The local and regional government networks of the Global Taskforce have published an initial response to the zero draft of the New Urban Agenda that was released on Saturday May 7.
The Global Taskforce reaction celebrates the inclusion of many of its recommendations on governance, decentralization, financing and linking the New Urban Agenda with the SDGs. It particularly welcomes the recognition of the need for a “renewed local-national partnership” based effective decentralization, respect for the “principles of subsidiarity and the recognition of local self-governance.”
Read: initial response to zero draft
The text also assesses the role of local governments in the global governance mechanisms that will need to be set up for the implementation and follow-up of the New Urban Agenda. In this regard, it celebrates the acknowledgement of the contributions of local government associations to the Habitat III process, particularly through the Second World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments, and the intention to improve dialogue with local governments through UNALCA. However, it calls for this dialogue to evolve beyond the "observer" status for local authorities established by Rule 64 of the rule of procedures, to a special status that will allow local and regional governments to play their full role as active partners in the New Urban Agenda.
It ends by reaffirming the Global Taskforce's willingness to support the text's call on local governments to develop implementable mechanisms to follow-up and review the achievements of the New Urban Agenda at local level.
Local and regional leaders will have the opportunity to give a more in-depth response to the zero draft of the agenda at the Habitat III Local Authority Hearings at UN Headquarters in New York on May 16-17.
Initial response to zero draft by Global Taskforce
Key recommendations of Global Taskforce
Programme of the Habitat III Local Authority Hearings, May 16-17, New York
