Braga, June 2025 – Around 100 participants, including mayors & deputy mayors, as well as leaders of city networks, and representatives of international organisations came together at the Global Parliament of Mayors (GPM) Annual Summit. The event was hosted by Mayor Ricardo Rio of Braga, Portugal, with the title: “Democracy at the Crossroads – Cities Take Action”
Mayors gathered in Braga and participated in dynamic panels on issues such as Delivering Democracy, Empowering Cities, Caring Cities, & The Power of Culture, reflecting on the pressing issues of the world. They discussed how they could work together to address some of these global challenges at the local level and push for change in existing governance structures.
The Summit was opened with keynote addresses by the Vice-President of the European Parliament Younous Omarjee, EUROCITIES Secretary General André Sobczak, GPM Chair Mayor Ricardo Rio, and GPM Executive Director Rainer Kern.
Mayor Ricardo Rio of Braga, Portugal and Chair of the GPM observed:
Delivering Democracy
The summit began with a debate on democracy. This session delved into the global challenge of democracy and human rights in urban governance, particularly in relation to the DeCiDE project. It highlighted the worldwide variation in democracy and underscores the need for urban democracy in addressing pressing urban challenges. The speakers also outlined the objectives and the progress of cities in the DeCiDE project, and outlined the importance of co-creating a monitoring tool for human rights in cities.
The Power of Culture & Art
The mayoral summit session delved into the crucial role of culture and art in city development, emphasizing their significance as the fourth pillar of the GPM’s focus. The discussion highlighted the impact of urban culture on planning, economy, and social life, emphasizing the need for cultural literacy in urban strategy. The arts were recognized as central to fostering an open-minded and resilient culture, with creativity essential for problem-solving, sustainability, and citizen well-being. The session stressed the importance of integrating arts and culture into urban projects for vibrant, innovative, and inclusive city development.
Caring Cities
The concept of “Caring Cities” was discussed, advocating for localized social policies, economic analysis, and spatial planning to address citizens’ needs and promote sustainability, inclusivity, and human rights. The session underscored the importance of state support for city initiatives and GPM’s role in elevating cities’ voices globally.
Empowering Cities
The summit session on “Empowering Cities” addressed the urgent need for strengthening municipal and metropolitan levels in global governance. It emphasized the vital role of mayors in driving transformative change at the local level, tackling complex issues cross-sectorally. The discussion focused on three dimensions: building true multi-level governance, expanding competencies and resources, and preserving urbanity against divisive nationalism. The session called for international recognition and inclusion of cities in addressing global challenges, emphasizing democratic, caring, and culturally innovative urban development.
At the Summit, the Global Parliament of Mayors awarded the prestigious Dr. Benjamin Barber Global Cities Award to Mayor Ricardo Rio of Braga, Portugal. Mayor Rio’s leadership stands out as a beacon of hope and progress. His commitment to addressing issues such as public health, education, and social inclusivity resonates deeply with the core values of the Global Parliament of Mayors. More information about the award can be found here: https://globalparliamentofmayors.org/mayor-ricardo-rio-awarded-gpms-prestigious-dr-benjamin-barber-global-cities-award-2025/
More information
For more information on the GPM: globalparliamentofmayors.org or contact the GPM at info@globalparliamentofmayors.org