The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) was present at the first in-person session of the Pan-Amazon Cities Forum (FCPA), held in Leticia, Colombia, from July 12 to 14. GCoM expert Rebecca Borges participated in the session “Experiences and Challenges of Amazonian Cities in International Sustainable Development Agendas” and presented the initiative and the progress of signatory cities in the region. During the event, the city of Florencia joined the GCoM network in Latin America.
“From the GCoM, in support of achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement and the European Union’s Green Deal, we consider local climate action in the Amazon region essential for the climate struggle. Supporting the Amazon is part of our strategic vision, and we must join efforts, amplify the voices, and strengthen the actions of Amazonian local governments. This includes supporting forums like this one to enhance the fight against climate change and multilevel integration to continue building resilient and green cities,” emphasized Rebecca Borges. The expert also participated in the governance session, highlighting the possibilities of coordination and synergies between the GCoM and the FCPA.
The Forum was established to strengthen the regional and international presence and advocacy capacity of local governments in the Amazon region. The meeting brought together the cities of Barcarena, Belém, Rio Branco, Palmas, and Manaus from Brazil; Mitú, Mocoa, San José del Guaviare, Florencia, Inírida, Leticia from Colombia; and Moyobamba from Peru. It serves as a platform promoting the exchange of experiences and decentralized regional cooperation, particularly concerning initiatives for sustainable urban and territorial development.
During the discussions, topics included access to clean energy and energy transitions, actions related to challenges posed by the geographical conditions and territorial distances of Amazonian cities. The role of the international community, network collaboration, and coordination among various actors were also emphasized throughout the working sessions, reinforcing synergies with the Covenant and the allied platform involved with its community.
About the Pan-Amazon Cities Forum (FCPA)
The first in-person session of the FCPA was organized by ICLEI South America, along with the Regional Program for Energy Security and Climate Change in Latin America (EKLA) of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) and supported by Waycarbon and the Sinchi Institute.
