Thousands of mayors and regional leaders from across the globe have issued a united call for national governments to strengthen partnerships with cities and regions to close the gap on global climate goals. The appeal came as a delegation of local representatives presented the joint outcome statement of the COP30 Local Leaders Forum, convened by Bloomberg Philanthropies in Rio de Janeiro, to UN Secretary-General António Guterres during COP30 World Leaders Summit in Belém.
Representing thousands of mayors and regional leaders worldwide, Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, C40 Cities’ Vice Chair and Global Ambassador for the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM); Katrin Jammeh, Mayor of Malmö and ICLEI’s president; and both Igor Normando, Mayor of Belém, and Helder Barbalho, Governor of Pará, host city and state of COP30, led the handover, symbolising the unity and determination of local governments in advancing global climate action.
UN-Habitat’s Executive Director, Anacláudia Rossbach, and the President of the Regional Council of Nouakchott, Mauritania, Fatimatou Abdel Malick, also attended the meeting, reinforcing the shared commitment to empowering cities and regions as key actors in achieving global climate goals.
The delegation also presented the statement to Dan Ioschpe, COP30 High-Level Champion, in recognition of his crucial role in connecting national and local leadership at COP30. Also present at both meetings were Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities, and Andy Deacon, Co-Managing Director of GCoM, underscoring the strong support for cities and regions on the road to Belém and beyond.
Endorsed by more than 14,000 cities, towns, and regions, the document outlines a shared message from local leaders: achieving the Paris Agreement goals will only be possible through robust multi-level collaboration and improved access to finance for local climate action.
Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions and founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies, said: “Cities, states, and regions are proving that the steps we take to build a safer future also improve people’s lives today, in so many measurable ways. With this declaration, local leaders are sending a clear message to the heads of state gathering in Belem: Treat us as full partners in the fight against climate change, and we’ll help accelerate the progress needed to win it. The more nations heed that message, the faster the world can move in reducing emissions, building resiliency, and strengthening economies.”
Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, GCoM’s Global Ambassador and C40 Cities’ Vice Chair, said: “This moment is a turning point for our planet and our people. From Rio to Belém, local leaders are showing that hope is not a promise: it’s a plan. In every city, we are proving that climate action begins where people live, work, and dream. I want to thank Secretary-General António Guterres for his unwavering support for multilevel cooperation and for recognising the essential role of cities in this global effort. As we move toward COP30 and beyond, we must all work together – local, national, and international partners toward one shared goal: a just, resilient, and sustainable future for all.”
Local and regional authorities pledged to make life “more affordable and more resilient” by expanding renewable energy, accelerating energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and protecting ecosystems and water systems. They highlighted that local climate action already improves lives – from cleaner air and safer streets to greener, more inclusive jobs.
In their message to national governments, local leaders outlined strategic commitments designed to accelerate global progress during what they call “the decisive decade” for climate action.
1. Partnering to deliver national climate goals
Cities and regions committed to supporting countries in implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). The statement cites analysis suggesting that collaboration with subnational governments could significantly reduce the global emissions gap needed to achieve the Paris Agreement goals.
2. Mobilising climate finance for local projects
The Local Leaders Forum spotlighted the urgent need to unlock climate finance at the local level, citing a pipeline of over 2,500 bankable projects ready for investment in mitigation and adaptation. Local leaders face barriers accessing capital, and urged that part of the $1.3 trillion per year envisioned in the Baku-to-Belém Roadmap be directed to local governments – particularly in the Global South – to ensure a just, inclusive, and equitable transition.
3. Making COP a process of implementation and accountability
Finally, the statement calls for a more action-oriented COP process grounded in transparency, measurable outcomes, and shared responsibility. Local governments want future COPs to prioritise multi-level collaboration and integrate subnational achievements into the UN climate architecture. They also propose creating incentives for countries to exchange knowledge and best practices with cities and regions – turning pledges into sustained progress.
Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities, said: “As COP30 begins here in Belém, the handover of this statement to the UN Secretary-General sends a powerful message that cities are ready to act. The momentum that started in Rio shows that mayors and governors are already delivering the just, inclusive transition the world needs and are committing to taking action every year. But they cannot do it alone. If we truly want to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, global leaders must now match local ambition with global investment, especially for cities in the Global South, where solutions are ready to scale.”
Andy Deacon, Co-Managing Director of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM), said: “This handover marks a defining moment as COP30 opens in Belém. From Rio to this global stage, local leaders have come together to show what unity, determination, and practical action look like. The Global Covenant of Mayors is proud to stand alongside them – amplifying their progress, connecting them with partners, and turning their commitments into implementation. A global call to accelerate multilevel climate action, together.”
Addressing world leaders ahead of COP30, the statement concludes with a bold commitment: “To the world leaders gathering in Belém: you can count on us. Local leaders are ready to join you in a true global mutirão – working side by side to turn ambition into action and promises into progress.”
