Multi-level governance was one of the key themes to be discussed together with participative engagement and the creation of genuine “local energy communities” and networking practices at national levels. Ahead of the Rio+20 Summit, the event sought to showcase the benefits of local low energy and carbon strategies in terms of employment opportunities, improved quality of life and increased energy independence.

This joint event was organised in the context of the EUSEW 2012, and it aimed to shed light on some interesting European projects such as ENERGY FOR MAYORS and Covenant capaCITY projects, both co-funded by Intelligent Energy Europe (IEE). The multi-sided roles of sub-national governments and associations involved in the Covenant of Mayors initiative were the main focus of the session. The main message was that all local governments can engage in climate and energy policy – and that signing the Covenant of Mayors makes sense: “together we are stronger!”. The programme is available here.

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