Belize City Mayor Urges More Global Support for Small States at EU Summit

Belize City marked a major milestone on the global stage today as Mayor Bernard Wagner addressed the 169th European Committee of the Regions (CoR) Plenary Session in Brussels, Belgium. Wagner participated in the high-level forum both in his capacity as Mayor of Belize City and as Chair of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF), representing the interests of municipalities from developing nations during the international discussions. Each speaker at the plenary was allocated a strict three-minute window to deliver their intervention before the assembled delegates from Europe and partner countries.  In his address, Mayor Wagner used his allotted time to call for greater attention and increased funding for developing island nations like Belize. He emphasized the need for small states and their local governments to be fully included in the planning, financing, and implementation of development investments, particularly within the framework of the European Union’s Global Gateway 360° approach.

Wagner highlighted the frontline role cities play in addressing the real needs of their populations, from climate resilience and infrastructure upgrades to social and economic development and stressed that meaningful support must reach communities directly through empowered local authorities.  The mayor’s participation elevated Belize City’s presence to one of Europe’s highest platforms for local and regional governance. Wagner underscored that partnerships with municipalities ensure that international funding delivers tangible results on the ground, while also strengthening democratic governance and sustainable development at the community level in vulnerable island states facing economic pressures and climate risks.  Belize City’s inclusion at the event came through an invitation from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) and the European Committee of the Regions. Councillor Stephanne Hamilton accompanied Mayor Wagner throughout the 2025 Cities and Regions for International Partnership Forum.