More recognition of the role local and regional authorities can play and the creation of smart, sustainable economies were the messages delivered at the 6th Sustainable Cities and Towns Conference.

The more than 1,500 participants at Dunkerque 2010, accepted two political declarations that aim to shape the role of local governments in years to come. The Dunkerque 2010 Local Sustainability Declaration states that we must make the transition to a sustainable, green and inclusive economy, as current models are resource and energy intensive and cannot stand up to a changing economic climate. The Dunkerque 2010 Call on Climate Action, insists that local governments send strong messages to national and international governments so the disappointment of COP15 and the Copenhagen Accord are not repeated.

Gino Van Begin, ICLEI’s Regional Director for Europe said, “We can and must aspire to create a system of governance that integrates local and regional governments more actively, that gives these local and regional governments the chance to influence and be more coherently included in EU policies and resources.”

Pour lire le Déclaration du Developpment durable local de Dunkerque 2010, en francais.

Pour lire le Déclaration Dunkerque 2010 sur le climat, en francais.