Tirana Summit of Cities

During a closed-door session, participants adopted the “Tirana Declaration,” which reaffirmed cities’ commitment to solidarity, support for people fleeing war, persecution, and economic hardship, and the importance of investing in inclusive social policies. The mayors emphasized the role of cities as first responders to conflict, displacement, inequality, and climate challenges, calling for enhanced cooperation, inclusive governance, and the defense of democratic values. They urged national and international institutions to empower cities with the necessary resources and autonomy, and strongly condemned all acts of violence against democratic communities, expressing solidarity with Ukraine and other affected regions. A symbolic moment during the summit was the presentation of the “Key to the City” by Tirana’s Mayor, Erion Veliaj, to Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, underscoring Tirana’s support for democratic movements. Overall, the summit highlighted the essential role of cities in shaping resilient, democratic, and inclusive responses to global challenges.