Kribi on the Global Stage: A Journey of Vision and Collaboration at the 15th RAICT

Under the grand arches of the Pavillon d’Armenonville in Paris, the 15th edition of the Rencontres de l’Action Internationale des Collectivités Territoriales (RAICT) unfolded on October 23-24, 2024. Organized by Cités Unies France, this pivotal event gathered over 500 leaders and changemakers from 20+ countries, united by a shared mission: to explore the unique power of decentralized cooperation in shaping a sustainable, inclusive future.

Amidst this convergence of ideas and innovation stood Kribi, a city of vision and promise. Represented by Mayor Guy Emmanuel Sabikanda and Joseph Junior Seh, the European Representative of the Communauté Urbaine de Kribi (CuK), Kribi’s delegation brought to life the spirit of ambition and collaboration. Their mission? To amplify Kribi’s voice on the global stage, forge partnerships, and transform opportunities into tangible benefits for the city and its people.

Kribi’s Ambition: Connecting Local Dreams with Global Realities

For Kribi, participation in the RAICT was not just a diplomatic engagement but a declaration of purpose. With a resolute focus, the delegation set out to:

• Showcase Kribi’s unique assets and potential to a global audience.
• Forge partnerships with municipalities, institutions, and businesses that share a commitment to progress.
• Identify innovative funding avenues for priority local projects.
• Learn from global success stories to inform sustainable growth and governance strategies at home.

Guided by these goals, Kribi’s representatives embodied the city’s determination to build bridges that connect local aspirations with global opportunities.

Moments That Mattered: A Transformative Experience

Day 1: Visionary Dialogues and Shared Challenges

The event opened with powerful speeches by dignitaries, including the Cameroonian Minister of Decentralization and François Rebsamen, Mayor of Dijon and President of Cités Unies France. Their words emphasized the essential role of municipalities in tackling global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and urbanization.

For Kribi’s delegation, the day was filled with impactful exchanges. Plenary sessions addressed the need for collective action in the face of shared challenges, while workshops explored game-changing topics like diaspora engagement and sustainable water solutions. These conversations inspired Kribi to reimagine its potential as a leader in innovative, inclusive governance.

Day 2: Partnerships and Pathways to Progress

The second day celebrated collaboration and actionable insights. Kribi’s delegation engaged in enriching dialogues with municipalities from Africa and Europe, learning from their successes. Regional roundtables illuminated strategies for resilience in times of global crises, while the partner forum connected Kribi to influential institutions like the French Development Agency (AFD) and PS-EAU, opening doors to transformative financing and technical support.

Lessons for the Future: Turning Insights Into Action

Kribi emerged from the RAICT with profound insights that will shape its path forward:

1. Local Governments as Agents of Change
   Municipalities like Kribi hold the key to addressing global challenges through localized, people-centric solutions. By embracing this role, Kribi can contribute to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while empowering its citizens.
   
2. The Power of Diaspora Engagement
   Kribi’s global diaspora represents a wellspring of talent, resources, and connections. Mobilizing their contributions is not just an opportunity—it’s a necessity for sustainable development.
   
3. Decentralized Cooperation: A Catalyst for Growth
   Partnerships with other cities are invaluable for fostering mutual learning and capacity-building. These relationships enable Kribi to adopt innovative practices tailored to its unique context.
   
4. Collaborative Solutions for Complex Challenges
   Multi-stakeholder partnerships—combining the expertise of governments, NGOs, academia, and private sectors—offer holistic pathways to address pressing issues like climate resilience and urban planning.
5. Africa’s Leadership in Global Cooperation
   As highlighted by Cités Unies France, Africa’s dynamic growth and potential place it at the heart of global cooperation efforts. Kribi’s role within this framework underscores Cameroon’s commitment to progress and partnership.
   

The Path Ahead: A Call to Action

Kribi’s journey at the RAICT illuminated the road ahead. To transform the opportunities presented into lasting impact, the city must focus on:

• Revitalizing Partnerships: Strengthen collaborations with existing allies like Saint-Nazaire while forging new connections.
• Empowering the Diaspora: Create platforms to channel the expertise and resources of Kribi’s global supporters into meaningful projects.
• Unlocking Innovative Financing: Pursue green financing and other mechanisms to support sustainable infrastructure initiatives.
• Building Local Capacity: Equip local leaders with the skills and tools to implement innovative, globally-informed solutions.
• Enhancing Global Visibility: Position Kribi as a forward-thinking, dynamic city through strategic participation in international forums.

Inspiration for Tomorrow: Kribi’s Global Vision

As the curtains closed on the 15th RAICT, Kribi’s delegation carried home not just ideas, but a renewed sense of purpose. Mayor Guy Emmanuel Sabikanda and Joseph Junior Seh demonstrated that Kribi is not content to wait for change—it is ready to lead it.

Through its commitment to decentralized cooperation, Kribi is transforming itself into a global city that bridges local dreams with international possibilities. As Cités Unies France so powerfully articulated during the event, the diplomacy of territories is about connection, collaboration, and shared progress.

For Kribi, the journey is just beginning. Armed with insights, alliances, and an unwavering vision, the city is poised to turn these opportunities into real, measurable progress. The future is bright for Kribi—a city ready to inspire, innovate, and lead on the global stage.

Together, let’s shape the Kribi of tomorrow—one partnership at a time.