Tangier, Morocco, June 24, 2026 – Mexico City’s commitment to fostering inclusive, democratic, and resilient governments and economies was a central theme at the 2026 United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) Congress, also known as the World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders. The summit, taking place in Tangier, Morocco, from June 22 to 26, brought together global leaders to discuss critical issues such as human rights, local governance, and sustainable development.
Mexico City: A Model for Inclusive Economic Growth
Mexico City, the economic heart of Mexico, has emerged as a regional financial stronghold, demonstrating robust growth and job creation. By the end of 2025, the administration of Clara Brugada, the current Head of Government of Mexico City, reported an economic growth exceeding 3% and the creation of over 130,000 formal jobs. These achievements underscore the city’s capacity to build an inclusive economy aimed at reducing urban inequality and poverty gaps.
Launch of the New Human Rights Charter-Agenda
A significant highlight of the Congress was the launch of the New Human Rights Charter-Agenda in the City. This updated global reference framework is designed to guide local and regional governments in promoting human rights at the local level. The Charter-Agenda reaffirms the role of local governments as rights-holders and recognizes 37 human rights within urban contexts, outlining concrete pathways for their implementation.
Javier López Casarín, Mayor of the Álvaro Obregón district and President of the Association of Local Authorities of Mexico A.C. (AALMAC), played a key role in presenting the Charter-Agenda. His participation underscored the commitment of Mexico City’s Head of Government, Clara Brugada, a strong proponent of the Charter, and the 1,200 municipalities comprising AALMAC, to establish themselves as spaces for proximity and guaranteed rights from a territorial perspective.
Álvaro Obregón’s Innovative Approach to Local Governance
Mayor López Casarín emphasized innovation as a guiding principle in the design and implementation of public policies. He highlighted the presentation of the Local Government Innovation Capacity Index, noting that the Álvaro Obregón district is the only Mexican local government participating in this initiative. “From the Álvaro Obregón mayor’s office, we are working with a fundamental premise and conviction: building community, and the participation and ownership of strategic projects by the residents of Álvaro Obregón. With this approach, we are recovering public spaces, ensuring security, and restoring ecosystems, incorporating key allies such as universities and the private sector, and – why not – having a presence in this space, because from municipalities and mayoral offices, ‘Everything is possible,'” stated the official.
López Casarín stressed the importance of trained and committed public servants for effective innovation, enabling them to design people-centered services. “Empathy, creativity, experimentation, and the ability to work collaboratively are fundamental competencies in a world where citizens’ needs are increasingly diverse and complex. Governments need public servants who not only execute policies but also innovate and lead change from within.”
Internationalization and Collaboration
The UCLG Congress, which brings together over 240,000 local governments, highlighted that only about 6% of Mexico’s nearly 2,500 municipalities engage in international activities, primarily capital, tourist, and border cities. The Álvaro Obregón mayor’s office stands out as the only one with a dedicated internationalization strategy focused on territorial development, institutional capacity building, and the adoption of international best practices in local management.
On Wednesday, Mayor López Casarín attended the Latin American assembly and signed an agreement with Mercociudades, the leading network of South American cities, comprising 400 members from 14 countries. The agreement aims to support the internationalization of AALMAC’s 1,200 municipalities through exchanges, cooperation schemes, and joint global advocacy with Mercociudades, with a vision of territorial development and Latin America’s contribution to international municipalism.
Challenges and Future Outlook
The discussions at the UCLG Congress acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by local governments, including funding constraints, institutional autonomy, and the need for international solidarity. Despite these hurdles, the focus remained on empowering local authorities to drive positive change and ensure that human rights are at the forefront of urban development.
The event reinforced the idea that local governments in Latin America are essential for developing more inclusive and sustainable economies. By adopting a new economic architecture, these communities can respond to current crises, ensure equal opportunities, and protect the environment.
The 2026 UCLG Congress served as a vital platform for sharing best practices and forging partnerships, ultimately contributing to a global movement towards more equitable and resilient urban futures.
