Ambassador Nina Hachigian, the U.S. Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy, is set to travel to Lima, Peru, from December 11 to 13, 2024, leading a delegation of U.S. mayors for the U.S.-Peru Local Leaders Forum. The event will bring together local elected leaders from both countries to engage in critical discussions aimed at enhancing governance and fostering stronger ties between U.S. and Peruvian cities.
The forum will cover a wide range of topics including strengthening democracy, promoting good governance, improving service delivery with transparency, fostering economic development, and exploring ways to build trust and engage local constituents. The discussions will highlight the vital role that mayors and local leaders play in addressing issues that affect citizens at the grassroots level, as well as their increasing importance on the international stage.
While in Lima, Ambassador Hachigian will participate in discussions focused on pressing issues such as climate change resilience, ensuring equitable access to health care, and housing. These areas are critical as both the U.S. and Peru seek to address shared challenges, particularly in urban environments that are often at the forefront of global issues.
Ambassador Hachigian’s visit underscores the critical role of local leaders in shaping the future of their cities and the impact of international partnerships between local governments. She will emphasize how cities, through cooperation and innovation, can drive positive change and address global challenges that affect millions of people.
The visit reflects the growing importance of local and state diplomacy in U.S. foreign policy and the belief that the collaboration between cities can help foster deeper international ties, promote sustainable development, and address urgent global challenges. Through forums like the U.S.-Peru Local Leaders Forum, the United States continues to support efforts that empower local governments to take action and improve the quality of life for their communities.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to build partnerships between U.S. cities and cities around the world, emphasizing shared values and collaborative solutions to global challenges.