Official launch of the GOLD III report on access to basic services and the world urbanization 4.10.2013

The third report of the Global Observatory of Local Democracy and Decentralization (GOLD III) was warmly received by participants on the occasion of its launch at the World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders in Rabat. This report details the provision of public local services and is in-line with the UCLG objective to present every three years a report on the state of local and regional democracy and of decentralisation throughout the world.

The GOLD initiative is central to the achievement of one of the main strategic objectives of UCLG: to be a reference for information and knowledge on the situation of local and regional governments, local democracy, and decentralization across the world.

Following on from the success of GOLD I (2008) and GOLD II (2011), the recommendations presented in GOLD III will strengthen the voice of local and regional governments in international debates on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Post-2015 Development Agenda and the new Habitat III Urban Agenda.

The 3rd World Report was launched during a UCLG congress session. The President of the Diputación of Barcelona (Spain), Salvador Esteve, who presided over the ceremonie, affimed that, in a changing world, “The GOLD report demonstrates the close relationship between fostering wellbeing and local governments”. Esteve added that the report examines the way of building, “a future in which everyone can live in dignity, in a prosperous, society that is respectful of sustainability. In view of this, it is necessary to have essential services for all.

This session included participation by the following speakers: Jockin Arputham, President of Slum Dwellers International (SDI), and President of the National Slum Dwellers Federation in India, Salvador Esteve i Figueras, Presidentof the Province of Barcelona, Spain, President of the UCLG Committee on Decentralisation and Local Self-Government, Miguel Lifschitz, Senator, former Mayor of Rasario, Argentina,  Greg Moore, President of Metro Vancouver, Canada, Jenaro Garcia Martin, President Director General, Gowex, Joaquim Oliveira Martins, Director for Regional Development , Public and Territorial Governance, OCDE, Mohamed Sajid, Mayor of Casablanca, Morocco, Margareta Wahlström, Special Representative of  Secretary General of the United Nations for risk reduction of catastrophes.

The report was published in 2014 on the eve of the date set by the international community for the achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. You can reach the report via this link.