges and build more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities for future generations.
Decentralized Cooperation for Climate Action – 23 June
In the session “Decentralized Cooperation to Accelerate Local Climate Solutions,” UCLG-MEWA International Relations Coordinator Reem Abusamra highlighted the role of strong partnerships and decentralized cooperation in accelerating local climate action heading into COP31 in Antalya later this year. Dr. Duman emphasized the invaluable role of peer-to-peer learning to close local implementation gaps for SDG11 and SDG13.
MEWA Assembly – 24 June
The MEWA Assembly Session featured Ahmet Akın (Mayor of Balıkesir and UCLG-MEWA Co-President and Climate Ambassador), Yousef Al-Shawarbeh (Mayor of Amman and UCLG-MEWA Co-President), and Youssef Al-Jabari (Mayor of Al-Khalil and UCLG-MEWA President). They reaffirmed their support for Uğur İbrahim Altay, Mayor of Konya, as a presidential candidate, emphasizing solidarity, cooperation, and unity among local governments.
In his opening remarks, Altay reiterated his commitment to strengthening regional collaboration, fostering solidarity among members, and advancing a shared vision for more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities.
Migration and Human Mobility – 24 June
Speaking at the session “What Challenges and Opportunities for the Elected Diaspora,” Dr. Mehmet Duman emphasized that while migration policies are often shaped at the national level, integration happens locally—in cities, neighborhoods, schools, and public services. He underlined the need to recognize local governments as key partners in shaping human mobility policies and the post-2030 agenda, ensuring they have the mandate, capacity, and resources to build more inclusive, resilient, and cohesive communities.
UCLG World Council – 24–25 June
At the UCLG World Council Session I, on 24 June, Eng. Youssef Al-Jabari emphasized that local and regional governments play a vital role in addressing today’s global challenges—from climate change and conflict to resilience and sustainable development. He highlighted that local and regional governments are not only service providers but also key political actors shaping solutions and supporting communities.
During Session II on 25 June, the Mayor of Amman and UCLG-MEWA Co-President was nominated and appointed as Vice President of UCLG for the Middle East and West Asia Region.
Election of UCLG Presidency – 25 June
A significant highlight for UCLG-MEWA was the election of Uğur İbrahim Altay, Mayor of Konya, as President of UCLG for the 2026–2029 term. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and wish him a successful and productive mandate.
Other elected members of the UCLG Presidency include:
- Fatimetou Abdel Malick, President of Nouakchott Region, Mauritania – Chair of the UCLG Standing Committee on Gender Equality
- Fatiha El Moudni, Mayor of Rabat, Morocco – UCLG Treasurer
- Bheke Stofile, President of SALGA, South Africa – UCLG Co-President
- Cristian Zamora, Mayor of Cuenca, Ecuador – UCLG Co-President
- Aysen Nikolaev, Head of the Sakha Republic, Russian Federation – UCLG Co-President
- Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague, Netherlands – UCLG Co-President
- Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor of Kitchener, Canada – UCLG Co-President
The Tangier Congress has once again reaffirmed the collective strength of local and regional governments in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future. UCLG-MEWA’s active participation across multiple sessions—from climate action and migration to governance and leadership—demonstrates the region’s unwavering commitment to solidarity, dialogue, and shared action. With renewed leadership and strengthened cooperation, UCLG-MEWA stands ready to advance regional priorities and contribute decisively to the global agenda.
