The United Nations High-Level Political Forum in New York is taking place at a time of multiple world crises. To address global challenges, the Congress called on states worldwide to empower cities and regions.  

In his speech, Congress Vice-President Bernd Vöhringer recalled the Congress Recommendation (511) on the UN Pact for the Future and the essential role of local and regional authorities in transforming global governance. 

"Sustainable development and international peace and security will come from fostering an inclusive multi-level global governance system that is grounded in subsidiarity, solidarity and human rights', stressed the Vice-President at the HLPF conference on "Transformation from the ground up: Acting at local level" 

Speaking at the Local and Regional Governments Forum on the 2030 Agenda, Mr Vöhringer recalled that various crises, from wars to national disasters, have shown that local governments are a source of strength and resilience in crisis situations. "Ending hunger and poverty is a responsibility of all levels of government. Local and regional authorities work hard every day to combat homelessness and to build equal and inclusive communities" underlined the Vice-President.

Congress Vice-President Bernd Vöhringer and Secretary General Mathieu Mori also held a number of bilateral meetings with the UN leadership, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and other partners.