Local Government Side Event at COP 15

Wednesday, 16 December 2009, 14.45—16.15

Mayors sent a united and strong message to Heads of States and Ministers as well as to the UN, on behalf of cities and local governments world-wide, that cities act and must be recognized as a key partner in tackling climate change:

”Acknowledge internationally the pivotal role of cities in fighting climate change. Agree on ambitious targets and start reducing now - and be confident that if cities are engaged, empowered and given the right resources we will deliver on our commitments. We are prepared to collaborate, innovate and try even harder”.

The event was chaired by David Cadman, President of ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability

Ms. Ritt Bjerregaard Lord Mayor of Copenhagen and Professor Nicholas Stern, advisor to national governments on climate change, opened the event and welcomed the audience.

Messages from Mayors:  

• Mr. Robert Doyle, Mayor of Melbourne
• Mr. Amos Masondo, Mayor of Johannesburg
• Mr. Greg Nickels, Mayor of Seattle, Washington
• Mr. Rakesh Mehta, Chief Secretary Government of National Capital Territory Delhi
• Ms. Bärbel Dieckmann, former Mayor of Bonn, Chair of the World Mayors Council on Climate Change
• Mr. Marcelo Ebrard, Mayor of Mexico City, incoming Chair of the World Mayors Council on Climate Change
• Mr. Jean-Marc Ayrault, President of Nantes Métropole, on behalf of United Cities and Local Governments

The side event is part of the Copenhagen Climate Summit for Mayors, organized by ICLEI in cooperation with the City of Copenhagen, C40 and other local governments organizations.

Download the complete program here.