United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) Retreat 2025
Last week, I had the honor of attending and speaking at the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) Annual Retreat in the culturally rich city of Barcelona, Spain. This retreat was not just a meeting of minds; it was a great platform for of ideas and purpose, bringing together global leaders, young visionaries, and changemakers on one stage. The thematic focus of the retreat- “Local Government and Youth Shaping the Future” – could not have been more relevant or urgent in today’s world.
As someone currently invested in youth empowerment and developmental work, this retreat provided a platform to speak to the role of young people in driving innovative and inclusive solutions. Representing the City of Kitchener, the Young Eye Foundation, Young and Restless, Young Eye International. I spoke about the invaluable lessons learned through the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) and the broader impact of the Young Eye Initiative. These experiences reinforced my belief that youth engagement in governance is not just a token gesture but a necessity for effective policymaking and sustainable change.
Governments and institutions that actively involve young people create a foundation for collaboration that leads to real, transformative impact. At the retreat, I emphasized how creativity, mobilization, and innovative thinking are key to designing solutions that address the complex challenges faced by local and global communities. Youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; but the changemakers of today.
A Stage Shared with Inspiring Changemakers
One of the most fulfilling aspects of the retreat was sharing the stage with incredible leaders like Petros (Peter) Apostolakis, Pedro Abril, and Melina Pavon. Their work, enabled by Bloomberg Philanthropies YCAF in Ecuador, Argentina and Greece respectively, is a powerful reminder that young people across the world are actively shaping their communities through innovation and resilience. Engaging with them and exchanging ideas was an enlightening experience that strengthened my conviction in the power of youth-led change.
I am grateful to Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, María Alejandra Rico, Emilia Saiz, Federico Batista Poitier, and the entire UCLG team for making this retreat an unforgettable experience. It is only through such gatherings that real, lasting change is set in motion.
Exploring Barcelona: A City of Culture, Passion, and Innovation
Beyond the inspiring discussions and engagements at the retreat, my time in Barcelona was enriched by the city’s deep-rooted history, passionate people, and dynamic culture. Every moment spent exploring Barcelona was an immersion into a world where tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony.
The Camp Nou
As you can imagine, one of the most unforgettable highlights of this trip was stepping into the Camp Nou outskirts of the Camp Nou, only because the historic stadium is being renovated. As a football fan, visiting this iconic stadium was nothing short of a dream come true. The magnitude of the stadium, the energy that is still in the air from historic matches, and the legacy of FC Barcelona – it was an experience that left me in awe – I witnessed grown men crying simply because of the atmosphere in the museum. Walking through the halls filled with trophies, jerseys, and tributes to the greatest players in football history, I was moved and just fell in love with football all over again and its ability to bring people together across cultures and generations.
Just as FC Barcelona has inspired millions with its excellence, resilience, and commitment to its motto “Més que un club” (More than a club), I selfishly correlate that to believing that young leaders can drive movements that are more than just initiatives – they can be revolutions that redefine the future.
Empowerment in Action at Francesca Bonne Maison
Another powerful experience was visiting Francesca Bonne Maison, a space that embodies the essence of female empowerment and social progress. The work being done there is a reflection to the leadership of women who are transforming communities and industries. Witnessing the dedication of the women leading impactful initiatives reminded me of the importance of fostering environments where women can lead, innovate, and thrive.
Francesca Bonne Maison stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when spaces are intentionally designed to uplift and support women. It was a humbling and inspiring visit that reinforced my commitment to advocating for gender-inclusive policies and programs that ensure women have the tools and opportunities to create meaningful change in their communities.
The Warmth and Spirit of Barcelona’s People
Beyond the landmarks and historic sites, what truly made this trip special were the people of Barcelona – I learned the story of Catalonia and the language of the Catalans. Their warmth, kindness, and passion for their culture made me feel welcomed from the very first day.
Learning about what it means to be Catalan was an eye-opening experience. The Catalan identity is more than just a regional affiliation; it is a deep-rooted sense of pride in language, history, and resilience. The Catalan people have a rich cultural heritage, and their commitment to preserving their traditions while embracing progress is truly inspiring. Engaging with the UCLG team members that are citizens of this region, hearing their stories, and understanding their perspectives provided me with invaluable insights into the importance of cultural identity and self-determination.
Barcelona is a city that thrives on passion – whether it’s for football, art, history, or community. It’s a place where creativity and resilience are celebrated, where every street and plaza tells a story, and where people are united by a shared love for their city.
The Future of Youth in Governance
As I left Barcelona, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation for the work being done worldwide to empower young leaders and create inclusive governance structures. The UCLG Retreat was a great call to action. It reinforced the urgency of equipping young people with the resources, platforms, and support needed to address pressing global challenges.
Young people are not waiting to be invited to the table – we are actually actively building our own. We are mobilizing, innovating, and leading initiatives that are reshaping the way governance, sustainability, and development are approached. The conversations at the retreat underscored that youth-led movements are not just supplementary to global governance; they are central to its success.
Leaving Barcelona, I am more committed than ever to ensuring that youth voices are not just heard but valued and implemented in decision-making spaces. Whether through entrepreneurship, or policy advocacy, young leaders around the world are proving that the future is not something we wait for – it’s something we create.
- Inspired Work In-Progress
