United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) has officially published the Tangier Declaration, adopted during the international summit recently hosted by the Moroccan city of Tangier, establishing a new global reference framework for strengthening local public services and reinforcing the role of cities in sustainable development.
The declaration outlines a vision based on equality, universal access to public services and social justice, recognizing these principles as essential to protecting human dignity, strengthening local democracy and rebuilding public trust in institutions.
The document emphasizes that cities and local governments are now at the forefront of addressing major global challenges, including climate change, growing social inequalities, digital transformation and changing public expectations.
It also broadens the concept of local public services to include housing, healthcare, culture, food security, water, climate action and digital rights, while calling for equal access to these services without discrimination.
The Tangier Declaration further promotes stronger cooperation between local governments, civil society and public institutions, encourages gender equality, youth participation in decision-making and expanded decentralized cooperation among cities worldwide.
To support the implementation of these commitments, UCLG announced several international initiatives, including a Global Academy for Housing Justice, a Decentralized Cooperation Council, a Women’s Council for Equality and a Global Innovation Mechanism for Local Public Services.
The publication of the Tangier Declaration reinforces Tangier’s growing international reputation as a host city for major global events and highlights Morocco’s expanding role in international discussions on local governance, sustainable urban development and the future of cities.