Network of Regional Governements
for Sustainable Development
for Sustainable Development
What and who we are? - What do we do? - How do we work? - What services for our members? - How to become a member of nrg4SD? - Some 2011 key dossiers
What and who we are?
What do we do?
nrg4SD is the only international network on sustainable development matters with worldwide presence and representing solely subnational governments. The Network promotes sustainable development at the level of subnational government around the Globe and acts as the voice and representative of subnational governments at global level in the field of sustainable development. More information on nrg4SD's Missions and Objectives >
How do we work?
Early since its creation, the Network has worked directly with and been accredited to several entities of the United Nations (UN), including the Environment Programme UNEP, the Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFCCC and the Convention on Biological Diversity CBD. Thanks to the presence of its permanent Secretariat in Brussels (Belgium), nrg4SD works directly witht he different institutions of the European Union (EU).
The Network consists of a series of working groups which enhance the ‘network approach’ of the organisation The activities carried out by each working group contribute to positioning the Network and its member governments in international initiatives, and to identifying project proposals for interregional cooperation. More information on How we work >
Partnerships
nrg4SD establishes partnerships with national and local governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the business sector and academia. More information on Partnerships >
A governance exercised directly by members
The General Assembly and Steering Committee of nrg4SD ensure that the governance of the Network is exercised directly by its members, who also elect the Chairs and Vice-Chairs. The Network has a Secretariat and a Treasury, which are coordinated by the Secretary General. More information on the Governance >
What services for our members?
Smart partnering and networking for common goals
Access to resources - Information and advice, capacity building, funding opportunities and partners
nrg4SD offers specialised and technical products in various sustainable development thematic areas that are adapted to the needs of subnational governments. This implies a wide coverage of interconnected topics that are essential to the delivery of both thematic and comprehensive sustainable development strategies. It also contributes to an integrated approach to sustainable development strategies. The 'network approach' favours project ideas and credible partnerships that can be eligible under international funding streams, which are often essential for their implementation.
Influencing future policy and funding - Being in the right place at the right time
nrg4SD’s advocacy work is oriented to the recognition of the vital contribution that subnational governments make to sustainable development goals. Thanks to its accreditation to several UN entities and its direct work with the EU and other global organisations and agencies, nrg4SD participates in international decision-making processes and contributes to the elaboration of responsible and ambitious policies, tools and resources with a territorial dimension. Helping to improve our members' grasp of the strategic context of their sustainable development work inspires new thinking not only at subnational level but also within international decision-making instances. This generates long-term opportunities for subnational governments.
The legitimacy and credibility of nrg4SD in international negotiating fora comes from its role as representative of subnational governments across the Globe. This worldwide constituency of common interests and goals makes nrg4SD a powerful political platform.
Profiling and learning - from the common struggle to the pioneering and the mutual learning
nrg4SD provides a high-profile international platform for committed and responsible subnational governments who both implement and are keen on improving ambitious and innovative actions for sustainable development. The access to grass-roots case studies demonstrating complementary solutions for similar challenges is the best evidence-based tool for nrg4SD advocacy work, and turns the common struggle and challenges of subnational governments into mutual learning.
More information on nrg4SD's Services to its members >
How to become member of nrg4SD?
All subnational governments and associations of subnational governments who accept the nrg4SD Founding Declaration of Gauteng and the payment of an annual fee (determined by population and GDP of each member) can apply for membership to nrg4SD. More information on How to become a member >
Some key 2011 dossiers
Capacity building around thematic policy making & Lobby and advocacy work towards the recognition of subnational governments
Climate change
Biodiversity
Work with UN CBD towards the establishment of the Advisory Committee of Subnational Governments for Biodiversity – assistance on the elaboration of subnational strategic action plans for biodiversity; pilot projects for decentralised cooperation on biodiversity matters; TEEB (the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity) and index for biodiversity at subnational level (adaptation of the CBI-Singapore Index).
Water Resources and Sanitation
Preparation of the territorial dimension of the World Water Forum Marseille 2012.
Sustainable Development
Profiling and international projection - 10 years of nrg4SD!
Project work
Within nrg4SD working groups, identification and exchange of project proposals for interregional cooperation – South-North and also South-South. More information on Key annual dossiers >
Download nrg4SD Brochure >
