In a bold move to reclaim Argentina’s voice in global climate negotiations, six subnational governments, represented by their governors – Santa Fe, La Pampa, Jujuy, Chubut, Córdoba, and Entre Ríos – officially signed the Regional Commitment during the International Climate Conference (CCI25), held in Córdoba from 1–3 July.
The Commitment was also signed by other representatives from environmental authorities from 15 provinces and the City of Buenos Aires, positioning subnational actors at the forefront of climate action ahead of COP30 in Belém.
This unprecedented Commitment lays out a shared, ambitious roadmap to accelerate climate action from the ground up, aligned with the Paris Agreement and the latest IPCC reports, especially in light of climate denialism at the national level in Argentina. Key priorities include strengthening multilevel governance and climate finance for Latin America, advancing biodiversity protection and climate adaptation, and embedding equity, gender, and education into local sustainability strategies.
Martín Llaryora, Governor of Córdoba and host of CCI25, emphasized that despite political differences, governors share common interests for the benefit of Argentina. “Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world, and it has disappeared from the climate agenda. It will be the provinces who represent the country at COP. This effort by the provinces cannot be ignored.”
The Minister of Environment and Circular Economy of Córdoba, María Victoria Flores, remarked: “The outcome of the first International Climate Conference is very positive; representatives from over 20 countries and 16 provinces participated. The signing of a federal environmental agreement by six governors leaves us with a clear course of action – climate change is no longer up for debate. We are now taking action against its effects.”
Hosted by the Government of Córdoba and co-organized by ICLEI, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy – Latin America (GCoM), and the Municipality of Córdoba, CCI25 brought together over 6,000 participants, including representatives from all levels of government, NGOs, academia, and the private sector. In parallel, more than 20 legislators endorsed the Federal and Regional Pact for Environmental Sustainability, committing to concrete legislative actions for a just, climate-resilient future.
Rodrigo Perpétuo, Executive Secretary of ICLEI South America, emphasized: “The International Climate Conference is a key milestone on the road to COP30, a green alliance led by Argentine provinces with a Latin American reach, aiming to build a shared position among subnational governments in the lead-up to Belém. ICLEI plays a crucial role in linking these governments with the global climate agenda, as the voice of subnational actors to the UNFCCC.”
In addition, María Julia Reyna, Executive Director of ICLEI Argentina, reflected.“This Regional Commitment is a milestone for ICLEI and South America. It reflects the strength of local and regional leadership and reinforces our mission to support multilevel climate governance rooted in territorial realities.”
As COP30 approaches, with its Presidency promoting a global mutirão vision–mobilizing governments, communities, and sectors for climate, nature, and people–the need for accelerated action is urgent. This means fast-tracking commitments, advancing climate justice, and strengthening integrated efforts across all levels.
In this context, the signing of the Regional Commitment during CCI25 marks a firm step by Latin American subnational governments to assert their leadership and build a common agenda on the road to Belém.
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