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New global position commits the ICLEI network to supporting a rapid, just, and globally coordinated transition away from fossil fuels at the subnational level.
15 July 2026 | Bonn, Germany. As governments work to translate landmark commitments adopted since UNFCCC COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels into tangible action, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability has adopted a Global Position on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels: A Local and Regional Government Perspective on the Energy Transition, with our global network of more than 2,500 local and regional governments committing to accelerating a fair, resilient and locally led energy transition.
Approved by ICLEI’s Global Executive Committee in June 2026, the Position establishes the organization’s shared framework guided by five principles – to be fair, fortified, fast, flourishing and flexible – and is backed by concrete commitments to technical assistance, peer learning, multilevel governance and international cooperation.
The Position comes at a defining moment for climate action. Fossil fuels account for 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while climate impacts, geopolitical instability and growing energy security concerns underscore the urgency of accelerating the transition.
While national governments determine energy policy, local and regional governments shape how energy is used every day through decisions on buildings, transport, urban planning, public services and local economic development. Recognizing that every community faces different opportunities and challenges, the Position calls for a transition that is equitable, resilient, nature-conscious and adapted to local contexts.
Rohit Sen, Head of Sustainable Energy at ICLEI, said: “The transition away from fossil fuels will not succeed through international agreements alone – it will succeed where energy decisions are implemented every day, in cities, towns and regions. For the ICLEI network, moving away from fossil fuels is not only about reducing emissions, but also about strengthening energy security, improving public health, building resilient local economies and supporting communities through the transition. We now have a shared framework that connects local ambition with practical solutions, peer learning and international cooperation to accelerate progress worldwide.”
Datuk Sapiah binti Haron, Mayor of Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council, Malaysia, and ICLEI Global Executive Committee Sustainable Energy Portfolio Holder, said: “A fair and flexible energy transition puts energy access and affordability first, not last. It recognizes that cities play important roles and that transition also must improve people’s lives while advancing climate action and creating inclusive economic opportunities. ICLEI’s role is to connect cities at every stage, turning lived experience into shared knowledge so no city is left behind.”
Lindsey P. Horvath, Supervisor of Los Angeles County and North America representative on the ICLEI Global Executive Committee, said: “On behalf of the ten million people who call it home, Los Angeles County is taking bold action to transition away from fossil fuels. Our region is proving that communities of every size can lead this transformation—from the nation’s largest urban oil field to a future powered by 100% clean electricity, and from smog-choked freeways to record-setting electric vehicle adoption. As climate-fueled disasters become more frequent and more devastating, our residents expect us to lead with urgency and ambition.”
Supervisor Horvath added: “I applaud ICLEI’s global commitment to transition away from fossil fuels and urge local leaders around the world to turn that commitment into action.”
The Position builds on momentum generated by the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, held in Santa Marta, Colombia, in April 2026, where ICLEI co-led the Chapter on Subnational Governments alongside global partners.
Ahead of UNFCCC COP31 and through ICLEI’s role as the focal point organization for the Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) Constituency, ICLEI will continue working with our global network of members and partners for stronger multilevel governance, helping shape the policies, partnerships and investment needed to accelerate a just, equitable and locally led energy transition.
The full Position and its accompanying Annex, with governance context, sectoral considerations, and supporting references, are available here.
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NOTE TO EDITORS
About ICLEI:
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. To learn more about ICLEI, visit: https://iclei.org or follow us on LinkedIn, Bluesky and YouTube.
CONTACT
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ariel Dekovic, Head of Global Communications and Engagement, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability World Secretariat (Bonn, Germany)
Email: [email protected]