The ICLEI World Congress focused on the themes of: green urban economy; sustainable city; resource-efficient city; biodiverse city; low-carbon city; resilient community and city; smart urban infrastructure; and healthy and happy community.
In a message to Rio+20, participants called on countries to recognize that this is the “century of cities" and highlighted the role of local governments in achieving sustainable development.
17 June 2012: The ICLEI World Congress concluded with a message to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20), calling on countries to recognize the role of local governments in driving sustainable development, and to take action to support them in fulfilling this role.
The ICLEI World Congress was organized by the ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, and took place from 14-17 June 2012, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The event focused on eight key themes: green urban economy; sustainable city; resource-efficient city; biodiverse city; low-carbon city; resilient community and city; smart urban infrastructure; and healthy and happy community. It brought together stakeholders to plan for a more sustainable and prosperous future for local governments and partners.
In the message to Rio+20, participants further called on countries to recognize that this is the “century of cities,” stating that the expansion of urban capacity over the next 40 years will be equivalent to that which has occurred over the last 4,000 years. Highlighting the role of local governments in achieving sustainable development, the Congress called on Rio+20 delegates to, inter alia: increase the representation and influence of governmental stakeholders in international development cooperation; and support the establishment of locally appropriate regulatory frameworks that will support the building of inclusive green urban economies. [Event Website] [Message from ICLEI World Congress to Rio+20]