A High-level meeting of the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments for Post-2015 Development Agenda towards the Third United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat III) was co-organized by the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG).
29 May 2013: A High-level meeting of the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments for Post-2015 Development Agenda towards the Third United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat III) was co-organized by the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). The event convened on 28 May 2013, at UN Headquarters. Over 150 representatives from UN agencies, Member States and development partners participated in the discussion on the shape of the post-2015 development agenda and the future agenda of Habitat III.
The Taskforce stressed the importance of democratic, inclusive, accountable and well-resourced institutions for achieving development goals for 2015 and beyond. Among the speakers to address the event was Amina Mohammed, Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General for Post-2015 Development Planning. She emphasized the value of partnerships with the local level. Olav Kjørven, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Bureau of Development Policy, UN Development Programme (UNDP), said UNDP’s new strategic plan will aim to reflect the agency’s commitment to local development. In a message from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, participants heard that “it is crucial to preserve and nurture political spaces where local authorities can have an impact on decision-making at the global level.”
Participants developed a “New York Communiqué, May 2013,” which, among other elements, highlights the need for a “new global partnership for development including all stakeholders is a prerequisite,” and indicates that the Global Taskforce is committed to actively contribute to this partnership through: developing a set of goals and targets reflecting the vision of Local and Regional Governments and/or defining targets and indicators that “localize” the global agenda; supporting the Open Working Group (OWG) on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the high-level political forum; and “articulating the voice of sub-national governments to the Habitat III Conference.” [New York Communiqué, May 2013] [UCLG News Release][UN Secretary-General’s Statement][UN-Habitat News Release]