March 7, 2024 | UCLG ASPAC, the Secretariat of The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) Southeast Asia, recently hosted a webinar titled “City-Led Climate Solutions: Insights from COP28 and CAPs Showcase” on March 7, 2024, attracting 129 participants from Southeast Asia and beyond. The event commenced with opening remarks from Ms. Alexandra Lehmann of the European Union (EU), highlighting the shared climate ambitions between the European Union and Southeast Asian countries and cities.
Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Secretary-General of UCLG ASPAC and GCoM SEA Secretariat underscored the importance of UCLG ASPAC’s role in climate actions and shared key outcomes of COP28, including the Local Climate Action Summit and advocacy on Loss and Damage. Additionally, representatives from 16 pilot cities presented their completed Climate Action Plans (CAPs), expressing gratitude for the guidance and technical assistance provided by GCoM.
A panel session moderated by Mr. Pablo Gandara featured Mayor Abigail Binay, YBhg. Datuk Noorliza Awang Alip, and Mr. Piero Remitti. Mayor Abigail highlighted the significance of local governments in climate discourse and commended initiatives like the Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP). Datuk Noorliza emphasised multistakeholder engagement, particularly involving youth, in advocating for climate actions. Piero emphasised the importance of engagement with national governments and highlighted that COP is just the beginning of the climate action process.
The second-panel session, moderated by Ms. Jacqueline Chang, focused on technical partners’ insights into supporting pilot cities in developing CAPs. Prof. Rizaldi Boer, Prof. Chin Siong Ho, Ms. Mewadee Seresathiansub, and Dr. Nguyen Sy Linh shared key advice on responding to GHG emissions, creating awareness among citizens, mainstreaming city development, and capacity building for city officers.
In conclusion, the webinar highlighted the bold climate action at the local level, the launch of 16 CAPs under the GCoM Asia Project, and the importance of multistakeholder engagement. Participants were encouraged to maintain cooperation and coordination with the GCoM SEA Secretariat to further accelerate climate action efforts in the region.
