There is a substantial international consensus on the need to localise the post-2015 development agenda and this should be reflected in the preparations for Habitat III, said CLGF chairperson Mayor Lawrence Yule speaking at the opening consultation session of local and regional governments with the Secretary-General of UN Habitat III on 15 September.

The meeting took place in a series of events involving local and regional governments as part of the Habitat III prepcom, which Mayor Yule and CLGF Secretary-General Carl Wright are attending in New York this week.

“Habitat III in 2016 will come at a critical moment when the 2015-30 development agenda is getting under way,” said Mayor Yule. “It is vital that the preparations for this event and the eventual outcomes reflect the issues that have been identified in localising the SDGs and the important role that local government has in implementation.”

Mayor Yule will also speak at the meeting on priorities for Habitat III on 16 September and attending formal sessions of Prepcom 1 and other related events.