© Thierry Mezerette

It is with deep regret and sadness that we announce the passing of Hervé Fournier, city and metropolitan councilor of Nantes, member of the Climate Chance Association, expert in all subjects concerning social and environmental responsibility, and strongly committed to the essential relationships between culture, environment and sustainable development, at the local and global level.

Between 2015 and 2021, Hervé Fournier worked closely with the UCLG Culture Committee.  He contributed to strengthening all initiatives related to climate action, from COP 21 (Paris, December 2015) to the publication of our report on this subject, "The Role of Culture in Climate-Resilient Development," published in 2021. Hervé Fournier was also a key participant in our UCLG Culture Summit, held on Jeju Island in 2017.

We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends. The entire international community dedicated to the environment, the promotion of inclusive and humane territories, and culture —his main areas of commitment— is in mourning.

On 11 February 2026, from 15:00 to 16:30 (CET), we will hold an exclusive webinar dedicated to the 7th Edition of the International Award UCLG - Mexico City - Culture 21. 

The objective of this webinar is two-fold: to encourage as many cities as possible to submit applications about the innovative work they are doing, as a great opportunity to give visibility to extraordinary projects that deserve recognition; and to guide local and regional governments through their application processes. 

Participants will also gain unique insights into how to build a strong application. The programme of the session includes examples, ideas, practical tips for putting together your application, and other useful information.

To take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen your application and showcase your city's cultural leadership, you can register for the webinar here. The agenda of the webinar is available here.

Interpretation will be available in English, French and Spanish.

In the frame of the “Capitals of Culture Working Together” programme, on 15 January 2026, the webinar will be the occasion to present and discuss the draft report on “Culture Capitals for the Culture Goal in the SDGs” report, written by Sylvia Amann. The webinar will also discuss the next opportunities/actions by/with Capitals of Culture in 2026 and 2027 for the Culture Goal in the SDGs and the Agenda post-2030.

The draft report and the agenda of the webinar are available here.

The registration for the webinar is here.

The UN Special Rapporteur in the field of Cultural Rights, Alexandra Xanthaki, has released a call for inputs on nature conservation and cultural rights: OHCHR | Call for contributions.

Send your contribution before 15 November 2025.

The UCLG Committee on Culture and the Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN) are working on a research report on the relationship between local governments and cultural districts. The project explores actual and potential forms of synergies between local governments and cultural districts through the lens of reciprocity. In other words, it will research value flows in both directions, underlining what both sides have to gain from close collaboration. A report will be published in 2026.

In this context, two surveys have been launched, addressed to local governments and cultural (or creative) districts respectively. We would invite you to respond to the relevant questionnaire by 30 June 2025:

• Questionnaire for local governments.
• Questionnaire for cultural / creative district.

For the purposes of this project, cultural districts are understood as areas with a high concentration of cultural facilities and programmes, and/or hosting several cultural and creative businesses and initiatives. In some cities, they may also be termed ‘creative districts’, or similar names.

For additional information, please contact cultureprojects(at)uclg.org