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7 December 2015
Renewed commitment to accelerating local action: Africities 2015 Summit
Session: Strategies for the natural and material resource use and management
- Establishing platforms to promote active research – policy – practice links in decision making
- Active involvement of the private sector in environmental management
- Establishing robust policy environment that addresses historical and cultural issues to safeguard the environment
- Sharing of information and experiences among cities
- Vertical integration and multi-level governance in management of resources
1 December
Event: Handwashing event for African Mayors: Driving change through leadership
This was a signature event profiling the importance of handwashing and it was a humbling experience to have the local leaders and mayors participating actively in the event.
1 December
Session: New context of climate change and Africa’s Local Government preparation towards UNFCCC COP 21/CMP11 in Paris.
The session explored innovative ways in which local governments in Africa can promote the implementation of the climate resilience agenda. This drew from the scientific knowledge, projects and programmes currently being implemented in other local authorities across the continent.
Scheduled to take place shortly before the global UNFCCC COP 21/CMP 11 negotiations, the session provided a platform for local leaders and interested stakeholders to put forward their expectations for the climate summit. During the session, local leaders emphasised their commitment to scale up action, working closely with other regional and global players towards advancing to a climate resilient future. The session culminated in the Declaration of Africities 7 summit to COP 21. To access the declaration, please click here.
See more on the summit at: http://www.uclg.org/en/media/news/partnering-learning-and-sharing-africities-summit#sthash.oy1zSsHt.dpuf
The summit concluded with a high level political session on 3 December with a key note address from Her Excellency Dr Dhlamini Zuma who is the head of the African Union. In words reiterating the prevalent message throughout the summit and encouraging local action, Dr Zuma said, “Diversity and evolution are the key aspects for local governments. Empowerment means government capacity and resources. A pre-requisite for African mayors, that are fast learning, and not afraid of trial and error, mayors are doers and problems solvers, exploring solutions without being pragmatic, learning by sharing and finding similar solutions: learning from peers is key, nationally regionally and internationally.”
