Two Women Leaders to Represent Ecuador in the Forum of Mayors of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy in Latin America
Ecuador, January 24, 2023 – The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) in Latin America welcomes Mayors Diana Caiza (Ambato) and Marciana Valdivieso (Manta) as the new representatives of Ecuador in the Mayors’ Forum from the GCoM, a project funded by the European Union. The mayors assume this leadership role, expressing their municipalities’ commitment to environmental sustainability and the fight against climate change.
Ambato: Leading in Sustainable and Environmental Actions
The Municipality of Ambato stands out as a leader in the fight against climate change and environmental preservation. Through initiatives such as maintaining vertical gardens in the Parque de las Flores, strengthening air quality monitoring, promoting vegetable oil recycling in local markets, and actively participating in the GCoM, Ambato demonstrates its unwavering dedication to a sustainable future and environmental protection.
“Ambato takes on the responsibility of working towards environmental sustainability and mitigating the impacts of climate change,” stated Diana Caiza, who added, “Participating in the Mayors’ Forum is a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences, learn from best practices, and strengthen our commitment to local climate action,” emphasized the mayor.
Manta has a Pact with the Future
At the forefront of sustainability, the coastal city of Manta drives the Green Covenant, initiated in 2020 as a citizen initiative to prevent and reduce environmental pollution for the well-being and health of the population.
Challenged by aging infrastructure and rapid population growth, Manta is heading towards a sustainable future. Mayor Marciana Valdivieso represents Manta at the Mayors’ Forum of the GCoM, sharing valuable experiences and actively contributing to the global climate agenda.
Mayor Marciana expressed her commitment to climate action: “Representing Manta at the Mayors’ Forum is an honor and an opportunity to strengthen our commitment to environmental sustainability and the fight against climate change. Through this forum, we seek to exchange experiences, learn from best practices, and actively contribute to the global climate agenda. Manta is determined to lead initiatives that promote a more sustainable and resilient future for our region, where we aim to be pioneers in the fight against pollution,” she declared.
Ecuadorian Mayors Join the Regional Forum
Hélinah Cardoso, Regional Director of the GCoM in the Americas, emphasized the importance of strengthening female leadership in the region’s climate action.
“The active participation of mayors like Diana Caiza and Marciana Valdivieso not only benefits Ecuador but also enriches decision-making related to climate change. Women, as change agents, play a crucial role in addressing climate challenges, and our leadership in this area contributes to enriching solutions comprehensively and equitably in our region,” stated Cardoso.
Ambato and Manta will join the other 10 members of the Forum: Despeñaderos (Argentina), San Justo (Argentina), Salvador (Brazil), Serra Talhada (Brazil), Independencia (Chile), Peñalolén (Chile), Tópaga (Colombia), Oreamuno (Costa Rica), Ahome (Mexico), Comas (Peru). Together, they will represent the community of covenant-signing municipalities in Latin America, bringing the voices and experiences of their communities and the entire Latin American region to the regional and international stage, significantly contributing to the visibility and implementation of climate actions in our region.
About the Mayors’ Forum of the GCoM in Latin America
The Mayors’ Forum in Latin America has become a key instance of regional climate governance. With the participation of 12 mayors from eight countries, this space strengthens the voice of cities in the strategy and support priorities of the GCoM in Latin America.
The Forum not only allows local leaders to act as spokespersons and sources of inspiration but also provides greater visibility to the climate action commitments of covenant-signing municipalities. The European Union’s support for GCoM in Latin America highlights the importance of this joint effort to address climate challenges at the local and global levels.
About the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy
The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy is the world’s largest alliance of municipalities and cities committed to leading the fight against climate change and promoting sustainable energy. In Latin America, more than 650 municipalities are committed to the alliance. The mission of the GCoM is to drive resilience to climate challenges, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure equitable access to sustainable energy.
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