The Global Covenant of Mayors in the Americas Shines at OpenHouse 2024
February 28, 2024, Brussels (Belgium) – The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) in the Americas made a significant impact at the 2024 GCoM OpenHouse, held in Brussels. This annual event, organized by the GCoM Global Secretariat, is a gathering of all Global Covenant, of all regions across the world, in which Regional Secretariats and partners foster an exchange of strategies, perspectives, and coordination of efforts in local climate action.
Representing the GCoM in the Americas were Hélinah Cardoso, Regional Director; Elise Àbbes, Governance Expert; and Belén Jiménez, Technical Advisor, who showcased remarkable achievements and outcomes of the Global Covenant of Mayors in the Americas in 2023.
The event concluded with an engaging roundtable, during which attendees provided suggestions and comments for the GCoM Americas workplan for 2024. This session underscored the collective commitment of all GCoM regions to advance the fight against climate change and the strength of the GCoM alliance to promote climate action via its partnership with leading institutions.
General Achievements of the GCoM in the Americas:
The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy in the Americas has witnessed substantial growth and success in its climate action commitment in recent years.
Across the Americas, 944 cities have actively committed to the alliance, impacting a combined population of 315 million inhabitants. Additionally, there was an 11% increase in the number of cities joining the GCoM in the Americas in 2023, showcasing the continuous momentum of Canadian cities in the local climate action movement.
This commitment has been bolstered by national and regional programs that supported over 200 cities in 2023 with support to develop Climate Action Plans and bankable projects. Significant efforts have been dedicated to enhancing cities’ technical capacities in planning and implementing climate actions, with a focus on developing Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs) and financing climate projects. Collaboration with over 20 partner institutions throughout the Americas region has further strengthened these endeavors.
GCoM Canada’s Achievements
In Canada, the Global Covenant of Mayors in the Americas is making significant strides through a Cohort initiative, funded by the European Union, which involves 15 municipalities, implemented in collaboration with ICLEI Canada. This initiative is designed to support the implementation of ambitious climate projects while addressing key challenges to bridge the gap between planning and execution. Led by GCoM Regional Ambassador for North America, Mayor Cam Guthrie (city of Guelph, ON), the Cohort aims to empower municipal staff in executing local climate action plans, with a focus on securing funding, enhancing interdepartmental collaboration, and establishing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. By delivering tailored products and fostering collaboration, we are driving tangible progress towards a more sustainable future across Canada.
About the GCoM:
The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy is the largest alliance of cities and local governments committed to climate action and the transition to a more sustainable future, supported in the Americas by the European Union.
Through active collaboration among cities, institutions, and communities, we are forging a more sustainable and resilient future for all, continuing our tireless efforts to promote climate action, strengthen local governance, and protect our environment for present and future generations. Together, we are propelling change towards a more sustainable world.
