Event Conference
Cities & COP26 Negotiations | City Diplomacy Series

The "City diplomacy series" is organized by the Geneva Cities Hub to explore how LRGs and their networks can enhance their involvement in global multilateral diplomacy. This special session on the UN Climate Change Conference was co-sponsored by the Geneva Environment Network.
About this Session
Cities are among the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change and have therefore have a key role in addressing this global challenge. Much depends on how they are planned, built and use energy to enable people to live, move and thrive. As a result, many cities, local and regional governments (LRGs) and their networks have mobilized to contribute positively to the objectives of the Paris Agreements.
During the crucial COP26 Climate Change Conference that just took place in Glasgow, LRGs were also very active to ensure that their role was being acknowledged in the fight against climate change.
The hybrid event provided an opportunity to discuss and analyze the engagement of LRGs in a multilateral conference such as COP26:
- Have the LRGs and their networks managed to influence the negotiations? If so, how ?
- How have LRGs interacted with States and other stakeholders?
- What’s in the final outcome (Glasgow Climate Pact) for LRGs ?
- What about the follow-up to COP26 and LRGs’ action in that regard?
- How can Geneva-based international actors support LRGs in implementing the COP26 outcome?
Speakers

Yunus ARIKAN
Director of Global Advocacy, ICLEI World Secretariat

H.E. Amb. Luis Alfonso DE ALBA
Former UNSG Special Envoy for the 2019 Climate Action Summit

Angus MILLAR
Councillor, Glasgow City Council

Agathe CAVICCHIOLI
Head of Advocacy, C40

Anh Thu DUONG (Moderator)
Co-Director, Geneva Cities Hub
Video
In addition to the live Webex and Facebook transmissions, the video is available on this webpage.
Summary
To be continued.
Yunus ARIKAN | Director of Global Advocacy, ICLEI World Secretariat
Luis Alfonso DE ALBA | Former UNSG Special Envoy for the 2019 Climate Action Summit
Angus MILLAR | Councillor, Glasgow City Council
Agathe CAVICCHIOLI | Head of Advocacy, C40
Open Discussion and Conclusion
When it comes to the fight against climate change, the City of Geneva has a unique advantage due to the diversity of institutions and political relationships hosted in the city. The city thrives on the connections among governments, international organizations and civil society. These kinds of connections for cities can be leveraged in Geneva.
— Luis Alfonso DE ALBA | Former UNSG Special Envoy for the 2019 Climate Action Summit
Documents
Links
- Geneva Cities Hub
- ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability
- C40 Cities
- Glasgow City Council
- Climate Change | UN-Habitat
- COP26: cities create over 70% of energy-related emissions. Here’s what must change | The Conversation | 16 November 2021
- Seven Ways Cities Can Take Climate Action | UNFCCC | 9 April 2021
- Urban Climate Action Is Crucial to Bend the Emissions Curve | UNFCCC | 5 October 2020
- Why Cities are the Solution to Global Climate Change | C40 | 2012
- Cities and Climate Change Initiative (CCCI)
- Climate Action from Glasgow to Geneva | UN Climate Change Conference COP26 | Geneva Environment Network