EU Cities and Regions at COP28: Flash report 1-3 December

Welcome to the first edition of the COP Chronicles, bringing you the latest news on COP28 from Dubai

The first three days of COP28 marked an important step for the European Committee of the Regions' (CoR) delegation to Dubai, where delegates participated in the World Climate Action Summit and the first-ever Local Climate Action Summit (LCAS). Additionally, CoR delegates participated in important side events and meetings during the Health, Relief, Recovery and Peace Day, where they highlighted the role of local and regional authorities in transforming climate finance and fast-tracking the energy transition, while emphasising the importance of strengthening resilience at the local level.

World Climate Action Summit (WCAS). On 1 December, for the first time ever, a delegation of 12 mayors participated in the opening of the WCAS. The opening was led by Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahayan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and was attended by heads of State and the heads of UN and related organisations. ENVE chair and Mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski (PL/EPP), was part of this delegation of mayors, following an invitation from COP28 President-Designate Sultan Al Jaber and UN Special Envoy Michael R. Bloomberg. This solidified the significant role of subnational governments in shaping global climate discussions. Watch the recording here!

Local Climate Action Summit (LCAS). The COP28 Local Climate Action Summit on 1 and 2 December was the first summit hosted by a COP where leaders from cities and regions took centre stage in the official programme. First Vice-President Apostolos Tzitzikostas (EL/EPP) and ENVE Chair Rafał Trzaskowski represented the CoR at the LCAS, participating in the opening of the summit and its breakout sessions. Discussions were centred on climate finance, enhancing resilience and adaptation at the local level, strengthening global action, and advancing the energy transition. The 1st Vice-President had the opportunity to exchange with President Emmanuel Macron and President of the European Council Charles Michel on the sidelines of the summit. Watch the LCAS opening here!

During LCAS, the COP28 Presidency launched the 'Coalition for High Ambition Multi-Level Partnerships' (CHAMP). The CHAMP initiative recommends national governments to include local and regional leaders in the shaping of upcoming Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). 64 national governments have already endorsed CHAMP. While internal processes held back the European Commission's endorsement, Executive Vice-President Šefčovič released an official statement backing the initiative. Notably, 11 EU Member States have already endorsed it (Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, and Portugal).

European Leaders meeting with Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič. Mayors from the EU convened at the CoR office for a meeting convened by ICLEI, where they discussed COP28 priorities with EVP Maroš Šefčovič. EU mayors, in turn, elaborated on how local and regional authorities can support a successful outcome of the negotiations, as well as implement ambitious climate action measures in Europe. ENVE Chair Rafał Trzaskowski also had the chance to meet with EVP Maroš Šefčovič on the sidelines of LCAS. They discussed further cooperation between the EU Commission and the CoR on the European Green Deal, particularly focusing on its implementation on the ground and preparations for the new EU mandate.

18th Global Forum on Human Settlements (GFHS 2023): Green, Fair and Smart Urban Transformation: Synergistically Accelerating 1.5°C Goal and SDGs. The GFHS 2023 explored strategies that can leverage the opportunities stemming from carbon neutrality and the digital economy. 1st Vice-President Apostolos Tzitzikostas had the honour of deliver the opening remarks. Within the forum, Alison Gilliland (IE/PES), Dublin City Councillor and CoR COP28 co-rapporteur, and Ricardo Rio (PT/EPP), Mayor of Braga, participated in a High-level dialogue entitled Shape the Future of Energy for Carbon-Neutral Cities, drawing attention to the measures put in place in Dublin and Braga to promote efficiency and circularity in the use of resources.

High-level roundtable on driving subnational leadership to strengthen global climate action. The Under2 Coalition hosted a high-level roundtable that brought together key subnational leaders along with the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions to enhance subnational leadership in global climate action. 1st Vice-President Apostolos Tzitzikostas represented the CoR in the discussion to explore: (i) how to best include and integrate subnational governments' contributions in the next round of NDCs due by COP30; and (ii) the opportunities that the Global Stocktake presents for cities and regions.

Mayors Innovation Studio. More than 150 mayors from across six continents, including ENVE Chair Rafał Trzaskowski, met with globally renowned experts to exchange knowledge and views on enhancing youth engagement to advance cities' mitigation action. On the sidelines, the ENVE Chair had the opportunity to engage in discussions with the UN Special Envoy, Michael R. Bloomberg. They discussed the significance of the first edition of the LCAs, with the ENVE Chair expressing gratitude for Mr Bloomberg's commitment to ensure the active participation of cities and regions at the negotiation table.

High Level Segment (HLS) for the Heads of State and Government. The COP28 Presidency confirmed its commitment to adopting an inclusive approach in the negotiations and opened the high-level segments, where Heads of State announce their national pledges, to representatives of the Local Government and Municipal Authority Constituency (LGMA). Representing the CoR and the LGMA in the discussion was 1st Vice-President Apostolos Tzitzikostas.

LCAS panel on Breathe Cities: Leading Action for Clean Air. Organised by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Clean Air Fund and C40, this panel discussion gathered cities that have joined the Breathe Cities initiative, an initiative that aims to reduce air pollution, which is harmful to both public health and the climate. ENVE Chair Rafał Trzaskowski joined representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Clean Air Fund and other mayors, such as Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, to call for more action in tackling urban air pollution. The ENVE Chair showcased the CoR's work on Air Quality and measures being undertaken by Warsaw and other EU cities.

Global Covenant of Mayors Board (GCoM) meeting. ENVE Chair Rafał Trzaskowski joined other GCoM Board members, UN-Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif, and the European Commission to take stock of the COP28 negotiations and gain a deeper insight into the workings of the largest alliance for city climate leadership. Additionally, the meeting provided participants with the opportunity to further discuss regional updates and future perspective for GCoM. Participants welcomed Oleksandr Senkevych, Mayor of Mykolaiv (Ukraine) as new member of the GCoM Board.

The Storyteller's Roundtable. Alison Gilliland, joined political leaders and creatives in the UN Goals House to explore lessons learned and success stories regarding climate action. The discussion included a brainstorming moment to gather ideas for the future of climate storytelling.

Take a visual journey with our COP28 photo gallery!

Background information:

• COP28 web portal
• CoR delegation to COP28 and political messages
• LGMA position paper for COP28
• Updated Map of Best Practices
• Green Deal Going Local

Contact:

ENVE secretariat