Second GCoM Workshop Marks Progress in Latin America
The International Urban Cooperation Program for Latin America and the Caribbean (IUC-LAC) organized the Second National Coordinators Workshop of the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM) from August 28-31 in San José, Costa Rica. The workshop focused on methodologies, action plans, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and flagship cities. This training is part of the European Union’s efforts in Latin America to support local governments in sustainable urban development and the fight against climate change.
With the participation of 52 representatives from municipalities and GCoM National Coordinators from Costa Rica, Colombia, Mexico, and Chile, the workshop centered on the pillars of the global initiative: adaptation, mitigation, and secure, sustainable, and affordable energy access; GCoM processes; and progress reporting platforms.
Costa Rica Delegation
Training National Coordinators and selected cities on GCoM objectives, methodologies for producing Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs) aligned with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and capacity building to support cities in meeting their commitments are critical steps toward advancing local climate action in Latin America.
During the event, the municipalities of Belén, La Unión, Golfito, and Desamparados joined the GCoM, formally committing to the fight against climate change.
Costa Rican Mayors Formalize Their Commitment to GCoM
Workshop Modules
The workshop included a training module on risk and vulnerability analysis, emissions reduction target setting, and inventory preparation facilitated by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission, which provides scientific and technical support for GCoM’s methodological development, implementation, and monitoring. Another module, facilitated by EUROCLIMA+, focused on the territorial localization of NDCs.
In addition to theoretical sessions, participants discussed experiences from flagship municipalities and government strategies from Costa Rica, Mexico, Colombia, and Chile to share learning at the local level across different regions of the continent.
JRC Presentation
Elberth Barrantes, Mayor of Golfito, stated, “For our country, Costa Rica, and for a rural canton like ours, Golfito, participating in this event was important to gain information, knowledge from experts, and the experiences of other cities and municipalities to effectively take action.”
Citizen and Women’s Participation
Citizen participation in the GCoM is a crucial element of its effectiveness. Civil society organizations such as the Center for Urban Sustainability and CEGESTI from Costa Rica participated in the workshop to enhance outreach and representation in discussions. Women made up 55% of the total participants in the workshop.
Commitment to the Global Covenant of Mayors
The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) is a global alliance of cities and local governments voluntarily committed to combating climate change, reducing its unavoidable impacts, and facilitating access to sustainable and affordable energy for all.
After joining the initiative, cities are expected to conduct climate studies to assess their environmental situation. Subsequently, each city sets its greenhouse gas reduction targets and, with GCoM’s support, implements an action plan to achieve these goals.
To learn more about this initiative and how your city can join the GCoM, visit our website.
