Thank you Chair. My name is Ariel Dekovic, and I am speaking for local, regional and subnational governments in the COP process.
Our COP31 Position is endorsed by eighty local government associations, representing tens of thousands of local and subnational governments.
At COP31, we ask Parties for six outcomes.
First, an energy transition outcome that recognizes and accelerates subnational delivery.
Second, an ambitious just transition outcome, with representation for all Constituencies in the Belém-Antalya Mechanism.
Third, multilevel climate finance, built into the key finance processes.
Fourth, upholding the role of independent science, especially ahead of the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities.
Fifth: a systematic, joint space for Parties and local, regional and subnational governments to address barriers to multilevel action, as part of the Second Global Stocktake.
And sixth, faster implementation of the Global Goal on Adaptation and National Adaptation Plans.
So, why should Parties work with local and subnational governments?
Because implementation of the Paris Agreement runs through our territories – our buildings, our transport energy systems and our communities.
In CHAMP countries, local climate commitments could close 37 percent of the gap between current NDCs and a Paris-aligned path by 2030.
Our asks reflect the readiness of local, regional and subnational governments to serve as essential partners to national governments in implementing the Paris Agreement, ensure resilience for our communities and deliver a just transition to the green economy. With the window to limit overshoot of 1.5°C closing, the time to work together is now.
