On 7 March 2024, UCLG ASPAC hosted a webinar titled “City-Led Climate Solutions: Insights from COP28 and CAPs Showcase”. This webinar attracted 129 participants from Southeast Asia and beyond.
Opening Session & CAP Launch
Ms. Alexandra Lehmann of the European Union gave her introductory remarks, underlining the shared climate ambitions between the EU, Southeast Asian countries, and cities. “The work of the GCoM Asia Project for the last three years demonstrates clearly that the European Union, the countries, and the cities in Southeast Asia share similar climate ambitions.”
Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Secretary-General of UCLG ASPAC/GCoM SEA Secretariat, underscored the organisation’s commitment to climate actions and shared key outcomes from COP28, including the Local Climate Action Summit, multilevel actions, and advocacy on Loss and Damage.
The event also featured presentations from 16 pilot cities showcasing their completed Climate Action Plans (CAPs). The Regent Mayor of North Minahasa expressed gratitude for the guidance and technical assistance provided by GCoM Asia Project and GCoM SEA Secretariat in developing CAPs.
Local Governments at COP28
The first panel session was moderated by Pablo Gandara (GCoM Asia Team Leader), inviting 3 great speakers: Mayor Abigail Binay (Mayor of Makati / GCoM Board Member for Southeast Asia), YBhg. Datuk Noorliza Awang Alip (Mayor of Kota Kinabalu 2021-2023), and Mr. Piero Remitti (Co-Director, GCoM Global Secretariat).
At COP28, Mayor Abigail played a significant role, not only representing the City of Makati but the rest of the local governments. She commended the COP28 initiative in forming the Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP), recognising the crucial role of local governments in climate discourse. “Let us carry forward the inspiration, knowledge, and collective commitment we’ve fostered here, propelling us toward a future where our cities are resilient, our communities are thriving, and our planet is flourishing.”
Datuk Noorliza participated in COP28 virtually, delegating 2 representatives from Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK). She emphasised the importance of multistakeholder engagement in advocating for climate action. “At the heart of our sustainability initiatives lies our youth, who constitute a significant portion of our workforce and serve as catalysts for innovation and progress.” For instance, engaging with the youth chapter of Sabah’s Real Estate Association.
Piero, representing the GCoM Global Secretariat, highlighted that while GCoM SEA cities are moving in the right direction, there is still ample room for improvement, such as in the area of national government engagement, which was emphasised at COP28. In the case of the Philippines, this can be facilitated through CHAMP. Additionally, he underscored that COP marks just the conclusion of the process; the real work happens throughout the year.
City-Level Climate Action Plan
Ms. Jacqueline Chang, the GCoM Malaysia Country Coordinator moderated the second panel discussion. She facilitated a dynamic discussion amongsr technical partners who have provided support to pilot cities in their respective countries to develop CAPs. Present on the panel were Prof. Rizaldi Boer from IPB University, Indonesia; Prof. Chin Siong Ho from University Teknologi Malaysia; Ms. Mewadee Seresathiansub from Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation (TGO); and Dr. Nguyen Sy Linh from the Institute of Strategy, Policy on Natural Resources and Environment (ISPONRE) Vietnam.
In addition to responding to measures for GHG emissions, the panellists’ invaluable advice during the session included mainstreaming city development and urban planning, creating awareness of gaps with citizens through accessible language, ensuring that key findings and data are thoroughly documented, and enhancing the capacity of city officers.
Closing
The webinar concluded with reflections on bold discussions around climate action at the local levels and the launch of 16 CAPs under the GCoM Asia Project. It was underlined that multistakeholder engagement should involve youth and business sectors, and that cities and development partners are recognised for their participation. The achievements in Southeast Asia highlight the dedication of cities to climate action, and underscore the importance of continued cooperation with the GCoM SEA Secretariat.
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Written and reviewed by: Rona Ikram Putri
