BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 17. In the face of
systemic global crises shaking traditional multilateralism and
sustainable development, local and regional authorities have
transcended their roles as mere executors of international goals to
become primary co-authors of structural solutions, Sébastien
Vauzelle, Head of the Secretariat of the Local2030 Coalition—the
United Nations platform dedicated to localizing the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) - said, Trend reports.
He made the remark at the World Assembly of Local and Regional
Governments, held under the theme "Local Leadership Shaping a
Renewed Multilateralism" within the framework of the 13th session
of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.
"Amid systemic crises affecting multilateralism and sustainable
development worldwide, local and regional authorities are more
important today than ever," Vauzelle stated. "They act not only as
implementers of global targets but as co-authors of solutions,
leaders of transformation, and catalysts for broader stakeholder
engagement in sustainable development processes."
According to the Secretariat head, the intervention of
localized governance is particularly vital in navigating the
compounding modern challenges that span from housing deficits and
climate emergencies to deep geopolitical instability.
"You find yourselves not only on the front lines of crisis
management but on the front lines of constructing a durable peace,"
Vauzelle emphasized to the assembled municipal leaders.
He further noted that true peace cannot be measured simply by
the absence of armed conflict, but must be defined by universally
securing human rights and dignified living standards for all.
"Peace is fundamentally about respect for socio-economic,
political, and cultural rights. It is precisely local and regional
authorities that directly guarantee public access to essential
social services, decent employment opportunities, and a healthy
environment," Vauzelle concluded.
