Publisher: United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG)
Year: 2026
The GOLD VII Final Report on the Economies of Equality and Care is the outcome of a three-year collaborative research process led by United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) between 2023 and 2026. The report explores how local and regional governments can advance more just, caring and democratic societies by placing equality, care and the sustainability of life at the center of territorial development and governance.
Developed through a broad participatory process involving local and regional governments, researchers, international organizations, civil society networks and community actors from around the world, the report examines the transformative role of care across public policies, including housing, public services, mobility, social protection, climate action, culture and democratic innovation.
The publication synthesizes the main findings, policy recommendations and strategic visions emerging from the GOLD VII process. It highlights how care can serve as a guiding principle for territorial governance and presents practical experiences and lessons learned from local and regional governments worldwide.
The research process was supported by the GOLD VII Multimedia Journal, an open knowledge platform gathering more than 100 contributions, including papers, interviews and audiovisual materials, as well as hundreds of local practices illustrating pathways towards more equitable, inclusive and sustainable territories.
The Global Platform for the Right to the City (GPR2C) contributed to the GOLD VII research process, bringing a right to the city perspective to the debates and reflections on equality, care, social justice and democratic governance. The findings of the report reinforce the importance of advancing people-centered territories where human rights, collective well-being and spatial justice are at the core of public action.
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