Gunn Marit Helgesen is President of the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS), and co-President of Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR). She also represents Norway in the World Council and Executive Bureau of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). Local and regional authorities throughout Europe face many of the same challenges ahead. Covid-19 recovery, tighter public finances, climate change, labour participation and welfare are issues that are often discussed across regions and national boundaries. Mrs. Helgesen believes it is important to learn from each other, and that local solutions can often be the solution to both national and international challenges. Trust in democracy, freedom of expression and human rights form the foundation of policymaking in many areas.