South Asian Cities Advance Climate Action and Finance in Kathmandu: GCoM SA

All India Institute of Local Self-Government (AIILSG), Networking and Governance Coordinator of GCoM South Asia, organised the Global Covenant of Mayors South Asia Regional Workshop Advancing Climate Action and Enabling Access to Climate Finance at The Soaltee, Kathmandu, Nepal, from December 5-7, 2023.

The primary objective of this three-day workshop was to provide signatory GCoM cities with hands-on training to use essential tools and insights to access climate finance opportunities effectively and connect them with EU businesses providing technical solutions. The event witnessed robust participation, drawing Mayors and city representatives from 25 Asian cities, along with business representatives from European countries.

Shri Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal, graced the inaugural session. His endorsement of GCoM South Asia for Nepalese cities underscored the initiative’s potential in empowering cities to combat climate change effectively. Ashok Kumar Byanju, Mayor of Dhulikhel in Nepal spoke about the importance of the support of global community in making cities resilient against climate action. Tomasz Gawlik, representing the European Commission, delivered the opening address, emphasising the critical role of local-level implementation for genuine transformation. Pier Roberto Remitti, Co-managing Director of GCoM Global, provided valuable insights into GCoM’s extensive work in South Asia and worldwide. GCoM, operating in 146 countries, has garnered commitments from 1073 cities globally for enhanced ambition programs. Also present were dignitaries such as Veronique Lorenzo, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Nepal and Eline Houwer, European Delegation to India.

The workshop also focused on city presentations, where various cities shared their climate change challenges and corresponding action plans. As many as 11 EU business representatives presented the technological solutions available with them. A key highlight of the event was the Business Matchmaking sessions on the concluding day. European business representatives, armed with innovative climate solutions, engaged with cities to explore collaborations where their expertise could make a significant impact on ground. These sessions were aimed at empowering cities to efficiently develop and implement sustainable climate solutions in their respective regions.