Safeguarding the Right to Development as a Pathway to Global Peace and Cooperation.
Why Your Voice Matters
The work of ICP offers a vital grassroots perspective on development and peace building, and we believe your contribution would enrich several key sessions:
10 potential themes for 5-minute speeches by guest speakers at the UN IPPO Forum, designed to complement and amplify my introduction and main speech on the importance of the IPPO Report for the Right to Development:
1. The Right to Development as a Catalyst for Peace and Security: Speakers could discuss how fulfilling the Right to Development reduces conflict and promotes stability by addressing root causes like poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity.
2. Promoting National Ownership of Development Agendas: Focus on the importance of respecting national sovereignty and how IPPO's approach empowers nations to design and implement their own development strategies.
3. The Power of South-South Cooperation in Advancing the Right to Development: Highlight successful examples of cooperation between developing countries in sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices for development.
4. Civil Society's Vital Role in Monitoring and Advocating for the Right to Development: Discuss how NGOs and other civil society organizations can work with IPPO to hold governments accountable and ensure that development efforts reach those most in need.
5. Connecting the Right to Development to Specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Speakers can focus on specific SDGs (e.g., SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth) and demonstrate how fulfilling the Right to Development is essential for achieving those goals.
6. Financing for Development and the Role of International Cooperation: Address the critical need for increased and more effective financing for development, and how international cooperation can help mobilize resources and support national development efforts.
7. The Importance of Good Governance and Rule of Law in Realizing the Right to Development: Speakers can discuss how good governance, transparency, and the rule of law are essential for creating an enabling environment for development and ensuring that development benefits reach all segments of society.
8. Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability as Prerequisites for the Right to Development: Explore the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on development prospects, and how sustainable development policies are crucial for ensuring that future generations can enjoy the Right to Development.
9. The Role of Technology and Innovation in Accelerating the Right to Development: Highlight how technology and innovation can be used to address development challenges, improve access to essential services, and promote economic growth.
10. How IPPO creates a space for those in need: Speakers can focus on how IPPO offers real change for people and opportunities for governments.
What We Hope You’ll Share
We warmly invite your representative to potentially speak (our committee will select some of the proposed speakers willing to join us in person) on one or more of the following topics:
How peacebuilding at the city level contributes to the realization of the Right to Development
Case studies from ICP cities that have successfully promoted peace, social cohesion, and economic opportunity
Insights into working with local governments to advance good governance and sustainable development
The power of community participation and grassroots movements in driving transformative changeYour presence will help reinforce the message that local action is essential to achieving global development goals and building a more peaceful world.
Practical Details
The session format allows for both in-person and video contributions. While we prioritise in-person participation, we understand travel constraints (participation in the UN IPPO Forum is at your own expense) and are happy to accommodate a textual and/or video statement if needed. Please fill out this form and let us know your availability to participate and preferred format by September 2nd, 2025.
239 representatives. 45 nations. One Global Vision. The upcoming event has drawn an impressive gathering of global leaders, activists, and experts from around the world! From Afghanistan to Zambia, delegates from Afghanistan, Algeria, Austria, Bangladesh and beyond will come together to discuss innovative solutions and forge new partnerships. This diverse assembly underscores the event’s commitment to inclusivity and its reach across continents. Join us as we unite voices from around the globe to shape a better future!
List of participating countries at the moment:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Austria, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iraq, Italy, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, State of Palestine, Switzerland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan, Zambia
We look forward to welcoming you to Geneva and to amplifying the inspiring work of International Cities of Peace on this global stage. Show your interest filling out this form!
