CLGF has signed a Statement of Action with ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability at the ICLEI World Congress held in Malmö in May. With a common commitment to sustainable development, the two organisations are looking at more opportunities for collaboration.

Success in Pacific

This builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between ICLEI and CLGF in October 2019 and recognises the successful collaboration on policy engagement and joint projects to date, particularly in the Pacific region. It also acknowledges the spirit of the Malmö Commitment for People-Centred Development.

The Pacific is one region where both organisations have a strong presence and similar constituencies. One such opportunity, If approved by the German Government under its International Climate Initiative Medium Grants program, ICLEI, CLGF and Kiribati Local Government Association, will be the Blue-Green Development in Kiribati: Sustainable community-based development for climate and pandemic resilience project.

Platform for joint advocacy

CLGF Secretary-General Ms Lucy Slack said: “As well as jointly identifying resources for further cooperation, in the field of advocacy, this agreement will be used as a platform for joint advocacy for sustainable urban development and achievement of the SDGs. We will collaborate within the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments, as well as bilaterally to engage in the annual reviews of SDGs and the New Urban Agenda.”

Strengthening small island state partnerships

Ms Karibaiti Taoaba, CLGF’s Regional Manager for the Pacific said: “We look forward to increased networking, with particular focus on strengthening partnerships between small island states, this collaboration is an ideal opportunity to upscale the work in Kiribati and across the other small island nations.”

Ms Slack had been invited to speak at the Forum in Malmo from 11 to 13 May 2022, designed to facilitate exchange between delegates and inspire on the best practices in local sustainable development. She explained how cities and communities can be part of the solution to encourage sustainable approaches, innovation, adaptability and participation.

Increased collaboration

Referencing the Call to Action on Sustainable Development, championed by CLGF and other Commonwealth partners, she emphasised the need for increased collaboration and partnership – between different spheres of government and the professions and sectors at the heart of the issue. Most crucially, the Call asks national governments to prioritise the issue of rapid urbanisation and sustainable development to create future cities that work for everyone.

Read more about the Malmo Commitment.