This event will discuss the findings of the Visioning Report UN 75: the Role of Local and Regional Governments in the Future Global Governance of the International System and how best to take them forward at the local, regional and global levels. The report was drafted by the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments on behalf of the constituency, as part of the global consultation organized by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the occasion of the UN’s 75th Anniversary.

The report’s findings, which include priorities for “recovering better” from COVID-19 and current priorities for the Sustainable Development Goals, will be presented by the UN Under Secretary-General and Fabrizio Hochschild Drummond, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Commemoration of the UN’s 75th Anniversary. UN Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif will present the UN Secretary-General’s Policy Brief on COVID-19 in an Urban World.

The event will elaborate on immediate priorities for recovery from COVID-19, namely improved access to basic services — healthcare, safe water, sanitation and education — followed by greater international solidarity and increased support to those most affected. This includes tackling inequalities and rebuilding a more inclusive economy.

The event will also address long-term priorities, including issues related to the climate crisis and destruction of the natural environment. Other priorities for the discussion include ensuring greater respect for human rights, settling conflicts, tackling poverty and reducing corruption.

A final session will address international cooperation and the UN. It will make proposals for a renewed multilateralism, which is inclusive and networked, as well as an interurban system that emphasizes cities and regions as key to developing the next generation of multilateralism.

This event, organized by the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), will take place virtually on 8 October 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

IISD, through its Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) Meeting Coverage, will provide web coverage and a summary report of the Reactions of Local and Regional Governments to UN75 Report.