Nine Countries in the Region Have Established Their National Advisory Committees
Cover Photo: Meeting of the National Advisory Committee in Costa Rica
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru are advancing toward the creation of national communities at the forefront of local climate action. Through the establishment of their National Advisory Committees (CCNs), multiple stakeholders can share knowledge and experiences, laying the groundwork for future progress.
This year, Argentina, Chile, and Peru will present their National Strategies to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM). These documents identify areas requiring knowledge creation and capacity building, national-level advancements, and how these can be integrated into the GCoM’s objectives: developing Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs). Progress in these areas is essential to ensuring that signatory cities meet their commitments. The committee’s role is to ensure that no effort or prior work is wasted.
The most recent National Advisory Committee meeting took place in Costa Rica on September 17. Discussions focused on the committee’s governance and the national GCoM strategy for the country.
“The formation of the national advisory committee comes at a good time, as the initiative can integrate with other country-wide efforts aimed at strengthening local climate action. The working group is excellent, so we are confident that we can build a strong national strategy,” said Eida Arce of the National Union of Local Governments, a member of Costa Rica’s National Advisory Committee.
Meeting of the National Advisory Committee in Costa Rica
In Latin America, the GCoM’s governance is composed not only of these National Committees but also of a Secretariat and a Steering Committee that work to support local communities committed to combating climate change. Governance in this region is structured to integrate key institutions to achieve the GCoM’s objectives. The International Urban Cooperation Program, funded by the European Union, supports the GCoM’s implementation in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Click here to check the institutions involved in this extensive network supporting municipalities committed to the Global Covenant of Mayors.
What Is the National Advisory Committee (CCN)?
The CCN is a closed working group designed to unify efforts at local, regional, and national levels to develop an annual National Strategy for achieving the GCoM’s objectives in alignment with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). NDCs represent countries’ commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The committee aligns the GCoM’s activities and progress with national governments and connects the GCoM to other national programs related to climate change.
