Global Parliament of Mayors summit in Braga highlights cities as frontline defenders of democracy

Visionary leaders from cities around the globe gathered recently in Braga, Portugal, for the annual summit of the Global Parliament of Mayors (GPM 2025). This event, held from 6 to 8 June, has become a crucial platform for addressing pressing urban challenges, offering mayors a rare opportunity to exchange ideas and formulate collaborative strategies aimed at fostering resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability in their communities.

The theme for this year's summit, "Democracy at the Crossroads: Cities Take Action," underscores the pivotal role city leaders play in the global dialogue surrounding democratic governance. Mayor Ricardo Rio of Braga, who is also the newly elected President of GPM, welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of collective effort. "By working together, we can build resilient and inclusive urban environments," he stated, reflecting a shared commitment to these values.

One of the seminal figures at the summit, Haji Zubair Ali, mayor of Peshawar, Pakistan, expressed gratitude for the forum that empowers city leaders. He emphasised the significance of returning home with actionable insights: "As mayors, we are frequently the last defenders of democracy. However, we are often left without the resources or voice needed to effect meaningful change." His words resonate in the current climate where urban areas face growing challenges, from economic inequalities to climate change.

The GPM centres its discussions around four main pillars: Delivering Democracy, Empowering Cities, Caring Cities, and The Power of Culture & Art. These themes guide the collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the distinct needs of their communities while nurturing the fabric of urban life. As echoed during the summit, the pressing need for cooperative governance is evident, especially as cities become increasingly influential in the democratic landscape.

This gathering builds upon a rich backdrop within the GPM’s activities. In his role as President, Mayor Rio succeeds Peter Kurz from Mannheim and aims to enhance the network's influence in addressing global challenges from a local perspective. His commitment includes advocating for policies that promote dialogue among international city leaders, further solidifying the role of local governance in global decision-making processes.

In tandem with the GPM's objectives, related conferences such as the "Cities for Democracy and Innovation Virtual Summit" held in May 2025 illustrate the pressing narrative around city engagement in democratic values. As cities assert their role as protectors of these principles in uncertain times, they catalyse new conversations around inclusivity and civic engagement, incorporating youth and diverse communities into the process.

As mayors depart Braga with renewed partnerships and strategies, the urgency of their shared mission becomes clear: to transform urban environments into spaces where democracy flourishes and every citizen can participate. By harnessing the collective knowledge and experiences shared at the summit, city leaders are better equipped to tackle the complex challenges that lie ahead.

As the GPM continues to activate this critical dialogue, the lessons learned in Braga will undoubtedly shape urban governance in the years to come, fostering a world where cities stand as beacons of democracy, resilience, and cultural richness.