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ICLEI e-News | issue 19, March 2009

image konrad
A word from the Secretary General

Dear Members and Partners,

Decision makers from local governments find themselves in an environment of uncertainty. If you think that “the crisis has not arrived here yet” local officials may be inclined to continue doing business as usual. On the other hand, the global financial crisis is trickling through to local communities, climate change impacts are becoming manifest and experts such as Jorgen Randers (Norwegian School of Management) are discussing if a “Global Collapse” can be avoided.

What is the right course to take for local governments when it comes to re-considering services provided, infrastructure investments and financing? How can we exercise leadership in climate change mitigation? How can we create green jobs? How can we adapt to climate change and build resilient communities? As Members and Partners of ICLEI you can receive top briefings and engage in serious discussions on these and other issues at the ICLEI World Congress “Connecting Leaders” in Edmonton, 14-18 June 2009.

Here is your personal checklist:
  • Register for the ICLEI World Congress online via <www.iclei.org/worldcongress 2009>;
  • as a municipal leader, select Mayors Panels you wish to participate in; and
  • Offer a presentation on your local success story by writing to <world.congress@iclei.org>
In addition to the ICLEI World Congress:
  • Attend “Local Renewables Freiburg 2009” from 27-29 April, the annual platform for both advanced actors and those starting their local energy transformation towards renewable energy sources. Immediate registration online via www.local-renewables.org/freiburg2009
  • Engage in climate advocacy dialogues with national governments at the “Local Government Climate Change Leadership Summit” in Copenhagen, Denmark from 2-4 June 2009, a milestone on the Local Government Climate Roadmap www.kl.dk/localclimatesummit
This year is demanding in terms of the many events that compete for your attention. Don’t miss ICLEI conferences that bring together the leaders and help you to invest your time, energy and money into sustainable, future-proof solutions.

See you soon in Edmonton,

Signature Mr. Otto-Zimmermann

Konrad Otto-Zimmermann

General News
ICLEI opens its 15th office in Bonn!
 April 10, 2009
ICLEI's new office in Bonn (Germany) is now open and ready to join forces with UN agencies and international organizations in working toward sustainability. [more]

World Water Forum in Istanbul: enthusiasm and disappointment
 April 09, 2009
“Population growth, rapid urbanization and climate change heighten the pressure on water and sanitation resources, specifically in cities”.  [more]

Results of ICLEI Executive Committee Elections
 April 09, 2009
ICLEI Members have elected their representatives for the 2009-2012 ICLEI Executive Committee, a body of local government leaders that oversees the implementation of the ICLEI Strategic Plan and its operations. [more]

Cities commit to reducing their carbon footprint by consuming sustainably
 April 02, 2009
In Iceland’s captivating capital, Reykjavik, public authority delegates from 41 nations at the seventh EcoProcura Conference pledged to use their vast economic purchasing power to help fight climate change, by strongly boosting the market for climate friendly products and services. [more]

ICLEI now has Members in 67 countries - with its newest Member in Bangladesh
 April 01, 2009
ICLEI welcomes the City of Rajshahi, Bangladesh as its newest member. With this new addition, ICLEI now has 1077 Members in 67 countries. [more]

Webcast of ICLEI event at Bonn Climate Talk
 March 30, 2009
The future role of local governments in the next climate agreement can be viewed online. [more]

Talking back to climate change sceptics
 March 20, 2009
The Climate Leadership Initiative recently released answers to thirteen of the most common challenges and objections that have been posed to the climate change community over recent months.  [more]

Member News
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Upcoming Events
EVS 24 - Towards Zero Emissions
 April 14, 2009
The 24th Battery, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Symposium & Exhibition hosts a special event for municipal governments and impressive keynotes.  [more]
ICLEI World Congress
ICLEI World Congress, 14 to 18 June 2009
 February 12, 2009
Register now! Join mayors, local governments, and colleagues, as more than 800 delegates worldwide come together in Edmonton, Canada. [more]

Local Renewables Freiburg 2009 27-29 April, City of Freiburg, Germany
 February 04, 2009
Sustainable energy in the urban environment is the focus of this exciting event, starting a multi-year series [more]

Publications and Resources
Local Action for Biodiversity - News
 January 01, 1970
After three successful years, Local Action for Biodiversity will enter a new phase involving more cities in this ambitious and timely program. Read the latest newsletter about upcoming events, news from the cities and information on how to join. [more]

Feature
City Climate Catalogue to influence international climate negotiations
 March 20, 2009
All communities with C02 reduction targets are invited to share their climate protection targets in the new Copenhagen World Climate Catalogue of City Commitments to Combat Climate Change. [more]
Local Government Climate Roadmap
 February 27, 2009
Leading Local Government associations worldwide embark on a two year strategy 'From Bali (COP 13) to Poznan (COP14) to Copenhagen (COP 15)' [more]

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