On 9 December, the Parties released the currently negotiated Global Stocktake text. Despite the immense momentum in recognizing the alignment and leadership of subnational actors in the first week of COP28, the text contained no references to multilevel action. In response, ICLEI Secretary General Gino Van Begin made the following statement:
“COP28 has seen unprecedented inclusion of local, regional and other subnational governments in the official agenda leading up to this point. It had also seen a groundbreaking recognition for the multilevel action through the launch of Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnership for Climate Action (CHAMP), access to direct finance for subnational governments in the loss and damage text and through the outcome document of the Urbanisation Ministerial.
The message of these government leaders has been clear: Countries can be more ambitious when they include multilevel governance and cooperation in their climate goals and plans. However, we are failing to see that same vision reflected in the currently negotiated Global Stocktake text.
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability calls on all UNFCCC Parties — and in particular the 60+ signatories of CHAMP — to state clearly and explicitly in the GST Outcome texts the need to advance multilevel action in the new NDCs towards 2025. ICLEI represents over 2,500 local governments committed to sustainable development and climate action and serves as the focal point for cities and regions to the UNFCCC through the Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) Constituency.
On the road to COP28, analysis of more than 60 NDCs showed those nations that included urban components were more likely to increase their climate ambition. Now, here in Dubai, we must build a bridge to more ambitious 2025 NDCs by engaging all levels of government.”