The Hague, December 6, 2017 – Mayors from 50 cities around the world gathered in Chicago for a North America Climate Summit between 4-6 December 2017. They signed an unprecedented international declaration – the Chicago Climate Charter – that commits tens of millions of people to achieving the carbon emissions reductions targets set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
At the same time, more than 130 mayors are also raising their voice in support of the 2016 UN Global Compact on Migration. They are also reaching out to the UN High Commissioner for refugees (UNHCR) to strengthen partnerships with cities. Cities are on the frontline of receiving, resettling and assisting immigrants and refugees and are therefore advocating for a seat at the table to be able to influence and support (inter)national policy that is most acutely felt at the local level.
These commitments on climate action and support for migrants and refugees highlights how mayors, business and civil society are coming together to deliver on global commitments. As nations retreat from their commitments, local governments are demanding a seat at the table to deliver on some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
More than ever, the world’s cities need a platform that amplifies the voices of mayors and empowers them to speak as a unified front. The Global Parliament of Mayors is working with its membership and growing network of cities and their leaders to channel their collective action on the global stage, while delivering practical solutions