Global stage for highlighting the role of cities, towns, regions and other subnationals as climate action leaders
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29 October 2024 – Bonn, Germany/Nairobi, Kenya. ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, and The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the United Nations entity responsible for sustainable urbanization, have announced plans for a joint pavilion at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The Multilevel Action & Urbanization Pavilion will serve as the global stage for the city and subnational climate agenda at COP29. The Pavilion will bring into focus not only the challenges and needs, but also the accomplishments and commitments of local and subnational actors on climate action.
The Pavilion is co-convened by UN-Habitat and ICLEI in its role as the focal point of the Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA Constituency). The Pavilion is co-hosted by Azerbaijan State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture (SCUPA); the ILBANK, development and investment bank of local authorities in Türkiye, with the support of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change; Zero Waste Foundation; and Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Open during the entire COP29 program, 11 – 22 November, the Pavilion provides a space for local, national and international leaders to meet and exchange. The Pavilion is hosted within the Blue Zone at COP29, where the urban climate agenda has a strong narrative through the two-week programming, with the COP29 Presidency holding key events including the Ministerial Meeting(s) on Urbanization and Climate Change – taking place on 20 November, the Urbanization / Transport / Tourism Thematic Day.
“The Multilevel Action & Urbanization Pavilion at COP29 represents a crucial platform for experts, cities and local governments to showcase their leadership in climate action. By fostering dialogue among diverse stakeholders, this Pavilion will elevate local voices and solutions that are essential for achieving global climate goals,” said Anacláudia Rossbach, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director, UN-Habitat. “It will not only highlight the challenges we face but also celebrate the innovative approaches being adopted by cities worldwide, reaffirming our collective commitment to sustainable urban futures,” she continued.
“If you want to work with cities and regions, the Multilevel Action & Urbanization Pavilion should be your first stop at COP. The Pavilion is the global stage at COP29 for cities, towns, states and regions to showcase how they deliver on ambitious climate action and as effective multilevel partners. COP28 was a watershed year for local and regional government recognition in the COP process, and we aim to build on our COP28 wins. We invite parties, and leaders of and partners to local and other subnational governments, to join us at the Pavilion to hear our successes, understand our challenges, and join forces to push forward a sustainable and resilient urban future,” said Gino Van Begin, ICLEI Secretary General.
Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan said, “As urbanization accelerates globally, it is imperative that we recognize and harness the power of our cities, towns, and regions as pivotal leaders in climate action. As we gather for the Multilevel Action & Urbanization Pavilion, we reaffirm the crucial role that cities, towns, regions, and other subnational entities play in leading climate action. The Pavilion creates an invaluable opportunity to showcase our collective efforts, share best practices, and inspire collaborative action toward a resilient future.
He continued, “By bringing together all parties and stakeholders at COP29 Azerbaijan demonstrates the vision for the future where multilevel and multi-sectoral stakeholders act together to address the climate challenges and transform urban spaces into resilient ecosystems that prioritize environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic vitality. The State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan is committed to fostering innovative urban solutions and sustainable practices that empower local communities. We welcome all to join us at the Pavilion to share the best practices and solutions to enhance the roles of the cities and towns in climate change actions.”
“As the primary development and investment bank in Türkiye, ILBANK is deeply committed to addressing climate challenges at both the local and national levels. Our participation in COP29 and the Multilevel Action & Urbanization Pavilion is an opportunity to showcase how we are integrating sustainable infrastructure investments and innovative financing mechanisms to build climate-resilient urban areas, especially in regions impacted by recent natural disasters,” said Recep Türk, İLBANK General Manager.
He continued, “Our work, particularly in areas such as sustainable infrastructure, water management, and disaster resilience, aligns with global efforts to accelerate urban climate action. By working closely with local authorities, international organizations, and multilateral partners, we aim to contribute to the global climate agenda and support the transition to sustainable cities. Together, we can ensure that urban development serves both the people and the planet.”
“The collaboration of local and national actors in the fight against climate change, by embracing the zero waste approach, is the key to a sustainable future. As the Zero Waste Foundation, we are committed to making our cities more resilient by reducing waste and using resources efficiently. The Multilevel Action & Urbanization Pavilion at COP29 is a significant gathering point to further advance our zero waste approach on a global scale and to support the dissemination of best practices in this field. The visionary leadership and support of Her Excellency Mrs. Emine Erdoğan have been a source of inspiration on this journey. We firmly believe that together, with the zero waste mindset, we can achieve our goal of protecting our cities and our planet,” said Samed Agirbas, President of Zero Waste Foundation.
The inclusive platform will bring together cities, towns, regions, and representatives from the Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) Constituency organizations, as well as individuals and groups dedicated to supporting local and subnational actors in playing more substantial roles in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. This year’s Pavilion builds on the experience of the LGMA/ICLEI, UN-Habitat and others in convening cities and subnational pavilions at previous COPs.
The Pavilion will feature events by a diversity of partners from around the world, including United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), Investissement Quebec, U7/Saitama City, the Scottish Government, Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy and C40 Cities, Mugla Metropolitan Municipality, State Government of Minas Gerais, and the Brazil Verde Consortium.
Those who wish to attend sessions while in Baku or follow remotely can register for daily updates from COP29, including exclusive coverage, announcements and interviews: https://cop.cities-and-regions.org/updates.
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NOTE TO THE EDITORS
About Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) Constituency
Since the Earth Summit in 1992, when nine stakeholder groups – including local authorities – were designated as essential partners in implementing the global sustainability agenda, the Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) Constituency has represented networks of local and regional governments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The LGMA has served as the voice of cities and regions since the first Conference of Parties (COP) in 1995 and continues to achieve advocacy success for multilevel action in the climate, nature, and desertification processes. The LGMA has grown to more than 45 accredited networks of local and regional governments. The LGMA coordinates inputs to the global climate negotiations all year, influencing and informing outcomes toward meeting the Paris Agreement. To learn more, visit: https://www.cities-and-regions.org/
About ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (known as “ICLEI”) is a global network of more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Active in 125+ countries, ICLEI influences sustainability policy and drives local action for zero emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient and circular development. ICLEI Members and its team of experts work together through peer exchange, partnerships and capacity building to create systemic change for urban sustainability. For more information about ICLEI, please visit: https://iclei.org/
About UN-Habitat
UN-Habitat is the United Nations entity responsible for sustainable urbanization. It has programmes in over 90 countries that support policymakers and communities to create socially and environmentally sustainable cities and towns. UN-Habitat promotes transformative change in cities through knowledge, policy advice, technical assistance, and collaborative action. To know more, visit www.unhabitat.org or follow on X @UNHABITAT.
CONTACT
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ariel Dekovic, Head of Global Communications
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability
World Secretariat (Bonn, Germany)
Phone: +49 (0)177 190 2830| Email: ariel.dekovic@iclei.org | Skype: ariel.dekovic.iclei
Jessica Jones-Langley
UN-Habitat (Paris, France)
Phone: +33 (0)6 95 55 61 01 | Email: jessica.joneslangley@un.org