UNITAR organized a session on “Decentralized cooperation – Capacity Building” through its Local Development Programme, in cooperation with CIFAL Findhorn, and the Climate Change Programme. Key capacity building issues with regard to climate change were discussed, including the City-Share methodology and participatory approaches of the National Adaptation Programme of Action.
As the need for joining efforts in the fight against climate change intensifies, the role of local actors will be crucial. Meaningful participation at the local level will however necessitate appropriate capacity and skills development initiatives, as well as knowledge management strategies. UNITAR therefore employs the local development approach in assisting national and local governments in their capacity development strategies and has recently started a Climate Change Initiative to provide climate change training activities targeting local authorities via its network of CIFAL (International Training Centers for Local Authorities). The Summit represents a significant milestone in a process of engagement by local governments in climate change leadership that began in the margins of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 13), in Bali, Indonesia. At COP 13, leading local government associations launched a two-year process - the Local Government Climate Roadmap - to advocate for a strong post-2012 climate deal and to emphasize the crucial role of cities and local governments in climate protection. Learn more about UNITAR’s Climate Change Programme Learn more about UNITAR’s Initiative on Climate Change Learn more about the outcomes of the summit
Statement of Carlos Lopes, Executive Director of UNITAR