Celebration of the Achievements of the GCoM in Costa Rica
Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy works in Costa Rica with the support of the European Union
San José, October 18. The National Union of Local Governments (UNGL) and the National University (UNA) held an event to present the “Progress of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy in Costa Rica” this Friday, October 18.
In this phase of implementing the GCoM in the country (2022-2024), five strategic pillars were worked on: technical assistance, project structuring and financing, reporting, training, synergies, and visibility. These pillars were collaboratively formulated with the Committee members in order to contribute to the demands for local climate action.
“Today we are discussing an ambitious strategic agenda that requires integration between policies and sectors at the local, departmental, national, and international levels. In this regard, we are proud of the dialogue process around climate action policies and programs in Costa Rica, which we have promoted from the European Union through the Global Covenant of Mayors, in collaboration with relevant institutions,” said Pierre-Louis Jean Lempereur, European Union Ambassador to Costa Rica.
Among the progress reported during this event, the development of nine climate action project profiles led by the municipalities of Alajuela, Belén, Cañas, Desamparados, La Unión, Oreamuno, Paraíso, San José, and Zarcero stands out.
In addition, technical support was provided to the municipalities of Buenos Aires, Oreamuno, Quepos, San Pablo, and Zarcero in the preparation and updating of Climate Action Plans. Training and collaborations were also provided on other topics such as reporting and support for strengthening climate governance.
“To continue influencing this issue in our country, we need to continue receiving support from the European Union. We must promote a strategy that allows us to legitimize and expand the successful actions we have already begun, as well as integrate new processes that generate greater impact in decision-making and more municipalities working on concrete climate adaptability projects,” said Erick Jiménez, Mayor of Oreamuno, member of the UNGL board, and representative of the GCoM Forum.
Throughout the day, discussion panels were also held, one of which focused on governance and the synergies needed to promote collaboration networks between local governments, cooperation agencies, and other key social actors.
Another key topic was climate planning and reporting, where technical advances and challenges were presented. Finally, the panel on expectations and challenges for the sustainability of the GCoM allowed for reflection on the future of local climate action in Costa Rica, highlighting opportunities to further strengthen climate governance in the country.
The event was attended by prominent figures in Costa Rica’s climate agenda, including Pierre-Louis Jean Lempereur, European Union Ambassador to Costa Rica; Óscar Izquierdo, Deputy President of the Environment Commission of the Legislative Assembly; Mayor Patricia Porras, President of UNGL, along with other authorities.
At the end of the event, the Local Governments Climate Change Network was officially launched, a platform aligned with the Global Covenant of Mayors, designed to facilitate coordination and give visibility to local climate efforts: https://www.redcglacc.una.ac.cr/index.php
The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy is the largest global alliance of cities and local governments committed to the fight against climate change. As a coalition, the GCoM combines and amplifies the efforts of stakeholders to support the transition to resilient, low-emission cities.
