Global Platform Group Meeting Culminates with a Day of Knowledge Sharing, Reflection, and Renewed Commitments

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The final day of the Global Platform Group (GPG) meeting was marked by dynamic sessions that underscored the collective progress toward gender-responsive and inclusive local governance. Participants explored lessons from the field, celebrated successes, and outlined commitments for the future.

Knowledge Sharing and Learning

The day began with reflections on the field visit, which showcased gender-responsive and inclusive municipal practices under the PMI-WILL initiative. Local Government Associations (LGAs) shared practical examples of how these initiatives are empowering women and marginalized groups, fostering inclusion in decision-making processes.

Executive Directors (EDs) presented a stocktaking of organizational successes under Component 2200, highlighting:

• Internal Changes: Implementation of gender-responsive policies, creation of committees, and restructuring departments to prioritize inclusion.
• Programs and Services for Members: Initiatives like International Women’s Day celebrations, capacity-building workshops, and digital engagement through WhatsApp groups have enhanced member connectivity and impact.
• Advocacy and Networking: Successes at the country level, including legislative advancements in Ghana and Sierra Leone, have been complemented by strengthened international partnerships.
• Future Opportunities: Upcoming elections and legislative reforms offer new pathways to advance gender equity and representation.

Visual Storytelling Through the Poster Gallery

A poster gallery highlighted service initiatives from various countries, showcasing the involvement of women and marginalized groups. These visual displays mapped activities, outlined challenges, and presented transformative achievements, offering participants a vivid glimpse into impactful local governance practices.

Plenary Impressions and Peer Learning

In a plenary session, participants shared impressions of the showcased initiatives. This was followed by a learning exchange between LGAs and Canadian counterparts, emphasizing capacity enhancement and the peer-to-peer approach. The discussions fostered a deeper understanding of strategies to address shared challenges and scale successful models.

Evaluation and Closing Reflections

An evaluation and feedback session provided participants an opportunity to reflect on the GPG meeting, offering insights to guide future programs.

The event concluded with a powerful closing speech by LGAZ's Local Government Gender Equality Committee Chairperson Councillor Annie Kapandula Kalamatila, accompanied by remarks from FCM representative Councillor Anik and François Légeault from Global Affairs Canada (GAC). Their messages celebrated the progress made, reinforced the value of collaboration, and set the stage for continued innovation in inclusive governance.

As the GPG wraps up, participants leave with renewed commitments to strengthen gender equity, enhance municipal practices, and foster collaboration across borders. Together, these efforts aim to create a more inclusive and equitable future for local governance worldwide.

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