Cities Coalition for Digital Rights holds founding general assembly, adopts by-laws and elects first board
PRESS RELEASE
22 September 2026
Cities Coalition for Digital Rights holds founding general assembly, adopts by-laws and elects first board
On 17 September 2026, the Cities Coalition for Digital Rights (CC4DR) held its founding general assembly, a milestone in its transformation from a city-led initiative into a non-profit organization. Representatives from Europe, North America and Latin America met online to adopt the Coalition’s by-laws, internal rules, Declaration, and elect its first board.
“Cities are on the front line of the digital transition,” said Emmanuel Sallaberry, newly elected President of the Coalition. “It is at our level, closest to people, that a common digital culture is built, one where every citizen can understand and use technologies that increasingly shape daily life.
“Cities must have a seat at the table where global digital governance is decided,” he added. “The rules that will shape our digital future are being decided now, in international forums too often far from the people who live with their consequences. My goal, as President, will be to help ensure the Coalition’s collective voice reaches the rooms where these decisions are made.”
The board’s first meeting followed immediately, and roles were allocated as follows:
- President: Emmanuel Sallaberry, Vice President for Digital, Bordeaux Métropole (France)
- Vice President: Rodrigo Cunha, Mayor of Maceió (Brazil)
- General Secretary: Rodrigo Teodoro Passos, Deputy Mayor for Digital Transformation and Citizen Services, City of Porto (Portugal)
- Treasurer: Councillor Paul Leinster, Chair of the Digital Glasgow Board, Glasgow City Council (Scotland)
Mr. Sallaberry set out key priorities for his presidency: strengthening the Coalition’s advocacy and its presence on international platforms; recruiting new cities worldwide; increasing the network’s visibility and building strong political commitment.
The assembly opened with an introduction by Michael Fitzpatrick, Chief Privacy Officer of New York City, who recalled the Coalition’s beginnings. Each of the four board candidates then presented their vision to members before the vote.
Next steps
The legal incorporation of the Coalition in Bordeaux, France, will be finalized in the coming weeks, and further news will follow. The Coalition’s next general meeting will be held in a hybrid format during Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, on Thursday 5 November. Cities interested in joining the Coalition can find out more at citiesfordigitalrights.org.
About the Cities Coalition for Digital Rights
Launched in November 2018 by Amsterdam, Barcelona and New York, the Cities Coalition for Digital Rights (CC4DR) is a global network of 60 members, cities and institutions, working together to advance digital rights. As the democratic institutions closest to residents, cities are best placed to turn principles into everyday services, and a global network lets them share experience and speak with one voice in the forums where digital rules are set. Members stand by five principles: universal and equal access and digital literacy; privacy, data protection and security; transparency, accountability and non-discrimination; participatory democracy, diversity and inclusion; and open and ethical digital service standards.
Media contact: endorse@citiesfordigitalrights.org
Website: citiesfordigitalrights.org
