“Local and regional authorities are uniquely positioned to develop solutions that address the social needs of their citizens,” stressed Congress Vice-President Martine Dieschburg-Nickels (Luxembourg, ILDG) at the event “Social Rights: Building Social Justice and Democratic Stability,” held in Brussels, Belgium, on 5 June. Co-organised by the Council of Europe and the European Economic and Social Committee, the event aimed to advance the global agenda on social justice, democratic stability, and human dignity, complementing ongoing international initiatives on these issues.

Addressing the session on “Social Rights and Democratic Stability,” Vice-President Dieschburg-Nickels presented Recommendation 528 (2025), which served as the Congress contribution to the UN Second World Summit on Social Development and which underscored the crucial role of local and regional governments in advancing social rights and development.

She noted that the Summit, scheduled for November 2025 in Qatar, offers “a unique opportunity to highlight the active role of local and regional authorities in protecting, promoting, and delivering social rights.” In this regard, the Congress Vice-President drew on her own experience as a municipal councillor in Strassen (Luxembourg), emphasising her municipality’s engagement in projects related to social inclusion and health services.

The session’s discussions focused on how social rights contribute to fostering social cohesion, trust in institutions, and inclusive political participation.