13/05/2026
The ACT NOW Mayors’ Conference 2026 brought together more than 25 countries from across Europe in Cascais.
Over two days, 350+ mayors, city leaders, experts, innovators and young changemakers came together under the theme “Reimagining Human Rights: Anchoring Democratic Values in the Digital Age.”
The conference explored how cities can translate universal rights into practical local action — through participation, transparency, digital rights, youth engagement, housing, democratic resilience, humanitarian response, feminism, art and the right to participate in local affairs.
As one of the central events of Cascais’ Democracy Year as European Capital of Democracy 2026, the ACT NOW Mayors' Conference highlighted the crucial role of cities in renewing democracy where it matters most: in everyday governance.
Thank you to our host and lead partner, the City of Cascais, our partners, speakers and all participants for contributing to two days of exchange, learning and action.
The ACT NOW Mayors’ Conference 2026 was held with the support of the European Committee of the Regions.
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