Bratislava Mayor Matúš Vallo is the new Chair of the OECD Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth Initiative

Matúš Vallo, Mayor of Bratislava (Slovak Republic) has taken the reins as the new Chair of the OECD Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth Initiative. The global Initiative was created in 2016 in recognition of the pivotal role local leaders play in addressing inequalities within their cities. Under the visionary leadership of over 100 mayors worldwide, the Initiative has supported national and local governments to spearhead economic and social inclusion by analysing, addressing, and tackling inequalities, while also providing a platform for mayors on the global stage.

Mayor Vallo has served as Mayor of Bratislava since 2018 and was a founding member of the OECD Champion Mayors Steering Group, which was inaugurated last year to identify the most pressing challenges confronting cities and set priorities for the Initiative.

Mayor Vallo said, “Inequality in our cities continues to harm economic growth and now undermines trust in democracy, and even exacerbates systemic challenges such as climate change. Mayors must respond by providing affordable housing and supporting vulnerable populations, as well as by forging a data-based approach to transportation – which remains one of the most pressing issues impacting the sustainability of our cities. I look forward to working with fellow Champion Mayors to advance inclusive growth in our cities and leverage the unique platform of the OECD to amplify mayors’ voices.”

“The work of local leaders has a massive impact on the daily lives of citizens and the Champion Mayors Initiative was established to support mayors in their efforts, provide a platform for dialogue on urban issues, and leverage their collective experience,” OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann said. “Mayor Vallo has been a leader in his community and a leader among our Champion Mayors, and I am looking forward to working with him to continue to help remove barriers to equality of opportunity and ensure all residents can participate in and benefit from the opportunities that cities create.”

Outgoing Chair and former Mayor of Reykjavik (Iceland), Dagur Eggertsson applauded the announcement, saying, “I congratulate Mayor Vallo on his confirmation as the new Chair of the OECD Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth Initiative. His outstanding record as Mayor of Bratislava and his international experience make him an excellent choice for the role. I offer my full support as he advances the vital mission of inclusive growth.”

Chair Emeritus and Mayor of Paris (France), Anne Hidalgo, added her commendation, saying, “I congratulate Mayor Vallo as he takes on the Chair of the OECD Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth. Inequality remains a challenge that all cities must confront, and I look forward to partnering with Mayor Vallo and the OECD Champion Mayors to continue that important work.”

The Initiative collaborates with Knowledge Partners and Institutions, including Cities Alliance, Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), Bloomberg Philanthropies, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), United Way Worldwide and DG REGIO, European Commission.

View Mayor Vallo’s OECD Champion Mayors profile here, and find his blog on the OECD Cogito site here.

Access PDF version of this announcement here.