The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) was present at the seminar ‘The Climate Ambition of Mercociudades,’ held on December 2nd, bringing together representatives from international organizations and global actors involved in climate action, biodiversity, and municipalism. The meeting took place within the framework of the 26th Mercociudades Summit.
The presentation of the Global Covenant of Mayors was conducted by Stephanie Horel, Programs Officer for the Regional Team for the Americas of the EU International Cooperation and Development, who highlighted collaborative efforts to seek funding for governments to develop concrete projects. The alliance’s helpdesk supports cities in advancing the development of their climate action plans.
Stephanie emphasized the inclusive nature of COP26, allowing local governments to share and showcase their actions against climate change. She highlighted the pivotal role of cities, emphasizing the need for them to think globally and act locally for effective climate actions. Stephanie also stressed the importance of citizen participation in the energy transition process, stating that a just transition would not be possible without citizen support.
During their presentations, representatives from local governments of Canelones and Montevideo (Uruguay), Lima (Peru), Peñalolén (Chile), and São Leopoldo (Brazil), all part of the GCoM network, discussed their climate experiences and challenges in their cities.
Carolina Cosse, the Mayor of Montevideo, Uruguay, reflected on the city’s main action plans presented at COP26 and emphasized the need for environmental justice associated with social justice. Leonardo Herou, the Director General of Environmental Management in Canelones, Uruguay, presented the city’s climate action strategy, covering adaptation, mitigation, and capacity building for effective governance.
Ary Vanazzi, the Mayor of São Leopoldo, Brazil, and President of the Brazilian Association of Municipalities (ABM), introduced the city’s Climate Change Observatory. He highlighted the goal of publishing the first carbon emissions inventory on an interactive platform, aiming to issue the city’s first carbon credits by 2023.
The Municipality of Lima was represented by Lorena Montellanos, Head of Communications and Sustainability, who outlined Lima’s actions against climate change and emphasized the crucial role of local governments in combating the climate crisis.
Ricardo Cofre, Director of Environment in Peñalolén, Chile, presented the city’s climate progress, focusing on three areas: sustainable waste management, environmental education, and ecosystem management.
In the closing of the summit, local governments from over nine South American countries signed a joint declaration emphasizing the need to create ‘inclusive, sustainable, and resilient territories’ for a ‘more just, diverse, and equitable world.’ The declaration called for financial support and political commitment at national, regional, and global levels to advance these goals. Access the ‘Esteban Echeverría Declaration – Local governments are always here.’
About Mercociudades:
Mercociudades is one of the most important networks of local governments in South America and a prominent reference in regional integration processes. The network is part of the Regional Steering Committee of the Global Covenant of Mayors in the region, with 106 member cities committed to the climate fight. It represents local governments from 10 countries in the continent with a population of over 120 million people. Mercociudades aims to enhance regional identity and integration to ensure the development of cities and well-being in South America.
Watch the event summary:
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