COP28 is underway, spotlighting the pivotal role of local and regional governments should play in developing and implementing national climate goals.
1 December 2023
LGMA subnational representatives shared insights at yesterday’s press conference (watch the recorded webcast), emphasizing the key role of subnationals in climate action and their support of working with nations.
Complementing and strengthening their interventions, the Position of the LGMA Constituency towards the UNFCCC, which calls for an integrated approach to combat climate change, aligning with the urgency outlined by the IPCC, has already been endorsed by over 65 organizations and governments.
The Local Climate Action Summit (1-2 December), hosted by the COP28 Presidency and Bloomberg Philanthropies, is now underway. It unites over 450 attendees from 66 countries, including more than 200 mayors and governors, to transform climate finance, enhance global action, fast-track the energy transition, and strengthen resilience and adaptation at the local level.
As COP28 unfolds, the Multilevel Action & Urbanization Pavilion promises to amplify local and regional climate leadership. Today kicked off with an exciting multilevel panel of dignitaries, including Nobel Laureate and former US Vice President Al Gore.
Yunus Arikan delivers opening intervention for LGMA as the focal point
"Here in Dubai, we expect UNFCCC negotiators to cement these achievements in the outcomes of COP28 so that multilevel action and urbanization becomes an integral element of the new era of climate emergency action." (Watch at 4:06:50) You can read the full text of his remarks.
LGMA press conference lays out Constituency's expectations for COP
The networks of the LGMA weighed in at a press conference and through a collective press release in the opening hours of COP28. Representing CEMR, Marianne Overton, Councillor of Lincolnshire (UK), summed up the unified position: “A territorial approach to the Climate fight is crucial to achieving positive impacts on the ground. However, the Paris Agreement aims cannot be reached if the local and regional level are not able or allowed to play an essential role in transforming the international ambitions into practical realities. Let’s fight together, let’s advance together, let’s make of this challenge a real opportunity.”
"Recognizing subnational leadership" and "applying vertical integration" are just two of ten clear messages of the LGMA's Constituency joint position to COP28. Over 65 entities have already backed the position, which is still open for endorsement until 10 December.
Explore the Multilevel Action & Urbanization Pavilion and rewatch today’s high-level opening
The Multilevel Action & Urbanization Pavilion at COP28, co-convened by ICLEI and UN-Habitat and co-hosted by the Scottish Government and Bloomberg Philanthropies, is the global stage for cities, towns, and regions to showcase their climate achievements, discuss challenges, and foster collaboration for impactful local and subnational climate action. With over seventy events, online participation is open to everyone through the livestreams, while in-person participation requires a COP28 Blue Badge to enter the Blue Zone.
Negotiations/interventions resource
Advocating for subnational inputs to the first Global Stocktake of the Paris Agreement
For those cities and regions at COP28 who would like to reflect on how local and regional inputs can be added to the Global Stocktake process, the LMGA is making available a resource to guide your understanding and discussion, including three key messages.
The COP28 Local Climate Action Summit (LCAS) starts today
The COP28 Local Climate Action Summit is hosted by the COP28 Presidency in recognition of the critical role local leaders play in climate action. LCAS will call for increased multilevel partnerships to accelerate and finance local climate projects, and its outcomes will feed into subsequent COP28 events and processes.
COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber and UN Special Envoy Michael R. Bloomberg announce historic global delegation of governors, mayors, and local leaders to turbocharge subnational climate action at COP28 Local Climate Action Summit. >> Read more
From The Guardian
Leaders of world’s major cities call for phase-out of fossil fuels
Governments must commit to bringing the fossil fuel era to a close, a group of mayors representing the world’s leading cities has demanded, amid growing pressure for an agreed phase-out of oil, gas and coal at COP28. >> Read more
From ICLEI
A pivotal moment for cities and subnationals in the climate crisis
Despite their crucial role, cities often face obstacles in collaboration with national governments and lack financial resources for effective climate action. As we approach COP28, the narrative reflects a story of resilience, proactive change, and the shared goal of creating a sustainable future for all. >> Read more
From The Mayor.eu
What will the EU push for at COP28?
Both the European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions have particular agendas to pursue at the largest climate event of the year: accelerating green transition and advocating for local voices to be heard. >> Read more
