Thank you Co-Chair, my name is Catalina Schlienger from ICLEI and I’m delivering this intervention on behalf of the LGMA.
We welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the 5th JTWP Dialogue on food security and the 6th Dialogue on industrialisation, as both topics are very close to the daily realities of our constituents, and in this light, I would like to make two points for Parties’ consideration:
Firstly, with over 75% of food-insecure people living in urban areas, especially informal settlements, with 80% of food projected to be consumed in cities by 2050 and with over a billion people growing food or engaging in agricultural activities in urban/peri-urban areas; subnational action is critical. Addis Ababa’s locally-produced school meals programme is transforming lives of 800,000 students and has created 16,000 jobs, while Milan rescues food surplus and redistributes to communities in need.
Therefore, we recommend retaining the following text from the informal note: Recognizes the importance of urban and peri-urban food systems and the role of subnational governments and local authorities in translating nationally determined just transition pathways into locally responsive implementation.
Secondly, evidence highlights a need to align national green and just industrial strategies with subnational realities to ensure local value retention, inclusive workforce development and prevent job losses, stranded assets, and eroded tax bases. For instance, Singapore supports green skills development of maritime workers, while Cape Town together with the national government created a green industrial hub in a disadvantaged area.
Building on multiple references in the 6th JTWP Dialogue Summary Report, specifically paragraphs 84, 97 and 115, in line with priorities identified by EIG, European Union, Brazil and Ukraine, and the UK, we suggest that parties consider the following text for inclusion: Recognizes the importance of subnational governments in advancing just transition pathways for the industry sector including through green industrial clusters and innovation hubs, ethical procurement, social dialogue and stakeholders engagement, and workforce development. Emphasises the value of stronger multilevel governance between national and subnational governments and local authorities, including through multilevel coordination bodies and place-based just transition agreements.
Thank you.
