The Century of Cities welcomes Emilia Saiz, Secretary General of United Cities and Local Governments, as she explores the shifting dynamics of local governance and the journey of international municipal movements from 1980 to 2080. Emilia shares a unique perspective on how local and regional governments have grown into vital political actors, advocating for a systemic approach to urbanization that integrates care for nature, people, and governance. Reflecting on pivotal moments such as the Habitat II Assembly and the Sustainable Development Goals, she discusses the challenges of decentralization, the interdependence of urban and rural spaces, and the need for a new financing framework that supports sustainable and inclusive growth.
