Local Authorities in the New World Order: 17th Edition of Cités Unies France annual gathering
At a time when the new world order is being reshaped by heightened geopolitical tensions and profound political realignments, multilateralism is facing unprecedented challenges. In this uncertain context, the diplomacy of territories is emerging as a strategic political response: it enables local and regional authorities to play a concrete role in international balances and to promote approaches based on cooperation, peace, and resilience.
As the leading annual gathering of decentralised cooperation in France, the meetings organised by Cités Unies France provide the only forum entirely dedicated to the international action of local and regional authorities. Designed to foster dialogue among stakeholders, this year’s edition will focus on the role of local authorities in the new world order. The combined perspectives of researchers, observers, and practitioners will inform an essential collective reflection aimed at adapting international action by local authorities (AICT) to developments on the global stage and at strengthening the capacity of territories to respond effectively to contemporary challenges.
Join us on 8 and 9 July 2026 at the Salons de de l’Hôtel des Arts & Métiers in Paris, to discuss and help shape the ‘AICT’ of tomorrow, and to bring this collective commitment to life through dialogue between French local authorities and international partners from more than 25 countries, while contributing concrete responses to the major challenges that unite us.
