SUMA and Town of Cobourg Recognized at FCM
At this year's Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Convention held in Calgary, two organizations were honoured for their exceptional contributions to FCM's International Program.
The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) and the Town of Cobourg received accolades for their outstanding efforts.
SUMA was recognized for its significant role in the Partnerships for Municipal Innovation – Women in Local Leadership (PMI-WILL) program. This initiative aims to integrate women into local leadership roles through a variety of activities, including webinars, training sessions, exchanges, and networking opportunities, along with resources tailored to specific countries.
Scott Pearce, Past President of FCM, highlighted SUMA's impactful involvement, stating, “SUMA supported the PMI-WILL Project during its inception phase, assisting networks of women elected officials in Zambia and the Association of Municipalities of Benin.” This recognition underscores SUMA's dedication to fostering female leadership in local governance on an international scale.
On the other hand, the Town of Cobourg, Ontario, was acknowledged for its work in supporting local governments in Sri Lanka in developing service initiatives since 2022.
Cobourg has been instrumental in enhancing local governance through peer-to-peer exchanges and by providing expertise in planning, budgeting, and service implementation.
“Cobourg has participated in three peer-to-peer exchanges, offering expertise in planning, budgeting, and service implementation,” noted FCM CEO Carole Saab.
Saab added, “Cobourg staff has consistently supported the project through regular communication and participation in virtual events, ensuring the success of these initiatives.”
Both SUMA and Cobourg's contributions have not only supported the development of local governments abroad but have also strengthened the ties between Canadian municipalities and their international counterparts.
Through initiatives like PMI-WILL and support for Sri Lankan local governments, organizations like SUMA and the Town of Cobourg are paving the way for stronger, more inclusive communities not only in Canada but worldwide.
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