The 2024 Cities Alliance Assembly marks the organisation's 25th anniversary, underscoring its long-term commitment to fostering inclusive cities since its inception in 1999 under Nelson Mandela's patronage. Over the years, Cities Alliance, as a partnership, has championed sustainable urban development, social inclusion, and effective governance, advocating for cities as engines of opportunity.
Amidst growing recognition of cities' pivotal role in addressing global challenges, the Assembly will be an opportunity to reflect on past achievements. It will also seek to confront today’s greatest issues from climate change to complex migration dynamics, and the growing challenge of working in increasingly unstable contexts. It will reflect on the importance of multi-stakeholder alliances in the global efforts to shape a sustainable future for all.
The Assembly is the sovereign body of the Cities Alliance, comprising all members. It provides leadership and overall direction to the organisation and deliberates on sustainable urban development and related issues.
Cities Alliance's Charter
This year, the Cities Alliance Assembly will spotlight central issues increasingly shaping the Partnership's work:
Global - Local Partnerships to Build Climate Change Adaptation from the Ground Up: Highlighting how urban poor communities are responding to climate change and addressing sustainable housing affordability, with a focus on initiatives by Slum Dwellers International (SDI) and their Kenya affiliate, Muungano wa Wanavijiji.
Migration - Pathways for Successful Integration and Social Cohesion: Exploring how cities can effectively integrate migrants and refugees into urban planning to alleviate pressures caused by conflict and climate-induced migration.
Envisioning Partnerships for the Future: Focusing on how the Cities Alliance Partnership can promote coherence and accelerate efforts to deliver on shared aspirations and goals towards the UN Summit of the Future, and the Slum/Informal Settlement Upgrading Global Action Plan (GAP).
Additionally, the Assembly will review new membership applications and elect a new President as Aníbal Gaviria Correa's term nears its end.
The 2024 Cities Alliance Assembly marks a significant milestone in urban development advocacy and coherence of effort. Through reflection, dialogue, and strategic initiatives, it aims to propel the agenda of inclusive, sustainable cities forward for the next quarter-century.
