ICLEI and the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) have renewed their cooperation by singing a new Action Plan. Cheryl Jones Fur, Deputy Lord Mayor of Växjö (Sweden) and member of ICLEI's European Regional Executive Committee, and CoR's President Karl-Heinz Lambertz signed a document yesterday that builds on past cooperation and envisages future joint actions that enhance the role of cities and regions in areas such as reversing global warming and the better implementation of environmental laws.

The Action Plan will enhance cooperation to further promote shared goals and objectives in sustainable development, climate action, the energy transition at the local and regional levels, the green economy and resource efficiency and biological diversity. The Action Plan will reinforce synergies between the parties so they can further contribute to the implementation of a number of key international processes, notably the Paris Climate Agreement and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets from the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

Cheryl Jones Fur said: “Recently published international reports on climate change and biodiversity are clear. Governments must step up action now to transform our societies into inclusive and sustainable places to live. The Action Plan signed today between the EU Committee of the Regions and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability will support local and regional actions that contribute to the implementation of key international processes, notably the Paris Climate Agreement and the UN Convention on Biodiversity.”

During the signing, President Lambertz remarked, “Renewing our cooperation is another clear sign that when it comes to tackling climate change and protecting our biodiversity, local and regional governments across the world are taking action, showing ambition and ready to cooperate. Together, with ICLEI, we will strengthen ties, share knowledge and champion the work of cities and regions in pursuit of a sustainable future.”