Network of Regional Governments
for Sustainable Development
for Sustainable Development
UNFCCC COP17/CMP7 took place from 28 November – 9 December 2011 in Durban, South Africa
In the second largest meeting of its kind, UNFCCC negotiations advanced, in a balanced fashion, the implementation of the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol, the Bali Action Plan, and the Cancun Agreements. The outcomes included a decision by Parties to adopt a universal legal agreement on climate change as soon as possible, and no later than 2015. The President of COP17/CMP7 Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said: "What we have achieved in Durban will play a central role in saving tomorrow, today." More information on the outcomes of UNFCCC COP17, click here.
The two weeks of UNFCCC COP17 were eventful for nrg4SD who actively participated in and monitored the negotiations, co-organised side events, held internal meetings with nrg4SD members and had bi-laterial discussions with ongoing or potential partners of nrg4SD as well as with the UNFCCC Secretariat. As from the first week nrg4SD actively took part in the negotiation process within the 'Local Governments and Municipal Authorities' constituency via which the network is accredited to UNFCCC Major Group', tabling amendments to official texts and delivering the statement on behalf of the constituency at the Closing Plenary Session of the Subsidiary Body for the Implementation of the Convention. Catalonia, in its capacity of Co-chair North of nrg4SD took part in the opening session “The Durban Local Government Convention: Adapting to a changing climate - Towards COP17/CMP7 and beyond”, an event organised by ICLEI as focal point of the Local Governments and Municipal Authorities Major Group.
With the arrival of nrg4SD delegates at the begining of the second week of negotiations, nrg4SD co-organised with the government of Wallonia a side event on 'Wallonia-Africa Fast Start Programme and 360° Tour of Climate Action by Subnational Governments', within the programme of side events of the European Union Pavilion. This event successfully showcased the pioneering initiative of Wallonia, which in partnership with African governments is contributing to the deployment on the ground of smart and innovative climate initiatives making use of the fast-start approach agreed by UNFCCC parties. The event also showcased the different angles for action and the thematic interconnection of territorial climate action at subnational level. The interesting debate that followed the presentations spoke of the inherent strengths of States and Regions to tackle climate change at territorial level and allowed for discussions on the key obstacles encountared by this level of government to further enhance its climate action. For more information and to download the presentations, click here >
nrg4SD collaborated with Equiterre and Bombardier on a side event discussing 'How can sustainable transportation reduce climate change impacts?', where nrg4SD Co-chairs North and South, Catalonia and São Paulo shared their experiences in this field.
nrg4SD's visibility at UNFCCC COP17 continued with its involvement in the launch of the UNFCCC new Momentum for Change Initiative, where the Mbale-Wales Tree Planting Project Partnership was selected amongs the first 9 flagship projects of this initiative and presented at the launch ceremony in the presence of UN Secretary General Ban-ki Mon and Lord Nicholas Stern as moderator. To view the webcast of this initiative, click here.
Later on the second week nrg4SD co-hosted a joint side event with the Climate Group TCG on 'Financing Climate Action at Subnational Level', with technical expertise from the French public bank CDC Climat. This event allowed leading Federated States and Regions and the private sector to demonstrate how domestic climate initiatives at subnational level are contributing to the common targets of UNFCCC. The event also allowed for discussions on what international financing mechanisms are needed in the future for this particular level of government. For more information and to download the presentaitons, click here >
The Province of Buenos Aires, member to nrg4SD, held the side event 'Strategies to tackle climate change - Buenos Aires province perspective', which featured among others an intervention from nrg4SD Co-chair North.
Media coverage of initiatives of nrg4SD members was ensured thanks to the successful collaboration one more year with the Outreach magazine from the Stakeholder Forum. Outreach is a multi-stakeholder publication on climate change and sustainable development produced by the reknowed organisatin the Stakeholder Forum for a Sustainable Future. It is one of the four officially recognised publications at UNFCCC. Acting as a conduit for the multifarious opinions of stakeholders, Outreach which is published on a daily basis at COP17, aims to empower stakeholders and provide space for debates and discourses on topics being negotiated at intergovernmental meetings. nrg4SD had the opportunity to support Outreach at COP17 thanks to the sponsorship from the Welsh Government.
The Africa edition featured the Wales-Mbale climate change tree planting project - Enhancing momentum - Wales and Mbale showcase climate change partnership at COP17' - by Jon Townley, Head of International Sustainable Development
The Rio+20 edition featured the article Legislating for a Sustainable Wales by the Wales for Africa Team, announcing plans for a pioneeering sustainable develpoment bill for Wales.
Last but not least during the second week, nrg4SD organised an internal meeting for members in order to continue preparing for the UN Conference Rio +20 next June and hosted an exhibit booth to showowcase the activities, projects, advocacy work and publications of the Network.
Information on nrg4SD at UNFCCC COP17/CMP7 in English is available here >
Information on nrg4SD at UNFCCC COP17/CMP7 in French is available here >
Information on nrg4SD at UNFCCC COP17/CMP7 in Spanish is available here >
Photos now available on Flickr >
nrg4SD Advocacy – Statements and Position papers
Statements were jointly prepared within the Major Group constituency for 'Local Governments and Municipal Authorities', LGMA, where nrg4SD sits
