Local and Regional Governments Day

– As Prepared –

Statement by H.E. Mrs. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, President of the 73^rd Session of the UN General Assembly

15 July 2019 

Distinguished Mayors and Local Government Authorities,

Mr. Parks Tau, President of United Cities and Local Governments World Organization,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to start by congratulating the World Organization of United Cities and Local Governments for their great work, particularly in defending the interests of the 250.000 local and regional governments that integrate it.

The Organization’s work to promote the participation of cities in multilateral spaces has made the voices of our peoples heard more clearly. You have the privilege of being closer to the needs and dreams of people.

It is very appropriate that the Local and Regional Governments Day coincides with the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. Throughout these days, the attention of the international community will be centered on following up and evaluating the goals and objectives of the 2030 Agenda.

On this occasion, forty-seven States will present their Voluntary National Reviews and, it is noteworthy that more and more States are including the experiences and perspectives of local governments in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Connecting the 2030 Agenda to urban and rural communities is the key to make the United Nations more relevant for all, given that cities concentrate half of the world’s population and is where several global challenges such as environmental pollution, poverty and inequalities are clearly and tangibly manifested.

In this sense, I would like to refer to the importance of the role of local governments in all three dimensions of sustainable development.

In the social dimension, for instance, the gender perspective in urban and territorial planning is essential to ensure the wellbeing and the safety of all women and girls. Including persons with disabilities is also essential, their specific needs and challenges must be considered in the urban context.

The General Assembly has established regulatory policies and frameworks so that local policies reflect issues such as accessibility for persons with disabilities; contribute to eradicate discrimination in all its forms; turn the right to an adequate home into a reality and give access to basic services such as water and sanitation. Now is the time for implementation, for answers, for action, and local governments have a decisive role.

Regarding the environmental aspect, cities play a central role in the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.  We must reinforce the capabilities of local Governments to implement policies that reduce emissions and optimize adaptation mechanisms to climate change and building more resilient cities to protect their communities, particularly the most vulnerable persons, from the devastating effects of climate change.

With that aim, local governments must integrate climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies into their urban planning.

Allow me to pause and stress one of my priorities, not only as the President of the General Assembly, but as a citizen of the world: single-use plastics. 

I would like to point out that, concerned by this reality, I have launched a global campaign to raise awareness about the dangers posed by the widespread use of plastics to our health, food and ecosystems, especially marine ecosystems.

It is terrifying to think that, by the year 2050, there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish and that each year, each of our oceans receives more than 13 million tons of plastic. I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to become part of this world initiative to eliminate single-use plastics.

Regarding the economic aspect, local governments are crucial to create decent work. The implementation of the 2030 Agenda demands creating 600 million new jobs until 2030. Therefore, the connectivity in cities and training for activities linked to the demand of the local labour markets are essential, as is promoting an environment that encourages investment, innovation and a fair and inclusive labor market, mainly for young people.

Friends, mayors and local government authorities,

A better and more sustainable future is possible and local Governments must be the agents of the transformations that are needed for it. I am sure that this event will contribute to strengthen the cooperation between local governments and favor the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the New Urban Agenda adopted in my country, Ecuador.

On behalf of the General Assembly of the United Nations, I thank you for your participation and contributions to transform cities into territories of opportunities, sustainability and development.

Thank you.