22 September 2009, New York, USA

The voice of thousands of local governments resonated at the UN Building in New York as world leaders paid attention to David Cadman, the President of ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability, as he offered the partnership of municipal leaders to seal the next climate deal.

Mr. Cadman shared his message via video at the ‘Summit on Climate Change’ convened on 22 September 2009 by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. To enliven the Summit and curb travel-related carbon emissions, all Heads of State and Government had the opportunity to send a statement on video. As the representative over 1,100 local governments dedicated to sustainable development, ICLEI seized this opportunity as part of its commitment to offer radical and effective local solutions to climate change.

Representing local governments, Mr. Cadman could not be clearer: “We ask you now to become our partners” since “local governments will be key to reducing green house gas emissions from buildings, waste, transportation and the way we plan.”

Cities and local governments have demonstrated political leadership to act on climate change for the last 20 years, for example by reducing green house  gas emissions from buildings, waste, transportation and the way they plan. The worldwide success of Local Agenda 21 proves, that - if properly addressed in international agreements - cities and local governments can successfully support national governments in fulfilling their international commitments.

Finally, Cadman thanked the nations that recognized the importance of all levels of governments in their negotiating proposals, namely Senegal, Mexico, the United States,  China, India, the European Union, Australia, Norway, the African Group, the Small  Island States and many Latin American Countries.

Please click here to download the full speech.