Dr. Neila Akrimi, as Chair of the UCLG-CIB permanent working group, participated in the 2024 UCLG retreat held in Barcelona this week. This gathering provided a platform for fostering connections and engaging in meaningful dialogues. It offered an opportunity for collective reflection, focusing on innovative approaches to propel our global organization forward amidst challenging circumstances where the voices of Local and Regional Governments are increasingly crucial in shaping the global agenda on issues such as peace, democracy, climate action, and inclusion.

During the event, Dr. Akrimi underscored the ongoing efforts of UCLG-CIB in enhancing the effectiveness and quality of international policies and programs for local and regional governments worldwide. Through the exchange of evidence-based knowledge and facilitating coordination among members, the working group strives to achieve its objectives within the UCLG framework.

In a session themed “Power of We,” Dr. Akrimi emphasized several key messages and insights:

Emphasizing the importance of providing local leaders with access to well-founded knowledge to enable informed decision-making, thus enhancing institutional performance and yielding optimal outcomes for Local and Regional Governments. #InformedDecisionMaking

Advocating for a new approach to international cooperation for municipal development, focusing on “Sensemaking” as a means to collectively derive meaning from shared experiences, particularly in complex or uncertain situations, to inform decision-making processes. #Sensemaking

Highlighting the role of the CIB-UCLG network in driving impact and fostering solutions, thereby effectively shaping the UCLG global agenda and the Pact for the Future. By promoting “What works” through knowledge generation and dissemination, the network contributes to establishing a compelling narrative that underscores its relevance as a pivotal component of global solutions. #GlobalImpact

Underscoring the power of human cooperation, Dr. Akrimi emphasized the importance of networking not merely as a means of connecting individuals, but as a mechanism for connecting people with ideas and opportunities. As a global network for Local and Regional Governments, pooling collective resources through collaborative actions is essential, recognizing that unity, progress, and success are achieved through sustained collective effort. #UnityInAction