Brussels, July 15 – The significant event held in Brussels, Belgium, on July 13 and 14, 2023, the “EU-Latin America and Caribbean Forum: Partners for Change”, brought together representatives from youth, civil society, and local authorities to discuss and strengthen regional cooperation. Among the participants was Vice-Mayor of Oreamuno, Costa Rica, Viviana Carpio, representing the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, particularly its Mayors’ Forum for Latin America.
The EU-ALC Forum was a valuable opportunity for non-state actors and local governments to exchange ideas and experiences and build a sustainable and inclusive future for both regions. Discussions covered crucial topics such as civic space, green transition, investments, social equality, social and climate justice, migration, and the responsibilities of various actors from the European Union, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
The event was organized within the framework of the EU-ALC summit, with one of its main outcomes being the EU-LAC Global Gateway Investment Agenda. The document serves as the EU’s global investment offer to partner countries to promote smart, clean, and secure connections in digital, energy, and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education, and research systems, as well as to promote sustainable mobility and protect forest areas.
Given that this year’s summit aimed to relaunch the strategic partnership between the European Union, Latin America, and the Caribbean, the recommendations and conclusions reached by the Forum played a crucial role in amplifying the voice and participation of civil society and local governments. In a context where civic and democratic space has faced challenges on both sides of the Atlantic, the importance of political dialogue and promotion of human rights, development, trade agreements, and investments as essential priorities was highlighted.
Viviana Carpio, Vice-Mayor of Oreamuno, underscored the relevance of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, emphasizing joint actions in various municipalities across Latin America. She also highlighted the GCoM’s commitment to demanding greater climate, social, and economic justice. The Vice-Mayor’s active participation in the EU-LAC Forum significantly contributed to strengthening the role of local authorities in addressing climate, energy, social, and political issues.
In her speech, she also stressed the importance of increasing spaces for citizen participation. She urged mayors to adhere to the ethics and honor owed to citizens, ensuring that corruption does not tarnish municipal leadership.
“As part of the Global Covenant of Mayors, we have developed joint actions in several Latin American municipalities and are raising our voice to demand more climate, social, and economic justice. My message was perseverance, more work, and more struggle in Latin America. No to corruption in local governments and more climate, social, and economic justice,” said Carpio.
The involvement of the GCoM in the Forum does not end there. The group also plans to meet again during the Latin America and Caribbean Climate Week, which will be held in Panama in October. This initiative represents a joint effort to seek innovative and coordinated solutions to address environmental challenges directly affecting local communities.
Vice-Mayor Viviana Carpio’s active participation in the EU-Latin America and Caribbean Forum and the support of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy strengthen cooperation between the regions, demonstrating their joint commitment to building a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
Global Covenant of Mayors – Latin America
The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy is the largest global alliance of cities and municipalities leading the fight against climate change, with the support of municipal networks and other key actors in subnational climate action. It has more than 12,700 committed cities in over 140 countries worldwide, representing more than 11% of the world’s population.
In Latin America, the GCoM is funded by the European Union’s Partnership Instrument and includes the participation of more than 650 cities from 17 countries in the region.
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Technical Aspects
Belén Jiménez, Technical Advisor [email protected]
