The President of the Namibian National Mayors Forum, Leonard Hango, has called on local authority leaders to strengthen unity, cooperation, and mutual respect among municipalities, towns, and villages.

Speaking at the ongoing Association's Convention in Swakopmund, Hango underscored the vital role local leaders play as the first point of contact between government and citizens. Hango, who also serves as the Mayor of Oshakati, praised ALAN for consistently providing a platform where leaders can exchange experiences, discuss challenges, share innovations, and develop strategies for better governance.

He stressed the importance of working together to address pressing issues such as climate change, urban migration, digital transformation, and economic hardship. The mayor reaffirmed the forum’s support for ALAN, reiterating its commitment to local democracy, accountable leadership, and good governance. "We can share experiences, challenges, innovations, and strategies for improved governance. In an ever-changing world marked by climate change, urban migration, digital transformation, and economic pressures, collaboration among our local authorities is vital in addressing these dynamics and critical issues of our lifetime," he said.

President of the South African Local Government Association, Bheki Stofile, also called for stronger regional cooperation and increased investment in local governance. "From the Cape to the Kavango, from Gaborone to Lusaka and beyond, we confront similar crises: financial strain on municipalities, infrastructure backlogs, youth unemployment, environmental vulnerability, and the increasing demand for services amidst limited resources," Stofile stated.

Vincent Lilanda, President of the Local Government Association of Zambia, expressed strong support for ALAN, saying, "Our respective Executives/Boards, association staff and member local authorities on subjects of mutual interest, promoting opportunities for bilateral exchange programmes between ALAN and LGAZ members, sharing of best practices in the running of our associations and participating in each other's flagship events such as this convention, as well as peer-to-peer learning and networking."

Molatedi Selala, President of the Botswana Association of Local Authorities, emphasized the role of local government associations in national development. "Our mission as local government associations is to amplify the voice of local governments as well as be credible partners with national governments, presenting and positioning local governments as a pivot for local-level service delivery and development discourse, in turn strengthening efficiencies and effectiveness of delivery of national priorities," Selala said.