Global Declaration of Mayors for Democracy

In a collaborative effort, the Global Parliament of Mayors, the Pact of Free Cities, and GMF Cities are encouraging mayors worldwide to endorse the Global Declaration of Mayors for Democracy. Mayors who wish to sign the declaration (or staff members who have explicit authorization to complete the form on the mayor's behalf) can do so by completing the form available here. 

The declaration was highlighted in the G7 communiqué of the ministerial meeting on sustainable urban development in September 2022 as an important example of cities taking responsibility for addressing global challenges and playing a critical role in “democratic innovation”. The declaration and its signers will be announced at the second White House Summit for Democracy on March 28, 2023 at 10am ET.

 “Mayors and local communities are most effective in defending the pillars of democracy. We mayors are observing negative trends and facing limited resources, but we will not be marginalized. We will continue to deliver.” - Katowice Mayor Marcin Krupa

The declaration builds on an ongoing initiative of the mayors of Budapest, Bratislava, Prague, and Warsaw, who saw the growth of illiberal forces eroding democracy in their respective countries and united to develop in 2019 the powerful Pact of Free Cities. All four mayors signed the Global Declaration of Mayors for Democracy, as have dozens of their colleagues across the globe, from Bristol to Buenos Aires and from Turin to Taipei.

“In the age of rising authoritarianism, cities stand as a bulwark against the erosion of freedom and the rule of law. We are thrilled to see that the Pact of Free Cities inspired a global movement of city leaders rising above partisanship to rebuild and reinforce our increasingly fragile democracies.”- Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony

Cities are on the front lines of the fight to preserve liberal democracy and defend against attacks on free expression. Drawing from their cities’ shared identity as champions and centers of democratic development, the signing mayors reaffirm their unwavering commitment to rebuilding and reinforcing democracy, standing up for free and fair elections at home and abroad, defending the rule of law at all levels of government, and addressing urban challenges through the lens of democracy and democratic values.