Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru has called for greater involvement of local governments in global decision-making, saying they play a critical role in translating international development commitments into tangible benefits for communities.
Speaking at New York University’s Centre on International Cooperation during the United Nations General Assembly high-level week, Waiguru said local leadership was essential to achieving global development goals.
Representing the Council of Governors and Kenya’s county leadership, the governor described local governance as “the first mile of global impact.”
“When local leaders help shape decisions from the start, global commitments become real change for our people,” she said.
Waiguru made the remarks during an event marking the 30th anniversary of NYU’s Centre on International Cooperation, held at the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.
The event, titled “CIC at 30: Local Governance for Global Impact”, brought together international leaders and policymakers to discuss the relationship between local governance and global development priorities.
NYU Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service Dean Polly Trottenberg welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of city-level leadership in advancing international development goals.
United Nations Under-Secretary-General Melissa Fleming and World Bank Special Representative Maria Dimitriadou were among the speakers who addressed the gathering.
Messages from The Hague Mayor Jan van Zanen and former Quito Mayor Mauricio Rodas also emphasised the connection between urban leadership and international cooperation.
During her remarks, Waiguru welcomed an assurance from Fleming that regional and local governments would be included in the upcoming Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit.
She described the commitment as a timely recognition of the importance of involving local authorities in efforts to achieve sustainable development.
Waiguru said lasting progress depended on genuine partnerships with leaders and institutions closest to communities.
Her remarks come amid growing calls for local and regional governments to have a stronger voice in international forums, particularly in discussions on development priorities and implementation strategies.
Kenya’s county governments have increasingly sought greater recognition of their role in implementing national and international development commitments.
The governor’s participation at the university formed part of her broader engagements during the UN General Assembly high-level week, where global leaders and policymakers discuss international cooperation and development challenges.
The Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by United Nations member states in 2015, provide a framework for addressing poverty, inequality, climate change and other development challenges.
Waiguru’s remarks highlighted the importance of involving local authorities from the beginning of international decision-making processes, arguing that their participation could help ensure global commitments respond to the needs of communities.
The discussions at NYU also underscored the role of cooperation between local governments, international institutions and national leadership in advancing development priorities.
