The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy in Latin America (GCoM-LAC) was launched in Chile during the third Forum of Mayors on Climate Change Chile 2017, organized by the Chilean Network of Municipalities on Climate Change and Adapt-Chile. The event occurred on November 30 in Santiago, where the National Steering Committee of the Covenant in Chile was introduced. Manuel Fuentes, the Covenant’s representative, participated in the panel discussion of the role of local governments from an international perspective.
Local and national authorities, representatives of international partners, and other segments of civil society participated in the event. Stella Zervoudaki, the European Union Ambassador to Chile, stated that around the world, local leaders are taking action to combat climate change. “You can count on Europe’s support as an ally in this global fight against climate change.”
The President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, who was also present at the opening of the Forum, said that to achieve global climate action, it is necessary to develop local climate action in a joint effort between local, national, and international levels. She stated that “sustainable and inclusive development—which we must insist on—depends on the strength of three pillars: the state, from central to local; businesses, with responsible and innovative ventures; and citizens, with their organizational capacity and voice to be at the center of all deliberation.”
The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy is expanding in Latin America through a regional secretariat and national partners to reach more municipalities committed to the initiative. With this launch, Chile joins Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia as one of the countries in the region to integrate into the Covenant. From now on, GCoM-LAC in Chile will develop activities to engage cities and support them in creating their own local action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the local level.
(With information and photos from EUDChile, Ministry of Environment, and REDMUNICC)
