The cities have been working for decades to gain international recognition, positioning themselves on the political agendas that tackle some of the world's biggest challenges. Cities have established stable channels of communication with most international entities, from regional bodies like the European Union to global ones within the United Nations framework. However, doubts persist regarding their capacity to influence beyond symbolism, moving from rhetoric to substantial political changes.
The international recognition of cities is largely due to the centrality of urban issues - as the planet urbanizes and major human challenges play out in cities - and the growing empowerment of their governments. These governments assume responsibilities in areas closely linked to citizens' basic needs, endowing them with significant political centrality.
A key consensus is that a substantial part of global agendas cannot be effectively implemented without considering cities, which are seen as essential actors for sustainable development. This consensus has been built through strategic political lobbying by cities through their networks. These strategies have led to discussions on the localization of the Agenda 2030, the existence of a global urban agenda, and the inclusion of cities in the agenda for sustainable development financing.
Despite this visibility and recognition of the urban dimension, national governments still set the tone, content, and directions of these global agendas. Cities have a seat at the table but mainly as observers. They are heard, can influence by introducing nuances, amendments or highlighting aspects, but they face strong resistance.
To transcend rhetoric and shape political agendas, cities need to work on established frameworks defined by national governments, who hold the power and set limits. In times when many cities are becoming spaces of resistance against global dynamics and turning to international institutions to resolve conflicts with their national governments, it is crucial for cities to move beyond rhetoric and shape political agendas.
The contribution of cities to global agendas could transcend symbolism and gain depth if it leads to effective solutions. Reforming the international governance system could help position cities as central actors in a new global order. The reality and contexts that cities must manage clearly transcend national dynamics, making it essential to establish effective channels for their participation in shaping international political agendas that impact their competencies and responsibilities.
While such reforms do not advance, cities should continue strengthening interactions with the United Nations system. The Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments provides a platform for key international municipal actors, contributing to shared political agendas for influencing spaces like the High Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York and highlighting cities' contributions to managing global challenges.
However, cities cannot tackle alone the paradigm shift that has persisted for centuries. Breaking the monopoly of national governments and shaping the international political agenda requires alliances with other global actors, including grassroots organizations, civil society, the private sector, and knowledge institutions. Shared strategies are needed to prioritize local issues and place them in global consensus.
In summary, cities must prioritize politics in their international action to make progress. This includes developing political strategies, improving interaction channels, forming alliances, and ensuring clear priorities that address the real needs of cities and citizens. The leadership of mayors is crucial in this process. Mayors of sanctuary and refugee cities, those defying President Trump's policies on migration, and signatories of the 2018 municipal declaration on adequate housing at the HLPF 2018 understand this.
