On 13 November 2024, a Congress delegation led by President Marc Cools took part in an international forum entitled “Bridges of Solidarity: Humanitarian and Social Initiatives from Cities to Cities” in Strassen, Luxembourg. Organised in the framework of the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, the Forum focused on the implementation of social and humanitarian projects to support Ukrainian cities in the country’s recovery and reconstruction. The event sought to promote interaction, inter-municipal co-operation, experience sharing and increase the effectiveness of bilateral co-operation by encouraging new partnerships and projects between all actors.
“By developing partnerships with Ukrainian towns and regions, our own regions and municipalities are not only fulfilling a duty to help people in distress in a fellow European country – they are also creating lasting bonds of friendship with the Ukrainian local authorities involved in these partnerships,” stressed the Congress President addressing the Forum.
“Promoting and protecting human rights in times of crisis is not only possible: it is a must. Human rights promotion and protection is an obligation which does not accept derogations, and it is in cities and regions that human rights become a tangible reality of our daily lives,” underlined Congress Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights Gudrun Mosler-Törnström (Austria, SOC/G/PD), referring to the tremendous impact of the war of aggression on the basic needs for human rights enjoyment.
“The Congress is the biggest network of local and regional authorities in Europe, and hence also a platform for connecting cities and citizens across the continent and for fostering solidarity and co-operation. This is precisely the aim of the Congress’ initiative Cities4Cities, which connects European and Ukrainian municipalities not only to provide humanitarian aid but also to build long-lasting partnerships,” pointed out Bernd Vöhringer (Germany, EPP/CCE), President of the Congress’ Chamber of Local Authorities.
Speaking at the Forum, Luxembourg Minister for Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees Max Hahn emphasised that Ukrainian people taught us the importance of resilience and the need of standing united before the tragic consequences of a war. The Forum was also an occasion for Ukrainian children and young people who found refuge in Luxembourg to tell their stories and share what the war meant for their lives.
