Young Municipal Leaders Gathering

Young municipal leaders - Councillors, Mayors, or leaders active in youth groups or political parties involved  in local politics - met and discussed the creation of a global network for young municipal leaders, facilitated by ICLEI.


This initial gathering during the World Congress in Edmonton explored the interest of Young Municipal Leaders and started to design the common activities. The intention of the initiative is to work with the next generation of leaders in sustainability. 

Outcomes

Represented by Melbourne Councillor Cathy Oke and  Edmonton Councillor Don Iveson, the following proposal was brought forth - and unanimously approved - in the ICLEI Council Decision-making Session.

We have come together here in Edmonton during the 2009 World Congress of ICLEI to explore the interest of Young Municipal Leaders and develop means to empower Young Leaders to make change in our cities that contributes to tangible improvements in global sustainability.

Whereas: As the next generation of leaders we are deeply concerned about global climate destabilization and the loss of biodiversity, which threaten the livability of our communities and our biosphere.

Whereas: we value opportunities for interaction with established leaders, not as mentorship but as partnership where both can learn from each other.

Whereas: we see an opportunity to not only empower young leaders within ICLEI, but also to empower other young people taking local leadership on sustainability within their communities.

Therefore we urge ICLEI to:

Create a Young Municipal Leaders Working Group, with full support of the Secretariat, to develop and implement an action plan in that may include, and is not limited to:

  • Developing a network of young leaders at the regional and global levels;
  • Developing a program for exchange opportunities, where young leaders could learn from other municipalities and link with other young leaders;
  • Make recommendations for increasing the voice of young leaders within ICLEI;
  • Developing a program for encouraging international involvement of Young Leaders at major sustainability events;
  • Consultation of Young Leaders on the development of ICLEI strategy and major projects.
  • Improving access to, and the presentation of ICLEI information about innovative projects and research, for the benefit of the broadest possible audience of young leaders.
  • Edmonton is the proud host of the 2009 ICLEI World Congress - a conference on advancing local environment initiatives.

 

 



Young Municipal Leaders in Sevilla 2007