Local governments acknowledged as distinct group ahead of Quito conference

CEMR secretary general, Frédéric Vallier, was representing European towns and regions at the PrepCom3 conference in Surabaya, Indonesia from 25 to 27 July. This meeting confirmed that local governments will be visible and recognised in the latest draft of the New Global Urban Agenda in Quito. 

The president of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) and mayor of Utrecht, Jan van Zanen, was also in Surabaya, representing VNG, PLATFORMA and CEMR.
Prepcom3 is the third and last preparatory meeting before the Habitat IIIConference (the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development), which will take place in Quito, Ecuador, during the week of 17 October 2016.