Local Governments at COP 29

CEMR and PLATFORMA at COP29: Advocating for Local and Regional Government Involvement

As COP29 unfolds in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and PLATFORMA have taken a significant stand to amplify the voices of local and regional governments (LRGs). Building on years of commitment to sustainable urban development and climate action, these organizations are once again underlining the indispensable role LRGs play in addressing climate change and achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Local and regional governments have sent more than 100+ political leaders and mobilized more than 500 delegates to advance city and regional climate goals at COP29. The delegation of the LGMA Constituency will be one of the largest at COP29. Delegates will participate in more than 170 events across the negotiations space, plenary sessions, Pavilions and Green Zone.

On Monday 18 November 15-16:30 local time CEMR and PLATFORMA will gather local leaders for a political meeting where they will think about the most urgent steps following September’s Summit of the Future.

On Tuesday 19 CEMR spokesperson on climate Marianne Overton and Young Elected Official Committee member Clifford Galea will take the floor during an official side event co-organised with PLATFORMA, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and the SDG Academy on “Combating climate change across generations: reinforcing global to local policy action for education”.

On Wednesday 20 Clifford Galea will take part in the Roundtable on Nature, Health and Agriculture in Cities, while Marianne Overton will attend the roundtable on Financing Urban Climate Action.

Why Local and Regional Governments Matter

LRGs are at the forefront of climate action, managing approximately 68% of public investments related to climate and energy. Their unique positioning allows them to efficiently respond to local needs, implement innovative climate strategies, and foster community resilience. Despite this, CEMR and PLATFORMA note that these governments often remain excluded from critical international climate discussions and decision-making processes.

CEMR and PLATFORMA stress the importance of multi-level governance that integrates LRGs into global frameworks. Their participation at COP29 aims to shift the perception of LRGs from mere implementers to strategic partners capable of co-designing and executing climate and sustainability policies.

Key Messages for COP29

Enhanced Multi-Level Governance: Effective climate action requires structured dialogue, diplomacy, and accountability mechanisms involving LRGs. Without their inclusion, policies risk being disconnected from the realities on the ground.
Resource Allocation and Support: CEMR and PLATFORMA advocate for an enabling fiscal framework that recognizes the diversity of LRGs and supports tailored solutions for decarbonization. This is vital to unlock the full potential of local governments in climate adaptation and mitigation.
Capacity Building and Cooperation: To foster impactful climate action, LRGs must have access to capacity-building programs, technology transfer, and collaborative opportunities. Platforms like the Covenant of Mayors and EU Development Education programs are essential for promoting vertical and horizontal partnerships.
SDG Localisation: The localisation of SDGs is integral to reaching climate objectives. With only 17% of SDGs on track globally, CEMR and PLATFORMA emphasize that local-level engagement and tailored public policies are critical for accelerating progress.

Looking Ahead

CEMR and PLATFORMA’s advocacy at COP29 aims to pave the way for more robust, inclusive, and effective climate policies that recognize LRGs as pivotal partners. Through strategic dialogue and collaboration, these bodies are committed to ensuring that local and regional perspectives are not just heard but actively integrated into climate and sustainable development strategies.

Are you in Baku and want to meet CEMR and PLATFORMA members?

Get in touch with Eva Banos de Guisaola