ICLEI Europe

Building on the milestones like the Aalborg Commitments (2004) introducing local targets, the Basque Declaration (2016) promoting systemic change, and the Mannheim Message (2020) calling for Local Green Deals, the Aalborg Conditions lay out the framework needed to implement this sustainable transformation! "We need a common voice because many of the challenges we face are the same as in other cities. We have to act in the short-term but make a better framework for long-term planning and the Aalborg Conditions speak to that," notes Lasse Frimand Jensen, Mayor of Aalborg and Vice President of ICLEI Europe. Wolfgang Teubner Regional Director, ICLEI Europe adds, "The Aalborg Conditions mark a pivotal moment in Europe's sustainable cities movement, reflecting 30 years of progress. In order to implement their advanced transformative action plans, cities need the right framework conditions. By advancing Shared Governance, Integrated Finance, and a Cohesive Transition, we ask for a way forward that empowers local governments to lead the democratic transformation towards a climate-neutral, equitable, and resilient Europe." Sustainable Cities and Towns #Aalborg2024

When things go well, we say they’ve gone "smoothly" – so why encourage friction? And how might it benefit cities and #ClimateAction? In #Madrid 🇪🇸, senior representatives from industry, cities, the national government, the EU, climate practitioners, and academics were urged to embrace friction. The call, delivered by #Spain’s Secretary of State for #Science, #Innovation, and #Universities, Juan Cruz Cigudosa, underscored how innovative climate action relies on ideas from diverse disciplines and stakeholder collaboration to generate new solutions. Cities are the place where all policy and measures come together, making them ideal for respectful friction. The concept itself was tested in Madrid at a dialogue between cities and industries under the #EUCitiesMission, organised by colleagues from ICLEI Europe, Climate-KIC, and the World Business Council, supported by the European Commission. Well done to all involved and look out here for more on upcoming national dialogues!

How did cities and regions shape the climate agenda at COP29? Wrapping up COP29 Azerbaijan, we showcase the contributions of local and regional governments in driving the global climate agenda over two weeks in Baku. Explore highlights from the Multilevel Action & Urbanization Pavilion, key moments from negotiation spaces and plenary sessions, and the outcomes of this year’s summit. Join us as we build momentum toward #COP30 in Belém. 📹 Watch our recap video from the Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) Constituency ⬇️ #ICLEI #LGMA

📧 Check your inboxes because the November Edition of the ICLEI Europe Newsletter is out! 🐝 Our Feature this month dives into the outcomes of #COP16 and the successes for #biodiversity despite current global challenges, emphasising the need for a globally aligned action plan that accounts for differences in local environmental, political, and economic contexts. 🎧 Prefer to listen? Head over to our Podcast page to listen to our "Features" series. You'll also learn how ICLEI leadership advocated for multilevel collaboration at #COP29, register for the last Member Webinar of the season: Just Cities, relive highlights from the #SCEWC and much more! Read on https://lnkd.in/eQ6kcsH3 And don't forget to subscribe to the ICLEI Newsletter for all of the latest updates, resources, and opportunities ICLEI Europe has to offer! https://lnkd.in/dShd2J3

🤩 Congratulations to #ICLEIMembers Município de Guimarães and Águeda 🇵🇹 ! Guimarães has been recognised as the #EUGreenCapital 2026 for their efforts in integrating sustainability across all aspects of the community; and Águeda has received the #EUGreenLeaf Award alongside Vassa 🇫🇮! Well done to all cities!

Only a few more weeks until the ESG Summit at European Sustainability Week! 💡 The ESG Summit will convene leading experts and thought leaders from across Germany and Europe in environmental, social and #governance issues, offering an inspiring and content-rich platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices. #ICLEIMembers - mark your calendars 👉 📅 11 December 2024 at the Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel & Spa Petersberg 🇩🇪 Check out the agenda and get your ticket here: https://lnkd.in/g6DyE6FR #ESGSummit #EuropeanSustainabilityWeek EUPD Research ESG

Join us for the final #ICLEIMember Webinar series of 2024 - "Just Cities : Climate adaptation and justice through stakeholder participation"! 🙋♂️🙋♀️ In this engaging webinar, we'll share practical tips for local governments on designing and implementing participatory citizen and stakeholder engagement processes. The session will also explore ways to integrate justice elements into climate adaptation actions at the city level. Dive into insights from "The Power of Many: How City Officials Can Use Co-Creation for Just and Sustainable Cities", discussing how to make the #EUGreenDeal more local by fostering inclusive and just participatory processes. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e5hCrNXy 📅 12 December ⌚ 11:00-12:00 CEST If you are in #ICLEIMember, register here 👉 https://lnkd.in/e-tnKnkR #CommunityEngagement #JustCities #StakeholderEngagement #FairLocalGreenDeals UrbanCommunity for Sustainable and Just Cities

🌟 If you've ever found yourself wondering if there's a connection between the night sky and sustainability management, the latest episode of "Local Voices for Sustainability" is sure to shed some light on this idea! 💡 This month, we sit down with Maria Elena SEEMANN from #ICLEIMember Alba Iulia (Romania) and Niklas S. Mischkowski, Head of Governance Innovation at ICLEI Europe, to discuss Alba Iulia's changing approach to managing its sustainability efforts, as well as its involvement in the #IntelligentCitiesChallenge. #Governance #Innovation #SustainabilityManagement #LocalGreenDeals

🌍🚲 Today, we celebrate World Sustainable Transport Day! A day to recognise the transformative power of sustainable mobility in shaping safer, greener, and more connected communities. 🚶♀️🚌🚴♂️ At #ICLEI Europe, we are proud to support cities and regions across the continent in adopting innovative mobility solutions that reduce emissions, improve air quality, and prioritise people’s mobility needs. From promoting cycling infrastructure to advancing public transportation and smart urban planning, our network demonstrates that sustainable mobility is key to achieving climate neutrality and fostering vibrant, liveable urban spaces. Let’s keep moving forward—together! 💚 #SustainableMobility #SustainableTransport

🌱ICLEI Europe’s #Biodiversity & Nature-based Solutions team joins the #NatureRestorationRegulation expert group! Over 60% of EU policies are implemented on the local level. We are excited to represent our members in #Brussels as we help create tools for achieving restoration targets & mainstreaming #naturebasedsolutions. Meetings will begin in early 2025, and one of the first topics will be the proposal by the Commission to draft a uniform format for National Restoration Plans. ICLEI’s Biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions Team plays a core role in the consultation process and guidance development for the EC’s Urban Nature Plan initiative, and will support #ICLEIMembers Mannheim (Germany) and Paris (France) in testing the guidance as part of UNPplus EU.