Fourth UCLG Congress kicks off in Rabat

The United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) has officially opened the Fourth World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders here on Wednesday. The event, being held under auspices of Moroccan King Mohamad VI, brought together over 3,000 local and regional leaders from 74 countries with Governor of Al-Ahmadi Governorate Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah leading Kuwait delegation. The gathering, themed "Imagine Society - Build Democracy," will be in session until October 4. Rabat Mayor and Morocco's ex-minister of finance Fatehallah Wal'ow delivered the inaugural speech on behalf of King Mohamad VI. The King lauded the UCLG role in promoting good governance on the local level, the democratic decentralized administration of cities and sustainable development. On the Western Sahara, he reiterated the Moroccan suggestion for autonomy as the ideal modern solution to the problems of the region. Ahead of the opening session, Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim held talks with chief delegates to the gathering including those of Congo, Palestine and Turkey. The conferees are scheduled to discuss a host of issues including ways to promote development of territories, ensure solidarity and sustainability, foster well-being, manage diversity and solidarity between different communities, and shape the future of urban development. They will also assess the progress made by their respective cities towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for the post-2015 era and the agenda for Habitat III in 2016.