Local Authorities at CSD-14: ICLEI Media Blog
A daily post on the fourteenth session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD-14) to keep ICLEI's Members connected by Tanya Imola, ICLEI's International Media Coordinator.Day Ten: May 12, 2006
Friday was the final day of CSD-14. While the number of delegates in attendance had noticeably diminished by then, it was encouraging to see so many national delegations and Major Groups still attending sessions and working hard on the thematic issues.
During the final Closing Session, Local Authorities – and the other eight Major Groups – had the opportunity to make a closing statement that would be captured in the official Chair’s Summary. Due to time constraints our statement had to shrink from 3 minutes to one, so our message needed to be factual, and strong. ICLEI used this opportunity to showcase how local governments in ICLEI’s Cities for Climate Protection Campaign have had an impact on global greenhouse gases, using examples from national CCP Campaigns. To get maximum exposure for our statement, and as a courtesy, each country that was mentioned in the statement was given a copy of the statement.
The statement ended with the message that the barriers and obstacles facing local governments in further achieving sustainable development have been identified, need to be addressed, and local governments want to partner with CSD to overcome these obstacles. To read the closing statement, please click [here]. I unfortunately cannot report on how well our statement was received, as I had by that late hour left to catch my flight. It is, however, mentioned in the IISD Summary Report, which I will mention later.
And on to the work ahead already! The first meeting of CSD-15 took place at the conclusion of CSD-14, with the election of the Chair and other members of the CSD Bureau. CSD-15 will take place at the UN Headquarters from April 30 to May 11, 2007. CSD-15 will be a policy year to decide on measures to speed up implementation and mobilize action to overcome obstacles and constraints for implementation of actions and goals on energy for development, air pollution/atmosphere, climate change and industrial development.
ICLEI as the official representative of local governments at the United Nations will be producing a document on the experiences and recommendations of local governments for CSD-15, and then working with ICLEI’s Members to maximize our role. ICLEI will keep its Membership informed on these matters in the coming months.
For a thorough review of CSD-14, the conclusions drawn and momentum towards CSD-15, I highly recommend the Summary Report produced by IISD, the International Institute for Sustainable Development. The lengthy report (16 pages) is available in word, text or pdf format at www.iisd.ca/csd/csd14. It captures some of the positive outcomes and challenges ahead in a level of detail and comprehension that I can only dream of, this being my first year coordinating ICLEI’s presence at CSD.
Until CSD-15 then! If you have any specific questions regarding the CSD process, and/or the role of ICLEI at CSD, please feel free to contact me at tanya.imola@iclei.org. I would welcome your suggestions and your interest.
During the final Closing Session, Local Authorities – and the other eight Major Groups – had the opportunity to make a closing statement that would be captured in the official Chair’s Summary. Due to time constraints our statement had to shrink from 3 minutes to one, so our message needed to be factual, and strong. ICLEI used this opportunity to showcase how local governments in ICLEI’s Cities for Climate Protection Campaign have had an impact on global greenhouse gases, using examples from national CCP Campaigns. To get maximum exposure for our statement, and as a courtesy, each country that was mentioned in the statement was given a copy of the statement.
The statement ended with the message that the barriers and obstacles facing local governments in further achieving sustainable development have been identified, need to be addressed, and local governments want to partner with CSD to overcome these obstacles. To read the closing statement, please click [here]. I unfortunately cannot report on how well our statement was received, as I had by that late hour left to catch my flight. It is, however, mentioned in the IISD Summary Report, which I will mention later.
And on to the work ahead already! The first meeting of CSD-15 took place at the conclusion of CSD-14, with the election of the Chair and other members of the CSD Bureau. CSD-15 will take place at the UN Headquarters from April 30 to May 11, 2007. CSD-15 will be a policy year to decide on measures to speed up implementation and mobilize action to overcome obstacles and constraints for implementation of actions and goals on energy for development, air pollution/atmosphere, climate change and industrial development.
ICLEI as the official representative of local governments at the United Nations will be producing a document on the experiences and recommendations of local governments for CSD-15, and then working with ICLEI’s Members to maximize our role. ICLEI will keep its Membership informed on these matters in the coming months.
For a thorough review of CSD-14, the conclusions drawn and momentum towards CSD-15, I highly recommend the Summary Report produced by IISD, the International Institute for Sustainable Development. The lengthy report (16 pages) is available in word, text or pdf format at www.iisd.ca/csd/csd14. It captures some of the positive outcomes and challenges ahead in a level of detail and comprehension that I can only dream of, this being my first year coordinating ICLEI’s presence at CSD.
Until CSD-15 then! If you have any specific questions regarding the CSD process, and/or the role of ICLEI at CSD, please feel free to contact me at tanya.imola@iclei.org. I would welcome your suggestions and your interest.
Day Nine: May 11, 2006
Day 9 of CSD-14 offered the Major Groups another opportunity to address all the delegates, this time to the Ministers and other high-level officials in attendance.
Deputy Mayor David Cadman of Vancouver, (British Columbia) Canada joined the delegation today, and spoke on behalf of Local Authorities. In his statement, he outlined commitments made by local governments, and went on to list what was necessary for local governments to meet these commitments. He concluded by saying once again that local governments need to be fully engaged in all strategies to achieve sustainable development.
For a copy of Deputy Mayor Cadman's presentation, please click [here].
Deputy Mayor David Cadman of Vancouver, (British Columbia) Canada joined the delegation today, and spoke on behalf of Local Authorities. In his statement, he outlined commitments made by local governments, and went on to list what was necessary for local governments to meet these commitments. He concluded by saying once again that local governments need to be fully engaged in all strategies to achieve sustainable development.
For a copy of Deputy Mayor Cadman's presentation, please click [here].
- Deputy Mayor David Cadman, representing Local Authorities
To see Deputy Mayor Cadman in action, please go to the iisd site at www.iisd.ca/csd/csd14/11may.html
When national delegations had the opportunity to respond, the most amusing comment came from the delegate from the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. He said that the high-level segment of the previous day was so engaging that he fell asleep, and had a nightmare that the world couldn’t get away from its dependency on fossil fuels. The Vice Chair, in thanking him for his comments, hoped that he would have better dreams in the future.
Humour aside, the Women’s Major Group felt strongly vindicated that many of the statements made by the delegates mentioned the need to include women. A few national delegations mentioned that local governments would be included in their national policies and actions, and we left the session feeling that local authorities had made an impact.
One suggestion that resonated with a few of the national delegations was the need to identify a sustainable energy champion to lead the issue of sustainable energy, giving the issue profile like the UN Special Envoy has given to HIV/AIDS. A high commissioner for sustainable energy was proposed, but many wonder if this would simply add another layer of bureaucracy in an already very bureacratic environment. Stuff for the CSD Secretariat to ponder.
When national delegations had the opportunity to respond, the most amusing comment came from the delegate from the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. He said that the high-level segment of the previous day was so engaging that he fell asleep, and had a nightmare that the world couldn’t get away from its dependency on fossil fuels. The Vice Chair, in thanking him for his comments, hoped that he would have better dreams in the future.
Humour aside, the Women’s Major Group felt strongly vindicated that many of the statements made by the delegates mentioned the need to include women. A few national delegations mentioned that local governments would be included in their national policies and actions, and we left the session feeling that local authorities had made an impact.
One suggestion that resonated with a few of the national delegations was the need to identify a sustainable energy champion to lead the issue of sustainable energy, giving the issue profile like the UN Special Envoy has given to HIV/AIDS. A high commissioner for sustainable energy was proposed, but many wonder if this would simply add another layer of bureaucracy in an already very bureacratic environment. Stuff for the CSD Secretariat to ponder.
Day Eight: May 10, 2006
Wednesday began the high-level segment, which will continue until the conclusion of CSD-14. Similar to the agenda format at the COPs (Conference of the Parties meetings on climate change), national ministers join delegations for the continuing dialogues.
The high-level segment was opened by the CSD-14 Chair, a message and video link by the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and introductory remarks by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Secretary General Annan spoke of how the lack of access to modern energy services around the world is a barrier to achieving the Millenium Develoment Goals, and he challenged developed countries to help developing countries double their electricity generation capacity using cleaner technologies.
The plenary, as expected, was standing room only; in fact, delegates who were not early enough to get a seat were relegated to a spillover room with video hook-up. Mayor Kabuye was front and center in the seat designated for the Local Authorities Major Group, as you can see from the accompanying photo.
The high-level segment was opened by the CSD-14 Chair, a message and video link by the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and introductory remarks by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Secretary General Annan spoke of how the lack of access to modern energy services around the world is a barrier to achieving the Millenium Develoment Goals, and he challenged developed countries to help developing countries double their electricity generation capacity using cleaner technologies.
The plenary, as expected, was standing room only; in fact, delegates who were not early enough to get a seat were relegated to a spillover room with video hook-up. Mayor Kabuye was front and center in the seat designated for the Local Authorities Major Group, as you can see from the accompanying photo.
- Mayor Stephen Kabuye representing the Local Authorities Major Group
For some good shots of this opening session, please visit www.iisd.ca/csd/csd14/10may.html.
The morning session was a dialogue between Ministers and business leaders, and the afternoon focused on addressing barriers, constraints, and providing guidance in the thematic areas.
I attended a side event hosted by UNEP and the Governments of Norway and South Africa to launch a new UNEP report titled ‘Class of 2006: Industry Report Cards on Environment and Social Responsibility’. ICLEI was invited to provide input to the report process during UNEP Industry Partners meetings.
The report provides an update on progress across some 30 industry sectors since the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development. The report is broken down by business and industry sectors, and describes work in progress, future challenges, and opportunities. In the words of the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry from South Africa, “The Report Cards are an honest appraisal of what has been done, what needs to be done, and what we have failed to do.” The 142-page report can be downloaded from www.unep.fr
The morning session was a dialogue between Ministers and business leaders, and the afternoon focused on addressing barriers, constraints, and providing guidance in the thematic areas.
I attended a side event hosted by UNEP and the Governments of Norway and South Africa to launch a new UNEP report titled ‘Class of 2006: Industry Report Cards on Environment and Social Responsibility’. ICLEI was invited to provide input to the report process during UNEP Industry Partners meetings.
The report provides an update on progress across some 30 industry sectors since the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development. The report is broken down by business and industry sectors, and describes work in progress, future challenges, and opportunities. In the words of the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry from South Africa, “The Report Cards are an honest appraisal of what has been done, what needs to be done, and what we have failed to do.” The 142-page report can be downloaded from www.unep.fr
Day Seven: May 9, 2006
CSD delegates experienced heavier security in the UN today, a result of dignitaries like US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice being at the UN to participate in the Human Rights Commission vote. Once inside, however, delegates got down to the task at hand, focusing on the contributions of the private sector and other stakeholders to addressing the thematic areas.
The NGO Major Group mentioned the need for support for locally owned renewable energy businesses, and suggested that a fund be established prior to CSD-15 in 2007 from savings derived from removing nuclear and fossil fuel subsidies. Even the delegation of Kuwait supported local governments, their remarks underlining the importance of promoting local and global energy efficiency to achieve sustainability goals.
Mayor Kabuye attended a side event today, organized by the national Government of Uganda. Titled ‘Challenges and Policy Recommendations in the Sustainable Development of Africa’s Energy Resources’, the session included a discussion on the issue of energy affordability. Mayor Kabuye made the comment that: “Environmental destruction often happens unknowingly, and out of desperation to have a supply of energy. When power is costly, the poorest of the poor will look for alternative sources, such as timber”.
The Mayor also went on to add that coupled with the issue of affordability, reforestation and tree planting need to be a priority.
The NGO Major Group mentioned the need for support for locally owned renewable energy businesses, and suggested that a fund be established prior to CSD-15 in 2007 from savings derived from removing nuclear and fossil fuel subsidies. Even the delegation of Kuwait supported local governments, their remarks underlining the importance of promoting local and global energy efficiency to achieve sustainability goals.
Mayor Kabuye attended a side event today, organized by the national Government of Uganda. Titled ‘Challenges and Policy Recommendations in the Sustainable Development of Africa’s Energy Resources’, the session included a discussion on the issue of energy affordability. Mayor Kabuye made the comment that: “Environmental destruction often happens unknowingly, and out of desperation to have a supply of energy. When power is costly, the poorest of the poor will look for alternative sources, such as timber”.
The Mayor also went on to add that coupled with the issue of affordability, reforestation and tree planting need to be a priority.
- Mayor Kabuye at Challenges and Policy Recommendations in the Sustainable Development of Africa’s Energy Resources
In the late afternoon, Part I of the Chair’s Summary was distributed to all the delegates. Part I was written to capture the main findings, including constraints and obstacles identified during the thematic discussions of the previous days. The Summary identified 45 obstacles and constraints across the four thematic areas; one third of these were related to air pollution, followed closely by industrial development.
Local Authorities are mentioned in a number of the 246 specific points in the Summary, and point number 233, under Lessons Learned and Best Practices, states the following: “An increase in networking among sectors has also proven to accelerate progress in implementation. Collaborating through a worldwide network of 675 local governments, many cities have established emissions reduction targets and implemented climate protection policies.”
Many of the national delegations commented that the Summary was actually only a summary of the actual interventions made to date, and not conclusions or statements of fact. The comment was also made that the Summary did not give adequate attention to the means of implementation. The revised Summary will be available tomorrow morning, and it will be interesting to see how the CSD Secretariat incorporates the many comments.
Major Groups did not get the opportunity to respond to the Summary in the plenary, but instead expressed their view in the CSD publication ‘Outreach 2015’. (This newspaper is available at www.stakeholderforum.org). In this publication, Local Authorities raised the point that they have been focusing their participation and dialogue in the topic-specific side events and Partnerships Fair presentations, rather than ensuring that local authorities are mentioned in the final text. It was also mentioned that a few of the national delegations have spoken privately to the Local Authorities delegation on the important role that local governments will play in implementation of the sustainable development goals.
Local Authorities are mentioned in a number of the 246 specific points in the Summary, and point number 233, under Lessons Learned and Best Practices, states the following: “An increase in networking among sectors has also proven to accelerate progress in implementation. Collaborating through a worldwide network of 675 local governments, many cities have established emissions reduction targets and implemented climate protection policies.”
Many of the national delegations commented that the Summary was actually only a summary of the actual interventions made to date, and not conclusions or statements of fact. The comment was also made that the Summary did not give adequate attention to the means of implementation. The revised Summary will be available tomorrow morning, and it will be interesting to see how the CSD Secretariat incorporates the many comments.
Major Groups did not get the opportunity to respond to the Summary in the plenary, but instead expressed their view in the CSD publication ‘Outreach 2015’. (This newspaper is available at www.stakeholderforum.org). In this publication, Local Authorities raised the point that they have been focusing their participation and dialogue in the topic-specific side events and Partnerships Fair presentations, rather than ensuring that local authorities are mentioned in the final text. It was also mentioned that a few of the national delegations have spoken privately to the Local Authorities delegation on the important role that local governments will play in implementation of the sustainable development goals.
Day Six: May 8th, 2006
CSD-14 began its second week with a special agenda, with the whole day focused on Small Island Developing States (SIDS). SIDS Day was structured to discuss practical initiative which may be considered or adopted to strengthen the implementation of Mauritius mandates related to the CSD-14 themes. The themes again are climate change, air pollution/atmosphere, energy efficiency, and energy and industrial development.
Member states were given the opportunity to share experiences, successes and lessons learned, and identify constraints and continuing challenges – all in the context of SIDS. All of the presenters provided stark examples of the worsening plight of small-island communities. A pessimistic comment was made by an islander, who wondered aloud if action would only take place once a tropical island frequented by affluent tourists disappeared under rising seas.
Major Groups, including Local Authorities, were invited to provide input, but mostly listened to the discourse. Mayor Kabuye of Entebbe represented local governments today.
The chair summarized the day by noting the problems facing SIDS, the creative solutions currently existing within SIDS, and the lack of financial resources. The chair stressed the need for an instrument, including indicators, to track imlementation of the Mauritius Strategy.
Mayor Kabuye was able to meet up with his national Minister today, and hopes to engage in conversations with Madame Minister while she is here at CSD-14.
The daily publication Taking Issue, produced by the Sustainable Development Issues Network, published ICLEI’s article on the presentation made during Friday’s thematic discussion by the City of Kyoto. The publication went on further and wrote a piece on the Municipal Leaders Declaration on Climate Change that was made at COP11/MOP1 in Montréal, Canada this past December. To read the article please visit www.sdissues.net
In the evening, I attended a side event on Ecological Footprint Accounts, hosted by the Government of Switzerland, World Wildlife Fund International, and the Global Footprint Network. ICLEI’s 2007-2012 strategic plan, adopted at the ICLEI World Congress 2006 in Cape Town, identified the ICLEI Footprint Project as an initiative to be further explored. So, I was there on an exploratory mission.
Member states were given the opportunity to share experiences, successes and lessons learned, and identify constraints and continuing challenges – all in the context of SIDS. All of the presenters provided stark examples of the worsening plight of small-island communities. A pessimistic comment was made by an islander, who wondered aloud if action would only take place once a tropical island frequented by affluent tourists disappeared under rising seas.
Major Groups, including Local Authorities, were invited to provide input, but mostly listened to the discourse. Mayor Kabuye of Entebbe represented local governments today.
The chair summarized the day by noting the problems facing SIDS, the creative solutions currently existing within SIDS, and the lack of financial resources. The chair stressed the need for an instrument, including indicators, to track imlementation of the Mauritius Strategy.
Mayor Kabuye was able to meet up with his national Minister today, and hopes to engage in conversations with Madame Minister while she is here at CSD-14.
The daily publication Taking Issue, produced by the Sustainable Development Issues Network, published ICLEI’s article on the presentation made during Friday’s thematic discussion by the City of Kyoto. The publication went on further and wrote a piece on the Municipal Leaders Declaration on Climate Change that was made at COP11/MOP1 in Montréal, Canada this past December. To read the article please visit www.sdissues.net
In the evening, I attended a side event on Ecological Footprint Accounts, hosted by the Government of Switzerland, World Wildlife Fund International, and the Global Footprint Network. ICLEI’s 2007-2012 strategic plan, adopted at the ICLEI World Congress 2006 in Cape Town, identified the ICLEI Footprint Project as an initiative to be further explored. So, I was there on an exploratory mission.
The Swiss Government, represented by Olivier Chave, head of the Swiss delegation, explained how Switzerland had calculated its ecological footprint to monitor its progress in the implementation of their Sustainability Strategy. The analysis determined that Switzerland’s ecological footprint exceeded a sustainable level by three times.
The Global Footprint Network, represented by National Accounts Manager Justin Kitzes, described the concept and methodology of the ecological footprint, the footprint being the amount of resources used globally or per country in relation to bio-capacity. He said that ecological footprint accounts can measure both nature’s supply and the human demand placed upon it, by linking environmental metrics to social and economic metrics. He went on to explain that with goals, metrics by which to measure these and national commitments, progress can be made.
World Wildlife Fund International showcased how they’ve been able to use ecological footprints in the global dialogue on policy, and WWF has used this information to produce their Living Planet reports, which provide an update on the state of the world’s ecosystems. WWF is looking to promote ‘One Planet Living’ to businesses, then promote a One Planet economy.
A meeting has been arranged for Tuesday with the three speakers and ICLEI, to focus specifically on the applicability of the Ecological Footprint at the local government level. A report on this meeting, and a more detailed report on the presentation of today, will be made to Secretary General Konrad Otto-Zimmermann, to possibly be shared with ICLEI’s Executive Committee.
Day Five: May 5th, 2006
Friday was the last day of the first week of CSD-14. The morning consisted of parallel meetings on investment in energy and industrial development, and on enhancing means of implementation through sub-regional, regional and international cooperation.
It was in the parallel session on means of implementation where the role of local governments was raised by the national delegations. Mexico stressed the role of international cooperation in triggering local action, noting links between sub-regional and regional cooperation and fostering national and local-level action. The US then underlined the importance of considering locality and scale when identifying barriers.
The afternoon thematic discussion was on means of implementation on the four thematic themes, and one of the invited speakers was Vice Mayor Uehera of Kyoto City. The Vice Mayor was joined on the panel by a senior scientist from Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (USA), the Natural Resources Defence Council (USA), the Industry Climate Protection Partnership Division of the US Environmental Protection Agency, and Chairman of the China Himin Solar Energy Group.
It was in the parallel session on means of implementation where the role of local governments was raised by the national delegations. Mexico stressed the role of international cooperation in triggering local action, noting links between sub-regional and regional cooperation and fostering national and local-level action. The US then underlined the importance of considering locality and scale when identifying barriers.
The afternoon thematic discussion was on means of implementation on the four thematic themes, and one of the invited speakers was Vice Mayor Uehera of Kyoto City. The Vice Mayor was joined on the panel by a senior scientist from Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (USA), the Natural Resources Defence Council (USA), the Industry Climate Protection Partnership Division of the US Environmental Protection Agency, and Chairman of the China Himin Solar Energy Group.
- Vice Mayor Uehera and his fellow panelists address CSD-14
The Vice Mayor, speaking to a full session, presented Kyoto City’s Global Warming Ordinance, and specific strategies the City will be undertaking to meet its 10 per cent reduction target. The CSD publication Earth Negotiations Bulletin produced by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) picked up the Vice Mayor’s comment that the City is reusing home tempura cooking oil as a fuel in buses and trucks.
The Vice Mayor also took this opportunity to present the World Mayors Council on Climate Change, and spoke about the Council’s upcoming 2nd meeting, to be held in Kyoto City in February 2007.
At the end of the afternoon, Deputy Mayor D’Alessio presented the Adriatic Action Plan 2020 (Aap2020). He was specifically invited to give this presentation because Aap2020 was endorsed by the UN as a Type 2 Partnership at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in 1992. A Type 2 Partnership is a voluntary partnership to achieve sustainable development.
The Vice Mayor also took this opportunity to present the World Mayors Council on Climate Change, and spoke about the Council’s upcoming 2nd meeting, to be held in Kyoto City in February 2007.
At the end of the afternoon, Deputy Mayor D’Alessio presented the Adriatic Action Plan 2020 (Aap2020). He was specifically invited to give this presentation because Aap2020 was endorsed by the UN as a Type 2 Partnership at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in 1992. A Type 2 Partnership is a voluntary partnership to achieve sustainable development.
- Deputy Mayor D’Alessio presenting Aap2020
The Aap2020 involves local governments on both sides of the Adriatic region in Europe in the implementation of Agenda 21. The project is a participatory initiative that encourages and creates local sustainability tools. There are 27 partners, 20 of whom are cities, and the project is about defining a common approach to sustainable development in the Adriatic region, where 7 different countries lie. The project began in 2003, and will finish in June of 2006. For more information on this particular project, please visit www.aap2020.net
At the conclusion of the 1st week of CSD-14, we bid a fond farewell to our Local Authorities delegates from Ancona, the All India Institute for Local Self Government, Cape Town and Iloilo City. On Monday, May 8th we will welcome our new delegates from Entebbe (Uganda), Hyderabad (India), and Vancouver (Canada).
At the conclusion of the 1st week of CSD-14, we bid a fond farewell to our Local Authorities delegates from Ancona, the All India Institute for Local Self Government, Cape Town and Iloilo City. On Monday, May 8th we will welcome our new delegates from Entebbe (Uganda), Hyderabad (India), and Vancouver (Canada).
Day Four: May 4th, 2006
Day 4 of the CSD began with a high-level meeting between the Local Authorities delegation and the US delegation to CSD-14, at their request. The Local Authorities delegation, represented by Ancona (Deputy Mayor D’Alessio), Cape Town (Councillors Nieuwoudt and Sikhutshwa) and Iloilo City (Mayor Treñas), spoke of how USAID support allowed local governments in South Africa and the Philippines to join ICLEI’s Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, and how by the end of the two-year project, the cities had completed the first three milestones of the Campaign, and were eager to move forward on implementation.
- Local Authorities delegation meeting with the US CSD-14 delegation
A dialogue then transpired with the four representatives of the US delegation on the strength of ICLEI’s partnerships, and the role local governments have in the CSD process. It was encouraging to hear from a delegation as large and influential as that of the US. It was also great to hear from these representatives that they recognize that local governments are the next logical step in implementation of sustainable development. ICLEI will continue to work with the US delegation on how we can work together through the CSD process.
The discussions in the thematic discussions today were on the acceleration of industrial development for poverty eradication, and on air pollution and atmospheric problems. Our delegates following these discussions closely.
ICLEI held a Partnerships presentation on this day, focusing the presentation on the CCP Campaign, the HEAT software, and an introduction to the Local Renewables Project. Kim gave the presentation, which was well received by the audience of 30 people. There were intelligent questions asked by the audience on whether the CCP Campaign was considering the impact on biodiversity, and interest in linking the CCP with the Sierra Club (US) Cool Cities Project, and Solar Cities of the International Solar Energy Society. And, a representative from SustainUS wanted to know how his city could join the Campaign. All good stuff!
The discussions in the thematic discussions today were on the acceleration of industrial development for poverty eradication, and on air pollution and atmospheric problems. Our delegates following these discussions closely.
ICLEI held a Partnerships presentation on this day, focusing the presentation on the CCP Campaign, the HEAT software, and an introduction to the Local Renewables Project. Kim gave the presentation, which was well received by the audience of 30 people. There were intelligent questions asked by the audience on whether the CCP Campaign was considering the impact on biodiversity, and interest in linking the CCP with the Sierra Club (US) Cool Cities Project, and Solar Cities of the International Solar Energy Society. And, a representative from SustainUS wanted to know how his city could join the Campaign. All good stuff!
- Kim Lungdren presents at the CCP Campaign Partnerships Fair
Following that, ICLEI staff and members of the delegation attended the side event organized by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies. The session was on Asian Concerns and Perspectives on the future climate regime, and the implications for Sustainable Development. One of the panelists was Professor Hamanaka, Chair of ICLEI’s Japan Office, who spoke on ways to strengthen the future climate regime with reference to energy security and development, technology development and transfer, the CDM, and adaptation to climate change.
- Professor Hamanaka during his panel presentation
A fond farewell to my colleague Kim, who must return to other pressing ICLEI matters in her office. She has been a terrific asset at CSD-14, and spoke highly of the process. She has many leads that she will be following up on, no doubt.
Day Three: May 3rd, 2006
On Wednesday, the Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue Session took place. During this session, the Major Groups were given the opportunity to formally make statements to the Commission. Front row seating for our key delegate for this day, Deputy Mayor Emilio D’Alessio of Ancona, Italy.
The Local Authorities Major Group was called upon to speak first on the topic of climate change – a significant achievement in itself. Local Authorities were able to set the standard for the other speakers and submissions on the strength of the statement and for the length of the presentation. And on both counts, ICLEI set the bar very high!
The Local Authorities Major Group was called upon to speak first on the topic of climate change – a significant achievement in itself. Local Authorities were able to set the standard for the other speakers and submissions on the strength of the statement and for the length of the presentation. And on both counts, ICLEI set the bar very high!
- Deputy Mayor D'Alessio presents the official statement of Local Authorities
Deputy Mayor D’Alessio passionately spoke not only of the strides being made globally on climate change, particularly through ICLEI’s Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, but addressed some of the challenges and opportunities. Mayor D’Alessio made specific reference to ICLEI’s strength – its network of local governments worldwide. He also commented on the strong political will within ICLEI’s Membership – he outlined the Municipal Leaders Declaration on Climate Change that was submitted at the 11th Session of the Conference of Parties on Climate Change, and the launch of the World Mayors Council on Climate Change.
For a copy of the statement made by Local Authorities in PDF Format, please click [here].
There are some great pictures of Deputy Mayor D'Alessio that can be found at www.iisd.ca/csd/csd14/3may.html
Following the presentations by three of the Major Groups: Local Authorities, Indigenous Peoples and Farmers Major Groups, two-minute statements were made by national delegations. Referring back to the presentation by the Local Authorities Major Group, Canada recognized the importance of including indigenous and local communities, and mentioned that they are supporting a dialogue between various organizations and groups. Councillor Themba Skhutshwa from Cape Town asked for the floor, and gave a wonderful presentation on behalf of the delegation from South Africa, speaking about the recent ICLEI World Congress held in Cape Town. In his words, “The Congress recognized the role of local authorities in building and managing more sustainable and equitable cities and protecting common natural resources, through the more than 300 milllion citizens represented through ICLEI’s local authority network. The 5th ICLEI World Congress reinforced the critical role of local authorities in achieving global sustainability through local action, and the need for this to be strengthened through the collective international goodwill and intergovernmental relations”.
For a copy of the statement made by Local Authorities in PDF Format, please click [here].
There are some great pictures of Deputy Mayor D'Alessio that can be found at www.iisd.ca/csd/csd14/3may.html
Following the presentations by three of the Major Groups: Local Authorities, Indigenous Peoples and Farmers Major Groups, two-minute statements were made by national delegations. Referring back to the presentation by the Local Authorities Major Group, Canada recognized the importance of including indigenous and local communities, and mentioned that they are supporting a dialogue between various organizations and groups. Councillor Themba Skhutshwa from Cape Town asked for the floor, and gave a wonderful presentation on behalf of the delegation from South Africa, speaking about the recent ICLEI World Congress held in Cape Town. In his words, “The Congress recognized the role of local authorities in building and managing more sustainable and equitable cities and protecting common natural resources, through the more than 300 milllion citizens represented through ICLEI’s local authority network. The 5th ICLEI World Congress reinforced the critical role of local authorities in achieving global sustainability through local action, and the need for this to be strengthened through the collective international goodwill and intergovernmental relations”.
- Councillor Sikhutshwa speaking on behalf of the delegation from South Africa
In the afternoon, Kim Lungdren from ICLEI’s USA Office gave a presentation on the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign during a session on Successful Partnerships. The audience had some specific questions of the CCP Program, and some suggestions of further linkages and partnerships that ICLEI might wish to consider, for instance, the need to integrate the social issues of poverty eradication and gender. All of these suggestions will be relayed to ICLEI’s Regional Directors.
- Kim Lundgren presenting ICLEI's Cities for Climate Protection Campaign during the Successful Partnerships session
There was much interaction amongst our Local Authorities delegation and CSD-14 delegates today, a recognition of the achievements being made at the local level, and the important role local governments play in achieving sustainable development. One delegate commented that we were the CSD-14 rock stars of the day!
Day Two: May 2nd, 2006
On the second day of CSD-14, we were joined by our representative from Southeast Asia, Mayor Trenas from Iloilo City, Philippines, who took on the responsibility of attending the deliberations on behalf of Local Authorities. Iloilo City is a highly urbanized center in the Philippines that is committed, through its strong political leadership, to sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship. Ilioilo is a rapidly growing city, the country’s largest urban region, and the country’s second oldest settlement. Mayor Trenas also took this opportunity to represent all local governmentsin the Philippines, in his capacity as President of the Philippine National League of Cities.
Mayor Trenas also appears on the IISD CSD-14 website, at www.iisd.ca/csd/csd14/2may.html
Mayor Trenas also appears on the IISD CSD-14 website, at www.iisd.ca/csd/csd14/2may.html
- Mayor Trenas representing Local Authorities at CSD-14 Day 2 Deliberations
The focus of Tuesday was electrification, as well as regional meetings for Africa and Western Asia. In the sessions, a spokesperson from USAID brought up their support for wind and solar mapping, energy efficiency, and other capacity building in the region. USAID were the funders for ICLEI’s Cities for Climate Protection Campaign in the Philiippines, Indonesia, Thailand and South Africa, and we hope to have the opportunity to speak to USAID while here at CSD-14 to continue that support.
The delegation was also joined by Kim Lundgren, Regional Director of the Northeast Capacity Centre, ICLEI USA Office. She and I attended a mid-day briefing from the US delegation, and were able to meet the key players on the US CSD team. They were interested in the work ICLEI has been doing, and showed genuine interest in ICLEI’s HEAT software. More meetings will be held with the US delegation in the remaining days.
There is much talk amongst the Major Groups and large NGO presence on the implications of the current reform process underway within the United Nations. The UN is currently in the midst of a major shake-up of the whole environment and development area, something that will determine institutional arrangements and funding flows for the foreseeable future. The NGO community is holding strategy meetings, and urging NGO groups present at CSD-14 to remain aware of decisions being made, and stress the need for providing input. ICLEI will continue to monitor this process, and provide information to its Members when appropriate.
Kim and myself were interviewed for the daily CSD publication Taking Issue. The publication is produced by Stakeholder Forum. The article is titled Local Governments are in a Unique Position, and touches upon the role of local governments not only at CSD, but on the specific thematic issues of air pollution/atmosphere and climate change. For the article, please go to www.sdissues.net
The delegation was also joined by Kim Lundgren, Regional Director of the Northeast Capacity Centre, ICLEI USA Office. She and I attended a mid-day briefing from the US delegation, and were able to meet the key players on the US CSD team. They were interested in the work ICLEI has been doing, and showed genuine interest in ICLEI’s HEAT software. More meetings will be held with the US delegation in the remaining days.
There is much talk amongst the Major Groups and large NGO presence on the implications of the current reform process underway within the United Nations. The UN is currently in the midst of a major shake-up of the whole environment and development area, something that will determine institutional arrangements and funding flows for the foreseeable future. The NGO community is holding strategy meetings, and urging NGO groups present at CSD-14 to remain aware of decisions being made, and stress the need for providing input. ICLEI will continue to monitor this process, and provide information to its Members when appropriate.
Kim and myself were interviewed for the daily CSD publication Taking Issue. The publication is produced by Stakeholder Forum. The article is titled Local Governments are in a Unique Position, and touches upon the role of local governments not only at CSD, but on the specific thematic issues of air pollution/atmosphere and climate change. For the article, please go to www.sdissues.net
- Regional Director of the ICLEI USA Northeast Capacity Centre Kim Lundgren & ICLEI International Media Coordinator Tanya Imola at CSD-14
Day One: May 1st, 2006
ICLEI is continuing its role as the voice of local governments in international fora discussing sustainable development. For the next two weeks, ICLEI and a delegation of local government leaders will be at the 14th session of the United Nations Commission for Sustainable Development at UN headquarters in New York.
Here is a bit of background to provide some context. The Commission emerged from Agenda 21 at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, and was established to ensure effective follow-up of the Rio Earth Summit, to enhance international cooperation, and examine progress in the implementation of Agenda 21 at the local, national, regional and international levels. The CSD process recognizes Major Groups as partners in the process; one of the recognized Major Groups is Local Authorities. ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, is recognized by both the United Nations and other local government associations as the official lead for local authorities. A role that ICLEI is honoured to assume, and has maintained since the inception of CSD.
The CSD meets annually, in two-year implementation cycles, with each cycle comprised of a review year and a policy year. CSD-14, as the review year, will be considering progress in energy for sustainable development, industrial development, air pollution and the atmosphere, and climate change.
ICLEI, as the organization accredited by the United Nations to represent Local Authorities, has brought a delegation of local government leaders to CSD-14 to demonstrate that local governments play a critical role in energy management, industrial development, air quality and climate change action, and public procurement, and in these areas have made substantial contributions to sustainable development. ICLEI will also use this opportunity to identify obstacles, provide lessons learned, and identify new opportunities.
The Official Local Authorities Major Group delegation includes the following individuals:
Here is a bit of background to provide some context. The Commission emerged from Agenda 21 at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, and was established to ensure effective follow-up of the Rio Earth Summit, to enhance international cooperation, and examine progress in the implementation of Agenda 21 at the local, national, regional and international levels. The CSD process recognizes Major Groups as partners in the process; one of the recognized Major Groups is Local Authorities. ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, is recognized by both the United Nations and other local government associations as the official lead for local authorities. A role that ICLEI is honoured to assume, and has maintained since the inception of CSD.
The CSD meets annually, in two-year implementation cycles, with each cycle comprised of a review year and a policy year. CSD-14, as the review year, will be considering progress in energy for sustainable development, industrial development, air pollution and the atmosphere, and climate change.
ICLEI, as the organization accredited by the United Nations to represent Local Authorities, has brought a delegation of local government leaders to CSD-14 to demonstrate that local governments play a critical role in energy management, industrial development, air quality and climate change action, and public procurement, and in these areas have made substantial contributions to sustainable development. ICLEI will also use this opportunity to identify obstacles, provide lessons learned, and identify new opportunities.
The Official Local Authorities Major Group delegation includes the following individuals:
- Ms. Hansa Patel, Executive Director, All India Institute for Local Self Government
- Mr. Emilio D’Alessio, Deputy Mayor, Ancona, Italy
- Councillor Marian Nieuwoudt, Cape Town, South Africa
- Councillor Themba Sikhutshwa, Cape Town, South Africa
- Mr. Sindiswa Mququ, Manager of International Relations, Cape Town, South Africa
- Mr. Abdul Waheed Patel, Manager of the Strategy and Development Office, Cape Town, South Africa
- Dr. Ivan Toms, Director of City Health Services, Cape Town, South Africa
- Mayor Stephen Kabuye, Entebbe, Uganda
- Mayor Jerry Trenas, Iloilo City, Philippines
- Vice Mayor Tsutomu Uehera, Kyoto City, Japan
- Mr. Tempei Goto, Mayor’s Secretary, Kyoto City, Japan
- Mr. Makoto Suganuma, International Cooperation Director of Climate Change, Kyoto City, Japan
- Councillor David Cadman, Vancouver, Canada
- Some of the delegates of the Local Authorities Major Group. In this photo are ICLEI staff member Kim Lungdren, with Deputy Mayor D'Alessio, Mayor Trenas, and Councillors Nieuwoudt and Sikhutshwa.
Also affiliated with the Local Authorities Major Group are local government representatives from Johannesburg (South Africa), Chula Vista, (CA, USA), and São Paulo (Brazil).
Official highlights from Day 1: Monday was the opening plenary where the agenda was formally adopted, and delegates (meaning national governments and other UN entities) were invited to make opening statements. Delegates have noted a strong focus on energy, a result of the current international focus on energy supply.
The voice of Local Authorities on Day One of CSD-14 was none other than ICLEI Executive Committee Member Hansa Patel, Executive Director of the All India Institute for Local Self Government. Ms Patel represented local authorities, and the organization of ICLEI, admirably, listening intently to the statements being made by national delegations, identifying opportunities for linkages for ICLEI, and confidently speaking on behalf of local governments. Ms Patel had the opportunity to officially address the Commission for Sustainable Development, identifying local governments as key stakeholders in the implementation of Local Agenda 21 and the Millenium Development Goals.
Official highlights from Day 1: Monday was the opening plenary where the agenda was formally adopted, and delegates (meaning national governments and other UN entities) were invited to make opening statements. Delegates have noted a strong focus on energy, a result of the current international focus on energy supply.
The voice of Local Authorities on Day One of CSD-14 was none other than ICLEI Executive Committee Member Hansa Patel, Executive Director of the All India Institute for Local Self Government. Ms Patel represented local authorities, and the organization of ICLEI, admirably, listening intently to the statements being made by national delegations, identifying opportunities for linkages for ICLEI, and confidently speaking on behalf of local governments. Ms Patel had the opportunity to officially address the Commission for Sustainable Development, identifying local governments as key stakeholders in the implementation of Local Agenda 21 and the Millenium Development Goals.
Ms. Patel spoke of how local authorities, in particular through ICLEI’s core programs of Local Agenda 21 and Cities for Climate Protection, are demonstrating leadership and commitment to the achievement of local sustainable development through the implementation of policies, programs and projects that integrate social, environmental and cultural sustainability. Ms. Patel also used this opportunity to stress to the Commission that challenges remain. She remarked that “Local governments are concerned about the lack of recognition and support for their roles in achieving renewable energy supplies, sound development, clean air and climate stability”.
A photograph of Ms Patel appears at www.iisd.ca/csd/csd14/5may.html
Also on this first day, ICLEI had a display area which showcased ICLEI in general, the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, and the World Mayors Council on Climate Change. There were many inquiries about the organization, from cities interested in joining to associations identifying linkages with their particular work. That information and those important contacts will be fed back to ICLEI’s Regional Offices, and hopefully opportunities will be identified.
A photograph of Ms Patel appears at www.iisd.ca/csd/csd14/5may.html
Also on this first day, ICLEI had a display area which showcased ICLEI in general, the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, and the World Mayors Council on Climate Change. There were many inquiries about the organization, from cities interested in joining to associations identifying linkages with their particular work. That information and those important contacts will be fed back to ICLEI’s Regional Offices, and hopefully opportunities will be identified.
