Report by Ms. Loréna Schlicht, AFCDRP–Mayors for Peace France
Philippe Rio, Mayor of Grigny and President of AFCDRP–Mayors for Peace France, took part in the World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders, which was convened by United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) on 10–14 October in Daejeon, South Korea. The Congress was an important moment to take stock of public service practices, reflect on many subjects from poverty to security, and share experiences with other local government representatives.
In the Conference, President Rio participated in the promotion of the campaign, “10, 100, 1000 Human Rights Cities and Territories by 2030”. The campaign was initiated a few months ago with the UCLG Committee on Social Inclusion, Participatory Democracy and Human Rights (CSIPDHR), which he has co-chaired for the past three years. Mayor Rio also exchanged with the other participants views on fight against poverty and the roles cities can play to defend water, a vital common good.
Inspired by the Mayors for Peace PX Vision, the Mayors for Peace European Chapter, alongside the World Human Rights Cities Forum (Gwangju, South Korea) and the World Forum on Cities and Territories for Peace (Mexico City, Mexico), produced a statement on the current state of the global peace agenda and local governments’ contribution to it. The document supports UCLG’s “Pact for the Future of Humanity”, the outcome document of the World Congress in Daejeon. Protecting human rights is a fundamental part of this effort, as recalled by UCLGCSIPDHR member local governments.
Photos: courtesy of the Mayors for Peace France–AFCDRP